16 Years Old!!

This girl is officially 16!! What?!  I had to work really hard to make it special because quarantine ruined our plans. 

She started the day with a treasure hunt with 16 clues.  They were tricky and it took her about 4 hours to finish.  It was fun to watch her.  The end of the hunt led her to a YouTube video I had compiled.  It was a video of all her family and friends wishing her a happy birthday.  I had spend weeks trying to spread the word to everyone.  Emma was totally surprised and couldn't believe I was able to get videos from all those people.  It was really fun.

I had also arranged to have 16 people drop off/send 16 gifts to her.  So, she got a delivery every hour for 16 hours.  This was fun because it made the celebrations last all day long.  I was so grateful for generous friends who were willing to make her feel special.

A local bakery was giving out free cupcakes to those with a birthday during quarantine. I can't believe I didn't take more photos!  This was what I posted on Instagram.

 Emma kept commenting how fun everything was, so I think we managed to make it great despite our social distancing limitations.  Emma is turning into such a great adult.  It's fun to see her become herself more and more.  Love you Emma!

Family Time Extreme

We are still in Quarantine.  Seriously.  We are over this.

The anxiety and fear we felt in the beginning is gone.  Last week, I was encouraged seeing the store shelves getting more stocked.  The government is starting to talk about how/when to resume normal life.  I don't know how long until that happens, but it helps that it is a topic of discussion.

Everyone in public wears masks.  This is Taylor and I going to the grocery store.

The past month has been a mix of emotions for everyone. We are all a bit edgy and high tempered without a real reason.  None of us are sleeping well.  But, we have settled into this new normal and have tried to occupy our time.  My biggest fear is that we will regret how we spend this huge amount of time we've been given.  I haven't spent it working out, cleaning the house, or reading my scriptures.  I just don't seem to have the motivation for those things (so, apparently it wasn't a lack of time like I used to think).  I have done a few projects: refinished some desktops, cleaned out some closets, organized our DVDs.  My to do list (and Brent's honey do list) is still ambitiously long.  We are trying to check things off little by little. The kids are still trying to stay on top of their schooling.

Aiden has enjoyed his digital hangouts 

We have been spending time watching a lot of TV.  The kids have watched the whole Avatar show.  We've done more movie marathons (Toy Story and How To Train Your Dragon).  We did a few hikes before it go too hot.

Taylor and I rode bikes  (10 miles) to the school to turn in her packet of work.  She was a champion rider and my arm did pretty well.

 Eating out and shopping are now considered our American duty as the economy is completely tanked. Restaurants do take out, which I've learned is not nearly as yummy.  Most are creating new menu items and deals to get business.

This was a pizza we won by being the first 20 to call in.

Our summer has been cancelled.  No soccer camp for Aiden or girls camp for the girls.  So, it may be a VERY long summer.  And we've had plenty of family time so nobody's excited about camping or any other family vacation (if things open up). The government sent stimulus checks to all Americans.  $1200 per adult and $500 per child.  That was kind a nice (we are saving for Brent's new car).