After 6 long months of rarely stepping foot off our property due to Covid … we decided that it was time to start easing back into the world. Maybe “ease” isn’t quite the right word … as there is nothing “easy” about suddenly resuming the chaos of 4 kids going back to school almost as quickly as it all abruptly stopped last Spring. Navigating the school supply lists alone for each kiddo was a bit daunting. Virtual and in-person meet-the-teacher dates, online clothes and shoe shopping, stocking up on stylish yet comfy masks and finding bottles of the ever-so-elusive hand sanitizer kept us busy in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. And to make it all just a bit more exciting … there was no guarantee that the first day of school was even going to happen - another thanks to Covid.

We had our new “get out the door” routine down! Everyone helped with lunch prep the night before and mugs were readied for early morning hot chocolate. Alarms were set to account for any unexpected “drama” or wardrobe malfunctions. And all the preparations paid off as our first day back out in the real world went incredibly smoothly! Everyone looked so spiffy in their carefully chosen first day of school outfits! And while school protocols prevent parents from entering the school - having a big sister to walk you to class is nice :)

Before getting back to the grind - we had one last “hooray!” to celebrate yet another month down of Daddy being away. This GIANT water slide rental was worth every penny as the kids spent countless hours on it during the official last weekend of their Summer break. Who has time to worry about going back to school when you’re zooming down a 22 foot water slide?!?! (Even the turkey was temped to give it a try!)

It’s a bit of a bummer to officially be “back to reality”. The Monday' Blah’s" are REAL! But after 3 weeks back at it, everyone is adapting well, staying healthy and hopefully learning at least a bit in order to make up for the past 6 months!

(And rumor has it - Daddy may be coming home very soon!!)