Lillian's First Day of Preschool

This little girl waited VERY patiently for preschool to start.  I didn't know what to anticipate with online learning--so I didn't start Preschool until one week after Eliana started Kindergarten.  For a 3-year-old, that is an ETERNITY!  But she made it!  Because of Kyron's energy and lack of boundaries, we are holding preschool during his nap.  So all morning long of Lillian's first day, she kept telling me all about preschool, "First we'll do a puzzle, then we'll play a game, then we'll make a craft, then we'll have a snack..." the list kept going on and on and on.  Finally, I piped up and asked, "Lillian, who is the preschool teacher?"  She sheepishly grinned and pointed to me.  Thankfully, when I asked if the teacher could plan preschool, she nodded in agreement.  ha!  During preschool, Lillian was on cloud nine and loved all the activities and the one-on-one attention.  But about 5 minutes after we were done with the first day, she started to cry about all the things we DIDN'T do.  I assured her that we have all year to fit in other fun things and that seemed to calm her worries.

Looking forward to a fun year of learning with this cutie!

First Day of School 2020

A few weeks before school there was a lot of discussion and debate as to how to approach the school year amidst COVID.  The final decision was all online.  My heart breaks for the situation of the world and for opportunities lost.  I've been grateful to see the resilience of the teachers and kids as we keep moving forward in hopes of a return to normalcy in the near future.

The day we drove back from Pennsylvania was a meet and greet with the teachers--COVID style.  Hylie's third grade teacher, Mrs. Kimmerly just had a baby (yet she still showed up for the parade!) and will be on maternity leave for the first six weeks.  Mrs. Green will be filling in for her until then.

 

Hylie has been doing VERY well with the online format.  She stays pretty engaged and doesn't complain.  I am sad at how little interaction the kids are able to have with one another--Hylie is usually called on for a comment one or two times a day, but there is no chance to really talk with friends.

A few days before Eliana started class, she was beyond thrilled to visit the school and meet her teacher "IN PERSON".  She got to spend about 20 minutes one-on-one with Mrs. Klimes and for this I was so thankful.  Eliana LOVES Mrs. Klimes--everyday when Eliana's getting ready she talks constantly about how she can't wait to see her teacher.

I admit, the first day of kindergarten was ROUGH!  Kids were not muting, so the screen kept jumping from student to student.  There were a ton of technical problems and Eliana was pretty burnt out before lunch.  My heart ached to see the teacher near tears by the end of the day.  I called my parents in tears as well, wondering if I should just homeschool--not because I didn't feel the teachers weren't doing a good job, but because of the lack of interaction and distraction of technical difficulties.  However, I am grateful to report things continue to improve SIGNIFICANTLY.  At first, Eliana just felt all participation was optional, but as her teacher and I continued to prompt and encourage her, she is now getting up and moving during movement breaks, she is better about not typing in the chat field during class, she gets out the correct supplies and is doing her work, and Eliana is a master at unmuting herself when she gets to make a comment.

We continue to pray for solutions to COVID-19 but we also pray with much thanks for the resources we have to continue with public education during this different time.

And the Winner is...

 The girls participated in a summer reading program with our local library.  Eliana was thrilled to be a winner of one of the drawings.  She was given a gift card to the Lego store.  She and Geoff scoped out the website together.  Geoff and I were sure she was going to get a "Captain America" set but when Eliana caught sight of a desk organizer, she was HOOKED!  She couldn't wait for it to arrive in the mail!

This kid followed the directions beautifully and absolutely loves her new little treasure.

Hylie and Braddock's Baptism

Hylie and Braddock were hopeful to have the opportunity to share their baptism day.  Because of the needed precautions during the pandemic, we submitted approval for our family to be together for this ordinance and were so grateful when we were granted permission.  Not only were we able to be with family in Pennsylvania, but other relatives could tune into the program and baptism via computer.  It was such a special, beautiful day.  Grandma Nelson and Grandma Hilton prepared some touching talks about baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The cousins all sang together with Tanner accompanying them on the piano while playing his own arrangement of "When I Am Baptized".  

Grandma Nelson surprised Hylie by making this lovely white dress for her special day.

Watching Geoff baptize Hylie was very sweet.  The most touching moment for me was when I watched Geoff and Hylie hug right after she was baptized while still in the font.

I'm so thankful for a Father in Heaven who ensures His children understand not only how to return to Him, but also how to become a better person through His love and help.  As I have watched Hylie learn and grow, I have been touched by her eagerness to understand and to apply what she knows.  Her smile never faded the day of her baptism and she shared with me that she felt so good to be baptized.  I pray that she will learn how the spirit speaks to her so she can recognize the blessings and guidance that comes from the Holy Ghost.  I know that happiness comes through God's Plan.  How I pray our children will experience and recognize this happiness as so many different views and paths swirl around them.

After the baptism, Dean and Andrea hosted a luncheon--we visited all afternoon and into the evening.  How I love being with family.

Kyron was fascinated with Chloe!

Trip to Brookfield Zoo

 On August 19th a friend from church asked if we would like to join them on a trip to the zoo--we were THRILLED to have this adventure!  The weather, company, and animals made for a wonderful time.

This season, the Brookfield Zoo had an animatronic dinosaur exhibit.  Every single time we approached a moving, roaring dinosaur Lillian would turn to me and ask, "That's not real, right?"

Roaring like a dinosaur

This kid was an absolute ANGEL the entire time.  He loved checking out all the animals and didn't fuss for a second!

Hylie's 8th Birthday

On August 17th this beautiful girl turned 8!

She was pretty excited to open presents at breakfast

 

It's smiles like these that melt my heart

Hylie was thrilled to have more nail polish and jewelry kits to explore and share

The Saturday before Hylie's birthday, we had a small "Zoom Party"

Hylie, her sisters, and three friends played games and made crafts together over the computer.

I admit, I was a little sad that the condition of the world was such that this is what was best, but everyone seemed to enjoy the time together.

Hylie is one honest and resilient kid.  I'm grateful her strength and enthusiasm carries her so well during this year of social distancing and online everything!

Mom and Dad Nelson Help with Improvements

Our brick patio was in need of fine-tuning.

With Dad's guidance, I was able to continue the retaining wall/border to the end of the brick area.  When Mom and Dad were so kind to stop on their way home from Utah, they helped us begin work of leveling the existing brick.

During our work, you'll never guess who got a hold of my camera!

These girls were more than just pretty faces, though.  They helped move all the brick we removed from the patio!

I was extremely proud of them for sticking to the task until the work was done.  (A promised Fudge Popsicle may have had something to do with it!)

Patio area ready to be leveled

Dad helped us take down three trees that were right up against the house.  Mom decided to show off her skills with the first tree.

I was so glad Dad was still with us when we started to lay the brick--I was so nervous I wouldn't know how to do the work well.

After they left, progress was slow but steady.  It usually took me about an hour to lay one row of brick.

Our stone path also needed some attention.  The gaps between stones were very large,

and many blocks were uneven.  I wanted to tighten things up and get rid of all tripping hazards.

Dad brought his tools to cut some blocks to fit just right.  This area is still being leveled and improved.

Yes, we got a TON of work in, but I was also grateful for the down time where we could visit and enjoy one another's company.

I'm pleased to report that the patio has been put back together--but apparently I placed the bricks tighter than before...I'm short about 10 bricks!  But I'm not concerned, I have some other plans for this corner!

Excited about the chance to make this house our home!