Glorious!

The past week has been the most glorious weather imaginable.  School work was done quickly each morning so we could get outside and enjoy the day.  We were so sad when things shut down for COVID, but it feels like Christmas now that things are re-opening!  We had a few morale boosts that made it feel like some of our summer traditions might be possible despite the pandemic.  Our neighborhood pool opened, Sweet Scoops (one of our favorite ice cream shops) opened, Sweet Clover's creemee window opened, and we got to hear outdoor live music TWICE during the holiday weekend. 

Tons of construction play

Chalk artist at work

Evie has been filling the sidewalks with inspiring messages like this one.  It is so sweet!

Noah and Daddy are working on a little woodworking project

Haircut Day for the boys.  I love the look of a fresh cut, but I hate getting covered in hair!

My cute little haircut client

First swim in the VERY cold (55 degrees) pool.  We are SO happy it was able to open!

First Sweet Scoops of the year

Life felt normal for a little bit as we just enjoyed our ice cream

YUMMY!

We got the garden planted.  We are gonna need some veggies to offset all that ice cream!

King Me played on Saturday night in a safe outdoor space at a restaurant.  What a joy to enjoy the weather and music.

King Me!  Oh, I have missed this!

Noah can't get enough of Grandpa's tractor

Tractor driving practice

Evie's turn to drive

Fun at the river with Evie and a friend.  They couldn't resist going right in the water in their clothes!

Even on nice days, Noah loves to take some time alone to go play drums.  He always tries to set them up just like Daddy's kit.

Sophie came to visit for a day, and she made herself at home.  It was nice to have a dog in the house again!

We also had a couple chances to go to Matt's secret fishing location and have the incredible experience of catching some trophy trout.  The picturesque scenery, the cool water, and seeing the kids enjoy such a simple pleasure was so much fun.  I have to admit, it was pretty fun for me to catch some fish, too!  Yesterday, on Memorial Day, Grandpa Zeke and Elliot joined us on the river for a 3-generation fishing adventure with some memorable catches, especially for Evie and Elliot!

Trophy Trout anglers

Noah's catch with Daddy

Evie's big catch

This was a really amazing catch for Evie - she cast, caught, fought, and landed this fish on her own.  Her arms were shaking by the end, but she was determined to do it on her own.  Love it!

I don't know who was most proud of Evie - Daddy or Grandpa?!

Nice catch, Grandpa!

Grandpa's fish heading back into the river

What a day!  :-)

Awesome, awesome day together!

Evie had her 9-year checkup, and she has grown another 2.5 inches since last year - she is now 4' 6" and 64 pounds. It was a different experience at the doctor's office to have to wait in the car in the parking lot rather than using the waiting room, and wearing masks for the whole visit, but it was reassuring to know that Evie is healthy and growing well.

In honor of Memorial Day, since the usual Essex parade couldn't happen, a great restaurant in our area organized a car parade to commemorate the holiday.  It was different, but very inspiring!