Day 2025 | Early Christmas

For the second year in a row, we put up our Christmas tree early (the weekend before Thanksgiving). Last year, we justified it by saying that Thanksgiving was so late that we wanted to have it up for a full month. This year, with Covid sucking the joy out of pretty much everything, we just wanted to extend the holiday spirit a little longer.

And it worked. Christmas tree decorated while watching a Christmas movie and drinking hot cocoa. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Day 2024 | Just the Two of Us

Since the beginning of September, this guy and I have had two solo days together every week. Before this, we haven’t had any significant time alone together since he was 22 months old. Who would have thought solo time would come back around for us? Leave it to Covid.

It’s hard to say what the rest of the school year has in store, but for now I’ll try to focus on how lucky I am to have an eight year old who still looks up to me and can laugh at all my crazy.

Day 2023 | Invisible Bench

Chase and I discovered that we can bring our own invisible bench with us anywhere. He thinks it’s hysterical.

Day 2022 | The Calm Before...

Today was my last day of kid-free time…for who knows how long. Chase had his last day of in-person school today. Robbe continues on through Friday and then he’s home with us, too. Right now the school district is saying we’ll be back in-person on December 10, but I think that’s probably optimistic when we consider what’s happening in our community (and state) currently. I’m guessing we’ll be remote through New Year’s. But that’s just a guess.

For today, I ran a crazy amount of errands and checked as many things off my to-do list as possible. I tried to appreciate the silence: one thing that will be in short supply in the upcoming weeks. (Notice the pile of abandoned Pokemon cards in the photo above.)

It’s not going to be easy, but I don’t think it’ll be terrible either. We know how this goes. We’ve done this remote learning thing under much worse circumstances and we had fun along the way. Plus, I’m hoping there will be lots of extra time for festive crafts, Christmas baking, and holiday movies. #brightside

Day 2021 | Big Reader

Robbe finished all thirty of these books and was so incredibly proud of himself.

Day 2020 | Fall Piano Recital

Another Covid first—a virtual piano recital. The boys really challenged themselves with tricky pieces and pretty much nailed it. As sad as it is to not perform in person, it was fun to include some folks who wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise. It was nice to see the other students play as well and still feel connected to that community. We’re so thankful to have stumbled upon Ms. Abby—she has a gift for teaching, that’s for sure.

These are some photos and videos I took before the actual recital, so everyone can enjoy their pieces. If you can’t see the videos below, click here for Chase’s and click here for Robbe’s performance.

Waves in Sunlight

Black Cat Waltz

Day 2019 | Virtual Reading Group

This guy looked so handsome waiting for his reading group to start that I forced him to let me take a screenshot. They say they grow up too fast and you don’t really believe it until you see a photo like this.

Day 2018 | Stroller Walk

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?

Day 2017 | Kids are Weird

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.

Day 2016 | President Biden

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.

Day 2015 | Drop Off

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.

Day 2014 | Sunset

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.

Day 2013 | Election Day

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.

Day 2012 | Legends of Zelda Costumes

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…

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Chase as Link

**Chase requested the blue tunic top for his costume with the red pants bottom.

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Robbe as King Rhoam

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Chris as Revali + Me as Zelda

Day 2011 | Happy Halloween

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!

Day 2010 | Ready for Tuesday

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.

Day 2009 | My Co-Worker

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.

Day 2008 | Birthday Drive-By

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.

Day 2007 | Lake Pulaski

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.

Day 2006 | Pumpkin Carving

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?