Covid joins the family

So in March it seems like the world stopped.  Everything shut down because of Covid-19.  What we thought would be a two week stay at home order has turned into over a year of cancellations and being flexible and creative with our time.  We have been wearing masks outside the house.  It has been a weird and difficult year but there have also been some perks and blessings.  

Clara was so depressed that she didn't get to take her end of year exams.  Who is she Hermoine Granger? 

Cameron became Lauryn's piano teacher

we went for lots of bike rides.  On Fridays we would load the bikes into the  truck and find a new place to explore.  This is the wetlands park.  

We rode our bikes up and down the strip.  This was such a cool experience.  The strip was empty.  It was so beautiful without all the people dressed terribly and drunk.  I noticed for the first time the beautiful landscaping and the peaceful surroundings.  It was an awesome experience.  

We did a lot of virtual activities.  We had weekly scavenger hunts with the Bayles family.  

We spent tons of time walking and riding our bikes on the greenbelt.  We are usually so busy that we don't spend much time out here.  I found the greenbelt to be so peaceful and relaxing.  I still run on the greenbelt as much as I can now.  

There were a lot of home improving projects.  We painted the playroom. 

and organized bedrooms

We replaced all the upstairs baseboards and the trim around the windows and doors. 

when you are bored....you make things. 

It was less than a week after the world shut down that we were supposed to be leaving for Europe.  This was a very difficult time.  We were very sad and frustrated.  We did our best to pretend like we were in Europe but we can't wait to go at some point.  We thought we would be able to go by summer...then by the end of summer...then by Christmas....then by spring break....Here we are now over a year later hoping we can go for Christmas. 

Aunt Kristin sent a Europe package which was fun and super thoughtful of her. 

Instead of going to Europe there was a big snowstorm at Mt. Charleston so we went up there and played in the snow for Spring Break. 

We really missed seeing people so we started socially distancing at Pop with the Nebekers.  We actually measured out 6 feet and marked with chalk on the ground.  This became a weekly meeting that we have continued on with for over a year now.  Our group has grown and I am so happy about that.  

The kids still had to do school virtually so we all joined in with Cameron in his cross fit class.

school looked a lot different

While most people stocked up on toilet paper, paper towels and water we were super prepared with our stash of M&Ms and Skittles, starburst and microwave popcorn.

everyone was trying to stay connected with family.  This was a fun surprise we got in the mail from 

Scotty and Bethany's family. 

We engaged in lots of random crafting projects.  Mostly Lauryn with her paintings which I loved. 

We found this "little library" up by the cabin.  We are super excited to go visit this spot some more. 

we were able to spend a lot more time at the cabin because everything got cancelled.  We loved being able to get away from all the stress of being ordered to stay home and wear masks.  It motivated us to get the cabin finished sooner.  This year we put in solar and got all of the appliances.  

masks are now the norm around here.  We hate them. 

General conference fell into the first few weeks of quarantine.  It was all virtual.  It was so strange but also so comforting to hear from our Prophet and Apostles.  

Clara was going the most stir crazy and would go out with me whenever she could.  This picture was when we were ordered to wear masks but we didn't have any yet so we tied bandanas around our faces.  So crazy. 

One day the yard flooded.  This was super entertaining since nothing exciting was happening...ever...at all....

Its amazing how refreshing a rain storm can be.

The lines to get into stores were crazy long.  It was nuts.  I started ordering everything for pick up.  So much easier.  

There were a lot of drive bys for birthdays and missionary homecomings and goings.  We had to get really creative. 

Thankfully we were very careful as were some of our friends.  After two weeks we started playing a little bit.  Lots of movies and game nights.  

One of my favorite things about quarantine was we had tons of time to watch Disney movies 

And do lots of puzzles

I thought this was the funniest Mother's Day card that Clara made. 

We ordered and returned everything through the mail so we decided to do a thank you for all of our delivery drivers.  We would spy on them out the window.  It was so fun to watch them be surprised and then pick something out. 

church was also cancelled.  We started meeting through zoom with our families.  We loved this connection.  Even when we were at the cabin we could drive to a place where we had coverage and meet with our families.  This was a great time for connection.  

church in the car.

We loved these zoom meetings with family.  Riley could even join in from his mission.  This was one of the definite blessings of Covid...weekly connection with family. 

We were told the stay at home order would last for two weeks.  Well.....it went MUCH longer than that.  The girls would make coronapocalypse videos every day and we would post them to social media.  After two weeks they posted this creepy twin video.  It was hilarious.  

We thought Pine Valley might get cancelled too but we were super excited to be able to go.  It was nice to spend time with friends in the fresh air and to be able to do something that felt normal. 

Scotty had a Star Wars party while we were there. 

The grocery store shelves were empty.  It was so bizarre.  

I was so happy the day I found toilet paper.  We were doing OK but I knew I might need some extra in case the supply ran low.  

We socially distance visited friends.  Visiting Ella Salowski.

visiting the Coupes.

Pool weather.  

As you can see the girls got really good at zooming with their friends. 
 This guy turned 17 during the initial stay at home order.  Poor guy. 

Covid has been a challenge in many ways.  Virtual school is a disaster.  We miss traveling and going to the temple. There have also been many blessings.  We definitely spent more time as a family and it was nice to have life slow down.  Its what I always wanted as a mom. Time to slow down.  As I am planning our activities for this summer I have been overwhelmed at the schedule and the pace we will be keeping.  I am grateful that we had this last year to really connect and to focus.  The kids were able to do baptisms last week for the first time in over a year.  I am glad we all got to feel the void of temple attendance.  It will help me to appreciate it more for the rest of my life.