Back to School, Corona Style

Going back to school in 2020 - nearly 6 months since the last time they were in school - means choosing between either 

1. online learning (no Corona exposure, but no in-person interaction with teachers or classmates)
   or
2. in-person school (lots of outbreak potential, but easier for the kiddos to be engaged and easier on me). 

There is no across-the-board right answer for everyone, but after I fasted and prayed about it, there definitely seemed to be one for us. We would go back, in person, and my children would have the chance to have someone else, other than their parents, love and teach them. 

Even now, I still kind of wonder if they'll get sick and everything will get locked down again. I can't see the future. But I'm sure that in person learning was the right choice for us, for now.

A few days before school started, we found out that both Calista and Craig have the same teacher as last year. This was wonderful news, especially for Craig. His teacher is wonderful and has learned how to work with his silliness, while also sometimes firmly telling him to stop. I love her. The same teachers also means that maybe, just maybe, if things have opened up more by spring, the kiddos might get to do the U School and City Hall School they were supposed to do last spring.

With going back to school comes masks - required for the bus and in class for grade 4 (Calista) and up. 

But they're pretty good about wearing them without too much complaint.

First day of school, grade 4

Calista can't wait to see her friends again, although she's worried about who will be there and if anyone will get sick. 

She's hoping she gets to play the boomwhackers in music this year, maybe even at the Christmas concert (...if they have one...).

First day of school, grade 2

Craig wanted spiky hair and loved it. 

He said he looked like a porcupine. 

He's excited for grade 2, but not looking forward to not having recess with Calista (because of staggered recess due to Covid). 

First day of school, preschool

Caleb was excited to go, barely even saying goodbye as he rushed into the building. 

"I see my teachers!," they took his temperature, and away he went. He knows I'll come back for him.

I am so grateful for all of their dedicated teachers. They make it easy for my kids to want to go to school, and really do care and want what is best for my kiddos. Teachers are amazing. 

Summer 2020

It's come to an end, which is both good and a little sad. But, at least we had a lot of fun this summer!

I made a list of things we wanted to do. Many of them (Cypress Hills PP, Writing-On-Stone PP, Dinosaur PP, Dinosaur Museum, Banff NP, Jasper NP) we did on our grand Tour of Alberta. Some of them were a special trip, like the Botanic Gardens and the zoo. 

But the rest of our list was just little ways to enjoy summer, every day. 

Outside things,

Like playing with sidewalk chalk,

Getting completely soaked

(More than once),

Climb trees,

Camp in the backyard, 

And just playing and having fun, like kids should. 

There were some more indoors things on our list, 

like reading 100 books.

But we also did things like make a non-Newtonian fluid, 

Bake together,

And play Lego.

We did some back-to-school prep that wasn't on our "fun" list but we still enjoyed, 

like haircuts, 

dentist appointments, 

and mask practice.

There was a lot of just general silliness,

like fashionista moments,

yardwork,

and attempts at headstands.

And, of course, there were lots of trips to parks.

Both close to home, 

And a bit further afield. 

I love being able to spend time with my kiddos each summer.

I know that these are memories I can't make up later.

These little people are the most important thing going on in my life, 

and I'm grateful for them and summer break.

Though... I'm exhausted by the end of summer, and ready for a break from them.

Looks like I'm not the only one.