Out of quarantine, mostly

I’ve been so terrible about keeping this blog up since having a 3rd baby. The pandemic is far from over but we have eased back into regular life, for the most part. Quarantine was hard for us all but we survived and there were some bright spots. 

During quarantine I had my supper club girlfriends over to socially distance but the pond and talk and drink. This kept me somewhat connected. Neal working from home in the afternoon some days so that I could mow, sit in my car or run an errand truly did keep me sane. The time we got to spend as a family and the girls helpfulness was truly a gift because we normally are running from one activity to another. We all enjoyed being able to sleep in. Now there was also some fighting/arguing, feelings of hopelessness that it would never end, lots of missing friends and wondering when we would get back to any sort of schedule. 

School started back up in late August. The kids don’t get any of their regular events and they have to wear masks but they are oh so thrilled to be back in school. They have the best teachers and I think this will be a year to remember for teachers and friends...& because they are just so happy to be back in school. 

Reese and Ella are playing sports again. This has felt mostly normal aside from the fact that parents cannot go in and watch practices. Ella joined a club soccer team and we recently went on her 1st travel tournament. Reese played volleyball again this season and they won the championship. Hey both made the Mini Mounties basketball team and games just started this week. 

We are feeling thankful for this sense of normalcy. We still can not wait for church to open up at more capacity and for children’s programs to start back up. Cases seem to be on the rise, especially for kids in schools, last week. I am interested to see if any changes are made over the holidays but I’m hopeful that we don’t go back into full quarantine. I’m praying that we determine a way to end the pandemic and return to regular life.