Reason #53 not to get rid of your stroller: the perfect book hauler to/from the library. Robbe pushed it the entire way. I feel totally complete as a family of four (seriously, there’s no question about that), but they would be adorable big brothers, wouldn’t they?
I haven’t taken any photos the last few days. That makes blogging tough, you know? I did find a gem from last week when Chase walked with his coat like this for most of our afternoon stroll. I’m not sure why, but it must have made sense to him.
My plan for today was to wash windows. It's was a weirdly warm day in WI and I figured this was my last shot before the weather turns. Chris and the boys were off on an adventure so I had all day to complete the task.
About 10 minutes after they left, Biden was announced as the victor of the 2020 Presidential Election. Needless to say, starting on the windows was delayed a bit as I let the news sink in. I called my boys and told them. I called another one of my favorite people and shared the news with her. Several texts later, I turned to the news and listened as folks shared what the election meant to them. I cried. Like, ugly cried.
I know everyone isn't happy about this news. I remember how utterly devastated I felt four years ago (see here) and I'm sure that's how some folks are feeling today, but I truly believe we can bridge the gap and come together to find common ground again.
As I [finally] turned to my windows, I realized it was a very fitting activity for today. Everything looks brighter now.
Wondering what drop-off looks like these days? Here it is. Don’t worry. I put my mask on once we get out of the car.
I don’t love how early it gets dark these days (4:45ish), but watching some beautiful sunsets over the last week has made it *almost* worth it.
We’ve been busy watching election coverage as the results trickle in. I’m trying to stay optimistic through some pretty unsettling indicators. I really don’t understand how this race is so close. I’m happy to live in a place that values free speech and democracy but this is a tough one for me. Fingers crossed that the map will look a bit better in the morning.
Not to be braggy, but I feel like we really rocked our Zelda costumes this year. It was a total team effort to pull this off. Three weeks of crafting, several trips to consignment stores, one [very] talented grandma’s assistance, and two super excited little boys about seeing their parents dress up. I am not committing to family costumes on a yearly basis but it was totally the right call to make up for some of the downers of the past seven months.
Check out all the costume inspiration below…
**Chase requested the blue tunic top for his costume with the red pants bottom.
When Covid takes away trick or treating what can you do to make up for it? Super elaborate family costume, obviously. I’ll do a breakdown of the costumes and characters tomorrow but for now just enjoy this group photo.
Our day was really lovely. I hope you’re was, too. Happy Halloween!
It’s been fun learning more about the government and elections with Chase over the past few weeks. We’ve got our electoral map ready to color in on Tuesday/Wednesday. Hopefully some results will be ready to be recorded by then, at least. We’ve got the 2020 swing states outlined in green (in case you’re wondering what that signifies). And the one that’s already colored in is the 2016 results. I’m hoping this year’s map looks *a bit* different.
If you haven’t already, please (PLEASE) make sure your vote is counted. If you end up quarantined on Election Day, there are still options for voting so reach out to me and I can get you the info.
Some days, my co-worker and I don’t get along very well. Some days, like today, it’s all sunshine and bunny-rabbits. Today was a really good day. Today was a day that made me think that Covid isn’t all bad. In what world would I have two days per week alone with my 8.5 year old?
Sometimes we just need a reminder that it’s not all bad, you know? Can you help me with that every now and then? Thanks in advance.
One of Robbe’s friends celebrated her birthday over the weekend and we got to be a part of it Covid-style. A sweet sign, lots of honking, and two happy 1st graders. There was also snow. Obviously.
This is where we’ve been hanging out these days. Where else can we go, after all? Lake Pulaski is our home away from home most weekends and we couldn’t be more grateful to have a break from the monotony of Covid life.
I’ve never carved pumpkins in such a cozy environment. The fire was blazing, the boys we’re active participants (not always the case in years past), and it was an all around lovely way to spend part of our afternoon.
The boys really nailed the traditional jack o’lantern face, didn’t they?
Losing tooth #2 was a tough one. Robbe has been working on this tooth for weeks but we finally got it to break loose. It was a big day.
We did it. We voted. Now make sure you do, too. Ok? Pretty please!
So this happened today. The boys were giddy. I was less enthusiastic.
As far as first snows go, this one was actually pretty great. A decent amount, warm temps (as warm as you’re going to get with snow, at least), and it was even packing snow (think snowballs, snow man, etc). We finished the night off with some hot cocoa. Winter is pretty great…just not quite yet.
The boys are 4-H officers this year! They’re sharing the position of Sergeant at Arms so they’re responsible for leading the pledges at every meeting—even virtually. The pressure is on.
We’ve never put out a yard sign before. Somehow, this year it feels necessary. Robbe declared that he has seen more Biden signs than Trump. That’s got to mean something.
Two thousand days of blog posts. Two thousand. That’s crazy, right?
With everything going on right now, I thought adding a “feeling thankful for” category was appropriate for this round of team updates. The world is so full of stress and uncertainties right now, it’s nice to be reminded about all there is to be thankful for. And we’re very aware of how privileged we are to be as comfortable as we are.
FAVORITES: The sound of leaves crunching, reading (I've been impressing myself during Covid!), eating so many apples, making buttons, enveloping myself in all things politics right now, playing the role of teacher, dreaming up Halloween costume ideas
FEELING THANKFUL FOR: Two kids who enjoy each other's company and make this crazy existence as easy and enjoyable as possible for all of us.
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE: A trip to Chris's hometown. I miss my in-laws.
FAVORITES: Planning a Halloween escape room, showing off his mad video game skills to the boys, feeling handy around the house, thinking of where we’ll travel when this is all over
FEELING THANKFUL FOR: The luxury of a stable job
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE: Being able to leave the house without all the stress (remember when we could do that?!?)
AGE: 8.5
FAVORITES: Playing Legos, reading fantasy books (Wings of Fire are the current favorite), practicing typing, video-gaming (Zelda is the current favorite), playing Zelda outside (IRL), watching movies/tv shows (really anything on a screen), expressing his opinion, saying “bro”
FEELING THANKFUL FOR: Having a lake house (thanks, grandma and grandpa!)
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE: Being back in school full time. He misses his friends.
AGE: 6.5
FAVORITES: Playing just about anything with Chase, wearing masks (kids are so resilient), free-choice time at school, video-gaming, learning to read (he's doing SO well), drinking tea, talking (and talking and talking), making people laugh, eating sloppy joes (thanks, school lunch program)
FEELING THANKFUL FOR: Being alive. (no joke, that’s what he said)
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE: Playdates with friends. Why is everything so difficult right now?
At least someone is happy to be back inside with the cold weather looming.
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