I really dislike writing about something everyone in the world is sick of talking about, but I want my children to remember what life has been like over the last 10 months. The craziness of this universe because of a virus that has now killed over 400,000 Americans.
In March 2020, the first case of COVID 19 appeared in Iowa. Schools were shut down for the year, people were told to stay home and quarantine. Restaurants closed, activities were canceled, vacations postponed, and fear became a reality for everyone. Nobody knew exactly what would happen months down the road nor how long this pandemic would last. The last pandemic was 100 years ago; none of us had ever faced anything like this before.
My last post was written when COVID was just beginning. We were only about a month into this new craziness. We never went back to school last spring but finished the school year at home. This was very challenging for two working parents, more so for Justin who was home all the time, (and still hasn’t gone back to work). It’s clear to say, my children didn’t learn as much at home as they would have should they have gone to school. When school ended, our schedule didn’t change too much. Instead of necessary online school work, we went into “summer mode” and the kids read and had work books to do during the day, along with chores, before they were able to spend time with their friends.
We limited our time with others for a while but it really became quite challenging and mentally difficulty for everyone. It was hard for the kids to see other friends playing together, yet they couldn’t play with them. It did allow us to enjoy some amazing time together as a family of 5 buy let’s be honest, my kids NEEDED other friends to play with. I was also unsure how our neighborhood friends felt about my daily possibly exposure to COVID in my line of work. Soon we let down our guard and allowed the kiddos to hang out with the other 3 families we are very close with. The adults also started hanging out together (usually outdoor gatherings), and immediately everyone’s mood improved. This was a clear indication how important being with others is to our well being.
Alena was able to begin softball in June, but Caleb and Lauren did not have spring sports. We were so thankful to be able to at least do something! Our visits with Grandma were limited but she did attend Alena’s softball games when able.
Besides playing with friends in the neighborhood and going to a softball game here and there, we didn’t so much else. Occasionally we would pick up dinner from a restaurant but eating out was not part of our routine. I would get our groceries since I was the one who was out five days a week to work. We did plan a small get away to Great Wolf Lodge in MN with the girls. We had a good time but I think we were all a bit fearful of getting COVID while we were there. Caleb wasn’t able come as he had a freak accident the night before we were about to leave, (more on that in a different post). We also ventured to Myrtle Beach in August just before school started. Traveling on an airplane, in airports, in a new city was definitely a risk. Masks were worn everywhere but I still held my breath for 2 weeks after we returned from vacation, hoping we would not come down with COVID, or infect anyone who came around us after our vacation.
Our amazing school district developed a plan to allow kids to have school full time in person safely. There were a few students who chose to do school full time online, therefore teachers had to develop lesson plans for in person and online learning students. I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for all our amazing teachers. Many schools in Iowa have not been doing in person learning this whole time and my brother and family have been learning at home this entire school year thus far. We cannot say enough about our small, fabulous school district-Woodward Granger!
This fall, the kids were able to begin all their sports. We were busy with soccer, softball, football, gymnastics and dance. Masks were required for most sports, (at least walking on and off the field), but the COVID numbers in Iowa and throughout the country started to climb in November. Sports were then shut down for a couple weeks while things settled down.
Holidays were very different for everyone this year. The health departments, urged people to not have large gatherings, stating if you want to see your family next Thanksgiving, don’t see them this Thanksgiving. Justin and I had just traveled to St. Lucia for a week right before Thanksgiving so just the five of us celebrated together. I successfully made the entire Thanksgiving dinner!
For Christmas we did spend Christmas Eve in Ames with Grandma Joyce but everyone wore masks. We did not go to church and ordered in Chinese food. Christmas Day was spent as a family of 5 and it was perfect.
Our lives now are still a bit restricted but we are hopeful the end is in sight. A vaccine is now available. Currently health care workers, teachers, those in care centers and those over 65 are able to be vaccinated. It is a series of two vaccines. I have received my first one and will receive my second one next week. However we will likely still be donning these masks for a little while and limiting outings. This has just become our new norm. I am so thankful our kids remain in school and have gotten used to wearing masks throughout the school day. We are also amazed that they can still participate in all the activities they love!
