Virtual Learning Update

Three weeks in the virtual learning and I couldn’t be prouder of the three children. Other than a good push in the mornings, they are handling most of this themselves. I am working crazy busy intense days starting at eight each morning. David stays home with them to make sure that gets started and then sometimes comes back for their lunch. Otherwise, they get through their day, doing their work, generally not fighting, eating when they need to, and being quite helpful.

I don’t know that they know I’m proud of them. I want them to know I’m proud of them but I don’t want them to take it easy with school. Mind you, I haven’t logged in and checked each persons grades yet. But they are handling this adjustment well. Clair really misses other kids. Max and Ellie are happy with the few friends in the neighborhood and being able to play with them each day.

Fall rec sports have started

Although school is virtual, we made the choice to let each child play a wreck sport this fall. It’s more important than ever that they get some time socializing with other kids. 

Ellie is playing softball and actually started Rec softball this summer after I decided to end the travel stuff during Covid. It’s been going quite well. In fact, yesterday evening she had her first ball out to the warning track in the outfield. She and I were both very proud of her.

Max is playing 11 U rec soccer. We moved from travel to rec this year hoping it was a better fit for his level of interest. He seems to be enjoying it! I have not seen any practices because David has been taking him, but he told me tonight he scored seven goals during practice. He seems really happy with it.

Claire started it you soccer tonight. She really had mixed opinions about it. This week she told me she didn’t like soccer and she didn’t want to play. But I told her it was too late and she was going. She decided to approach this evening with an open mind. I’m so proud of her for that because she really had a good time. She ran hard, she played great, she was a good teammate who wanted to high-five everyone (despite covid and the new rules her mamma forgot to tell her about), she learned two girls names, and she scored a couple goals! I managed a few pictures from tonight since I don’t coach soccer. 

And score!!!

Dancing in the puddles

Tonight we had big summer storms. Ellie and I came home after softball practice and running some errands and there were puddles on the floor of the driveway. She went inside put on my rain boots and came out side to dance in the puddle. She was adorable they’re in her softball uniform - black top and white pants with red socks - and her double French braid pigtails dancing and performing in the puddle with a smile on her face. I wish I could’ve taken a picture but I didn’t have my phone. I can only hope to remember that forever. I love to watch the kids enjoy the simple things in life.

Summer pool fun

Ellie took this picture. I love it. 

Cousin swim! 

First toe dips!

Summer 2020

This summer we had Michaele here again to hang out with the kids so that David and I could work full-time. The summer was low-key in that the kids really stayed around the house and enjoyed hanging out. They love being with Michaela.

The big highlight for the summer was finally getting our pool installed. It wasn’t usable until the end of July but we surely made the most of it during August. It is still not done. It has also been the highlight of our summer and we’ve swim didn’t most days.

During the last month each child has definitely learned to appreciate the pool and groan and the capabilities. Clair is currently trying to teach herself to dive. She has definitely focused on good swimming. Max started the summer with an excellent style stroke and continues to prove he is a very strong swimmer. Ellie is an amazing diver and looks like a mermaid in the pool. They are all enjoying it and I am glad we have invested in it. Even David is enjoying strengthening his swimming skills. It’s good exercise for all of us. It’s also fantastic family time!

First day of virtual learning

Today was the first day of virtual school 2020-2021.  We approached with good attitudes and everyone completed day 1 with just a few hiccups. Technology behaved and the children were amazing. 

I think they were excited by starting the day with the treatiest of treats - Monkey Bread! Max and Ellie say it was the best part of their day. Clair said it was the fact that school started!

First day goals are pretty consistent between this year and last:

I had the pleasure of sitting in on some of each class. This was something nice to experience. Their teachers were amazing and really tried hard. 

Clair told me she didn’t want to be seen with me on screen because it was embarrassing. Lol. She loves me and I know this. She is 7 and the only one who was worried about me being seen. Too funny!

Ellie has the most work. She was working until 330. She definitely needs help with time management. 

Max rushes through it all; nothing has changed. He cared most about when he could go play. He even tried to institute his own recess time. We tried once but he failed to return on time. 

Clair wrote an essay when the teacher asked for a sentence. That’s my girl. She’s more then ready. 

All enjoyed a relaxing evening before turning in for a structured bedtime and trying to find some norm in all this crazy! 

Clair’s essay:

Remote learning

It’s starting. Monday. In two days. We are usually excited about school starting around here. But this year, this year is different. Covid. 

Most adults are dreading school starting.  Kids have mixed opinions. But my clair bear is still hopeful. She just loves learning and had such a wonderful experience in preschool and kindergarten that she is hopeful. 

My only wish is not to lose the hope and sparkle and energy she has for learning!