Summer fun, slightly revised

For the first few weeks of summer, when anyone asked how it was going, the best I could come with was, "weird." After 12 weeks at home, transitioning to summer didn't have quite the same feeling as usual. I'm still working a lot more than in a typical summer. We can't do most of the things that usually keep us busy, like trips to the zoo, museum, and playgrounds or long weekends at the lake. We thought about a camping trip and had it pretty much planned before Nellie reminded us that she was in no state to sleep on the ground or move around a campsite.

But then Sarah and Alex invited us for a camping weekend in their backyard! It was doable because Nellie could sleep indoors, and the creek and pond provided all the summer fun we could need. We waded, swam, kayaked, floated, had a bonfire, made s'mores, lighted sparklers, ate every meal outdoors--it certainly felt like real camping!

Over the 4th of July, we finally had our first overnight at Gull Lake. We were able to manage social distancing by staying outdoors most of the time and only going into and sleeping in the basement. Other than the parade, we got to do all the things we love on the 4th, including watching the fireworks from the boat. And we participated in the sign decorating for a virtual parade and actually won the prize for "best family photo." 

Now, the boys have started baseball and t-ball with some modified rules to keep the kids healthy, and the girls are doing virtual camps through the Wharton Center for acting and dance. With everything else going on in the world and the looming uncertainties of the next school year, we've appreciated these nice little spaces for familiar summer fun. And I think we've started some new traditions in the process!

The kids found a clay deposit in the creek and hauled up a sled full of it to play with. They spent hours making clay pots and bowls.

I never thought I'd see all the kids swimming in a pond, but they sure had fun. Nellie discovered she could still kayak in her boot.

The award-winning photo :)

Nellie, age 13

It has BEEN A YEAR for this girl. So full of hard things--rough start to the school year, two broken legs, school shutting down and worries about the Covid-19 pandemic. And so full of good things--navigating and finally settling in at middle school, getting roles in two musicals, the opportunity to participate in band and choir, making new friends, and doing awesome with online learning.

In all the changes this year, some things stayed the same--Nellie is still our headstrong and tenacious girl. She's creative and clever, and we're looking forward to having her back to 100% mobile! 

We had a full weekend of social distance, outdoor celebrating. We hosted a drop-in front yard gathering with a few friends on Friday (thank you, Lord, that the rain skirted around us) and some family for a bonfire Saturday. Nellie wanted a Hawaiian theme, so we are full of piña coladas and pineapple upside-down cake. Happy birthday, Nellie!

Playing the Game of Life, Nellie's present from DJ

This has been an interesting year. What is your favorite memory from the last year?

It's so different...there's so much difference between this year and last year. It's hard to remember! The musicals--definitely the musicals. Before Willie Wonka shows we'd stand in a big circle and give each other shout-outs.

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?
Keeping us safe during these times...it could have been so much worse but He's protected us and provided for us during quarantine and everything.

This is a big day--first one as a teenager. How do you feel about being thirteen?  

I'm excited, happy to be a teenager. It's what you wait for your whole childhood! But how do I FEEL about it? Exactly the same.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

Having more freedom...I mean, you can't be super free during coronavirus, but being able to do what I want. I'm looking forward to Robynne and Leah spending the night tonight. That's all I can be certain is going to happen--everything else is so up in the air!

What is one goal you have for next year?

To see people! Go back to school, see friends and stuff. [What about something you have more control over? Something to improve, work toward...] Maybe become better friends with my siblings, not fight so much.

Who would you say are your best friends?

Avery. Jocelyn. I have a lot of "school friends" when I can see them every day, but it's different now.

What are your strengths?

Playing flute, reading, walking on crutches, "arms" [haha], making an argument, musical theater. Maybe, like, school. 

What careers are you considering?

Maybe be a lawyer, an author, an orthopedic surgeon. Breaking my leg has changed my point of view. I hated blood and didn't think I could be a doctor. But now I feel like I would want to be a doctor and help people through what I went through. Maybe a scientist or ecologist.

You already mentioned medicine, but why are you interested in those fields?
We have a lot of family who are lawyers and like I said, I'm good at arguing. I love writing stories; I've always loved writing.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   
I've been listening to more pop music. I love 80s and 90s pop because it's so fun and doesn't have as many swear words as current pop music.

What's your favorite food?
Anything with chicken, honestly. Honey mustard chicken, grilled chicken salad...I've always liked carrots and celery--dill dip goes good with anything!

Current favorite movie?   
That's a tough one...I can't say I have a favorite anymore but recently, I loved Monty Python [watched with Kevin] and Just Mercy [watched with me] was really good. I can't say it's a favorite, but it was really good.

Current book(s) you're reading?

First Test, which Aunt Genny gave me, and I just started Twilight. I have a whole list of books to read in my mind.

Favorite color?   
Blue. Although I do love yellow, now, too. It's so bright!

Favorite place to be?

Well, the only place I've been is home...haha...but Robynne and Leah's house and Aunt Pam's house!

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read, bake, cook, watch TV, do crafts, talking to people on FaceTime, listening to music, singing, acting.

If you could describe your year in one line from a musical, what would it be?

I am the one thing in life I can control.

What was your favorite present?

Probably Animal Crossing because that was my big present, but I also got a lot of little things that I really like, like pajamas and the hair crimper.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?

I don't know...I broke my leg, and I'm almost out the boot. I'm 13 now...it's still weird for me to say that I'm 13! But I'm excited about it.