First Day of School

 First Day of School!!!!

Due to the pandemic, we are doing comprehensive distance learning to start off the 2020-2021 school year, with hopes to return to school at some point. While this is not what any of us wanted, I truly believe it is the wisest choice and my goal is to help the kids make the best of it and learn and grow no matter what. This is not ideal. This is hard. BUT.. we can do hard things!

The first day may look different, but lots of things are the same. Including my first day of school puffed pancake for breakfast!!

The red plate comes out for this day... ALWAYS... even if some of us aren't as excited about it as I am..haha!! Love these two special humans!

We moved the desk from our downstairs office upstairs for Matthew to use for school. Last spring he just sat at the table, but we knew this time around he needed something more and a space just for him. Love my football lovin' FIFTH grader!!

Bodie had to get in on the "first day of school photos" action..haha!

I think she is the cutest!

Evelyn getting ready to start EIGHTH grade! Her room set up is perfect for this and she is excited to have her own space for school. 

It may look different, but the goal of having a great year is the same. Thankful for these two amazing students. I know they will shine!

Boise or Bust

 My sweet niece invited us to come to Boise to visit her at college over Labor Day weekend, especially since my sister (Abby's amazing momma) was going to come over too. 

We had to miss Abby's graduation AND her graduation party due to COVID, and I miss her terribly. But to be honest, it made me really nervous thinking about travelling to another state during the pandemic. But we decided to go for it and do our part to keep safe. The kids were SO excited to get out of town and see the Boise State campus (where Abby attends) and even more exited to see their aunt and cousin!

I say this often, but road tripping with these two is SO fun and SO easy! They are great travellers!

The trip to Boise was LONG.. the longest road trip I have ever done on my own. It was hot and dry and boring.. but we keep our spirits up the best we could. We were SO happy to make it to our hotel and the kids were in the pool as soon as possible..haha!

My two little fish!

I was so warm sitting poolside.. but I knew we were heading to dinner soon and didn't want to swim beforehand.

Reunited and it feels so good!! Missed this girl and her momma so much!

Fun dinner crew!

Late evening swim? Yes please!

We got up the next morning and met Michelle and Abby at Abby's dorm and did a walking tour of the beautiful campus. 

He got to see just a smidge of the imfamouse blue football field.. and was happy about that!

Across the river from campus is the Boise zoo.. and the giraffes are a real hoot. So fun!

Beautiful campus, beautiful city!

We swam in Michelle's swanky hotel pool. The kids LOVE swimming with Abby. 

After dinner we walked around town.

This ice cream was amazing!

"Freak Alley" is an eclectic art area of Boise that truly is an alleyway. It has AMAZING paintings and it was so fun to walk thru it!

Matthew got a new Boise State hat and wanted to sleep with it on.. silly boy!

We met Michelle and Abby for coffee Sunday morning to say our goodbyes before heading home.

It was a quick weekend trip but so worth it to be able to spend time with family. Thankful we took the risk and went to visit! Love them so much!

Quaran-Team

 

We have had lots of pool time this summer, especially with so many things being cancelled/shut down due to the pandemic. 

While we have enjoyed time just as a family in the pool, the kids have thoroughly enjoyed time with the Stenehjem kiddos. They are the main people in our "quaran-team" and to have them be able to come over and play has been a huge deal for our kids. 

The laughs and smiles from the pool with Ellie and Sam are here are so sweet. 

Thankful for this team!

Fun Find

 While going through our desk drawer this afternoon I found a Menchie's gift card! To our delight it still had money on it so we headed over for a super yummy afternoon treat!

Thankful for these two, and thankful for a very fun find!