COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 79

This morning, we went to the disc golf course on the WMU campus. It was our first round of the season and everyone did pretty well. Alex made a friend along the way - a sweet little cat followed us for several holes. After lunch, we took down the Japanese Maple that was by our patio. Something happened over the winter and it was completely dead - all the bark was falling off and we didn't get a single bud/leaf. Then we went for a walk and then hit baseballs in the park. After dinner, the boys climbed the Oak in the backyard.

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 78

We took another bike ride on the Kal-Haven trail today. We went about 2.5 miles farther than last time so our total distance was 25 miles (round trip). The boys did great. Alex saved just enough energy to take, and hold, the lead for the last mile. Now we are trying to figure out a way to ride all the way to South Haven (33.5 miles) but have our car there to drive back home with the bikes. After the ride, we walked to Lafayette Creamery for ice cream.

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 77

We realized after seeing Alex on his new bike that Will was also in need of a larger bike. These boys are rolling in style! Alex has also been practicing a new trick: dribbling two basketballs. He's getting pretty good at it. COVID 19 Update: There were 607 new cases reported today.

Basement Fort

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 76

We had rain AGAIN on Thursday morning. The boys finished their art assignment for the week (coloring mandalas) and Alex had his class meeting. He was able to show off his "stained glass" project (he's in the upper right of the screen). The sun came out in the evening and we were able to get outside to hit some baseballs and play horse.  Michigan reported 502 new cases of COVID-19.

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 75

Wow - Day 75. That seems like a really long time! We've managed to keep busy, however, and the time has actually gone fairly fast. Today, Will built us a dumb waiter so we don't have to carry things upstairs. It even has a bell you can ring so someone can operate the lift system. Unfortunately, it is right in the middle of the hallway and we inadvertently hit the bell as we go by.

"I wish we could go in!"

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 74

Due to virtual learning, Alex missed one of my favorite second grade art projects: foil stained glass. So, we decided to try it at home! Will and I made one as well. We also surprised Alex with a new bike. He had outgrown his current bike and it was hard for him to go long distances with the small wheels. He really likes it! It was another hot day so we brought the slip and slide back out. The number of new COVID cases in Michigan continues to drop with only 223 reported on Tuesday.

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 73

We woke up to a hot Memorial day! We let the guinea pigs get some fresh air on the porch. Will went for a bike ride in the neighborhood by himself in the morning and did some baseball drills in the driveway. After lunch, we set up the slip and slide and the boys played for at least 4 hours - taking a break to go for a walk.

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 72

It was another beautiful day. We took another long walk in the morning and then cleaned out the garage (again). After lunch, we went up to West Portage to repair one of the field signs. We removed some rotting wood, repainted, and rehung the sign. Will also hit some baseballs while we were there. After that, we picked up Dairy Queen as a treat and walked around one of the local parks. Enjoy a slow motion video of some frogs leaping into the pond.

Hoverboard Dancing

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 71

The boys woke up pretty early after their night in the tent. The birds are loud in the morning! We went for a long walk in the neighborhood and then went to the park so Will could hit baseballs (Alex declined). After lunch, we decided to build two more tables for the firepit area. The boys made two tables with Uncle Ken a few years ago but when we are all out there eating dinner we run out of table space. Then we went for a family bike ride through some of the other neighborhoods in the area.

COVID 19 - Shelter in Place - Day 70

We kicked off our Memorial Day weekend with a campfire, hotdogs, sparklers, bocce ball and a camp out for the boys. Will lost another tooth as he was getting ready for bed. That makes three teeth in a week!  The stay at home order was extended to June 12.

Virtual Learning on the Porch

First Lilies of the Valley from the garden