Sharing our life - all our adventures and bumpy rides. Family of four with two young boys - moved back home to allow them the similar experiences and opportunities we had living in North Carolina. Come explore with us!
Hmmm... maybe we should power wash the whole driveway.....
We had a really nice family weekend for Brent's Birthday. Bike rides, driveway chalk, outdoor games and sprinklers filled some of our time!
Moose even did some sprinkler investigations!
And then there was the brisket! I picked up a whole brisket at Costco, but I don't think we've been cooking it quite to its potential. Our neighbor offered to cook it for us, showing Brent the way for future meals. IT. WAS. AMAZING. Hands down, best brisket I've ever had!! It's an alllll day thing to make it taste this good.
Forty-SEVEN looks good on you! ;)
Lastly, a quick video of Moose working on our Taco piñata for Cinco de Mayo!
Typically both boys are fighting over who plays First Mate and gets to sit beside Brent - this year the new cool spot to be is at the bow of the boat. Fine by me - I get my seat back!
This particular day, we thought we were going boating at Jordan Lake. As we neared the entrance to the Boat Ramp, it became obvious MANY more people had that same thought (thank you Covid-19) - it's at least 1/2 mile road from the actual ramp to the main road and that's how long the line was.... nope, we turned around and headed an hour north to Kerr Lake.
The only problem with this plan, we didn't pack enough food for the long day we were going to have now (Bojangles only lasts for a few hours!). Good thing there's a fabulous convenience store (and Papa John's) fully accessible by boat along the lake!!
After pizza lunch on the boat (that was a first!), we meandered through many floating logs to find our fishing spot! Brent put up the awning for a little shade and set out the poles!
The boys need a little more practice being quiet for fishing... but they were very excited for worm duty!
I let Brent take over on this one and took my five minutes of relaxation.
Peaceful day....
Yup, still playing with the fish!
Okay, let's do some casting lessons - as the fish were not in a biting mood.
We returned home for some yummy s'mores for dessert!
I love the hand on the hip - whomever does he get that from!???! ;)
Easter 2020 was a very different and strange holiday. We tried to make it entertaining with some new activities!
Don't touch the lava!
The weekend involved lots of brotherly bonding time!
So happy we took the time to clean the porch and patio the weekend before! The TV returned to its wall after the pollen storm ended.
And Brent returned to his post at the grill!!
The Easter bunny came!!
This year the Easter Bunny wanted to support small businesses; so asked Science Safari to help put baskets together for the occasion. We gave them a budget and things our boys like to do and they picked out the goodies! (Brock had his 6th Birthday party at Science Safari)
Sunday morning church service was a little different.... I was torn - I missed getting all dressed up in our Easter outfits, but really liked the comfort of making pancakes in our pajamas!
We did an Egg hunt the day before as we were expected to have a rainy Easter. Alas, no pictures, but the boys enjoyed looking for 80 eggs in the backyard - one of which a special Golden Egg just like Aunt Beverly always hid for us.
Our Easter Sunday art activity was dyeing the eggs! Two dozen eggs! Cooked perfectly, I may add - all yellow yolks!
Looking back on our April, Easter weekend especially, and we definitely spent more intentional time together as a family. We read Bible stories every night that week - explaining why Easter is so special. Brock got a little sad one night, realizing we didn't do some of the things we usually do (i.e. big egg hunts) and that bummed Brent and me out. Just keep trying to make things fun (and safe and relaxed) that we do at home! That's the goal!
Hello 2020 - you've been awesome so far. Mid-March the world stopped (so it felt) and we all were sent home. Brock's last day of First grade would be March 13th - he's still doing virtual learning with his teacher for the remainder of the "school year", but it is NOT the same.
I followed, officially working from home full-time about 2 weeks later. Kade is still going to preschool at Goddard. Their decision to remain open for essential workers has been a godsend! Construction = essential. Nevertheless, emotionally it's been an adjustment for all of us.
All those workbooks/crafts/board games I've hoarded away have finally been put to good use!
All packaged nicely and color coordinated from my tweenage self!
Lots of games and toys the boys haven't played with in quite awhile are having new life!
The biggest update for Brock has been NO training wheels! Within a matter of two months, he moved from one training wheel, to none, then to an upgraded 20" 6-speed bike!
Original 16" Batman Bike
What a difference! First video is from March 26th and second picture/video combo is from May 7!!!
We finished putting together Brock's new desk and bookshelf just in time for his homeschool lessons!
A great place to show off his trophy collection and favorite Lego sets!
An excerpt of Brock's spelling words one week. Perhaps I'm biased, but pretty neat handwriting for a leftie!!
Kade has been busy at school too! Here he is tracing the parts of a plant.
Drawing a picture of his house, complete with a water slide, says his teacher.
And concentrating hard on science experiments!
We've had a bit of excitement in our home as well.... like the time this bird and his friends would not leave the window alone!
We tried to take care of him on our own, but Moose sooo badly wanted to help... and help he did! Needless to say, the bird did not return after that.
Sweet puppy - only wants to love us.... and our shoes!
There's been a bit of screen time.... we've watched the entire Star Wars saga..... along with Mario and Puppy Dog Pals and the new Disney movie Onward..... and played a few video games.
We've all had our outside time too, of course!
Thank goodness for warmer weather and grilling out!
We are trying to continue our exercise - inside and out! (I still do my 10AM walk every day with my co-worker Lori - albeit via the phone).
Brent and I are staying up to date with current events.
And last thing to report - I've been researching for awhile, but decided to pull the trigger when I saw the amazing deals and interest rates being offered! I upgraded to a Limited 4Runner! Moose fully appreciates the back window!
