Mini motorcycle and a bike
Jake got the mini motorcycle running and three of the Shecklets took it cruising. Shecklet #1 decided to stick to his bike.
Tag: outside
Week 1 of e-learning – done
We survived our first week of e-learning. The Shecklets eased in to things – technology, managing time to complete choice board assignments, corresponding with teachers via video chat, email, and messaging – and seemed to enjoy what they were doing. I think they all agree they miss “real” school, but they are doing their best to make the most of a unique situation.
I’m really proud of how they have handled the last three weeks at home. They have hardly left the house but have taken advantage of the few nice days we’ve had to bike, rollerblade, scooter, and use the driveway as their canvas for chalk drawings. (Last night’s downpours cleared things off, so they’ll have clean concrete once the temps warm up again.
This introvert is starting to feel the effects of being “forced” to stay at home. It’s one thing to choose to stay home but know that you could go out, see people, run errands, etc. if you wanted to. It’s an entirely different feeling to know you should not do those things and therefore are staying home. I’m not sure it’s something I will get used to.
Before the rain 🌧
The Shecklets got a little fresh air before the rain set in. We’ve been cooped up inside for days. Or is it weeks? The days are all blending together lately. 😂
Playing solo in the snow
This kid. This independent, carefree, confident, and loving kid.
She is currently playing in the snow by herself (because her siblings didn’t want to go outside) and she is having no problem entertaining herself. Maybe it’s personality or maybe it’s the practice she had during the two years when her other three siblings were off at school. I don’t know what it is, but she’s great at it.
I love to just sit and watch her play, to listen to the stories she tells as she “teaches” or plays with her dolls. Her imagination is beautiful. I’m so thankful that I am her mom.
Ren Fest 2019 and a train ride
Today’s trip to the Renaissance Festival was a first for three of us. We saw knives, royalty, and acrobatics, ate Scotch eggs, beef sticks and cheesecake, two Shecklets tried sword fighting, and the girls had face paint and henna done. We enjoyed spending the day with cousin Jess, who was a gracious guide.
Meanwhile, Shecklet #1 spend the day with Grandpa Dave. He started out at Grandma Lois’ house and had breakfast with her before Grandpa came to pick him up. They went on a train ride across the St. Croix, stopped by a candy shop in Stillwater and then headed back to Grandma Lois’ house to watch the Gophers beat Purdue! He spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, went to mass and then met Jake and Shecklet #2 at Aunt Kari’s new house. Jake worked on her getting her internet working while the boys helped with unpacking and putting things away. I’d say Shecklet #1 had a pretty packed weekend.
📷: Grandpa Dave
MN rollercoaster
Cold and rainy last week. Swimming in the neighbor’s pool tonight. MN weather = a roller coaster 🎢
Labor Day 2019
We spent a good portion of the day at the park with friends – frisbee, fun and food! This was the first loaded up grill – gotta feed the hungry frisbee players!
Last hurrah of summer
I took three of the Shecklets things Nissedalen today while Jake stayed home and worked on the truck with the help of Shecklet #2. Between spotting tubing kids and listening to giggles as they swung in hammocks, I did get to do a little reading – not much, but a little. This place is so relaxing. I’m grateful we got to spend so many Saturdays up here during our brief summer break from school and schedules.
Summer vestibular therapy
I took the Shecklets on a bike ride (a.k.a. vestibular therapy) on this beautiful summer Saturday. (Next time we will take Jake with us. He went to his parents’ cabin to help with cleaning up from last week’s storm.)
Cousins’ Day 2019 @ Nissedalen
We spent the day at Nissedalen with over 40 family members. The weather was fantastic, the food was tasty, and the memories we made were plentiful. I love that my kids get to experience the gift of having a large extended family. There’s always someone to talk to, play with, or laugh alongside. And to think – this is just a portion of the family!
One thing that I enjoyed watching (this year especially,) was the way that Jake’s younger cousins (who are now all adults) have taken an interest in showing my kids how to do certain things – helping them ski, how to safely use a gun at the shooting range, as well as taking the time to talk with them and ask about their interests.
Here are the rest of the photos from Cousins’ Day and the shooting range the day before.
Jake’s cousin, Jess, let the guys ride up north with her on Friday AM. I followed the next day with the girls.