Our neighborhood, along with many neighborhoods around the country have placed teddy bears and rainbows in their windows to bring smiles to those who are walking. The kids made a big rainbow and placed Phoenix's big pink teddy bear that G'ma Sonia made her when she was a baby in the front window. The funny thing is after 3 weeks of shelter in place people are much less friendly then they were a few days after shelter in place. As one neighbor put it...depression, worry and anxiety have now set in and the joys of being home are no longer.
On a more positive note, we had a fabulous week, as the kids were on Spring break. Having a week to just hang out and not do school work, is exactly what the kids needed. Us adults liked the decreased pressure of work and home schooling.
The kids and I have worked hard on our Sunflower Friendship Garden. When we are done planting and Axel has his video complete I will make sure to post it. I am not sure how he is going to edit them and put the videos together, but the kid is way more tech savy then myself. As he said, "What, you haven't been using any of these features on your phone?" Apparently, my phone has hyperspace and slow slow mo, and other features I had no idea it could do in real time. Here is one picture, to give you a sneak peak.
Rubix is still fun and adventurous. On Monday, I was wondering why he was so quiet. When I found him, he said, "Look Mommy, I can do this!" "Take a picture."
Because Spring pictures were scheduled for the day after school closed we decided to do Spring pictures during Spring break. I wasn't able to work on Monday because of a security scare at work, so it worked out perfect for us to work on our sunflower garden and take Spring pictures. I hope to order these from Shutterfly soon so I have pictures to place on the wall.
I have placed two of each child on here so you can print the one out you like best. I thought the outfits the kids picked out were fun.
Axel picked the location in front of our Maple tree. Phoenix said, "We have a Maple tree? Where is the maple syrup?"
Overall, I do think the kids have gotten along quite well. They have moments like these that are completely blissful.
I do hope that they will cherish these moments, days and weeks together. Most of the week they played wonderfully together. It was a lovely change from all of the jealousy and sibling rivalry.
Both Axel and Phoenix can be so nurturing and loving at times. Here is Axel comforting Rubix.
Here is Axel playing catch with Rubix.
Phoenix and Rubix have actually been playing a lot of baseball with daddy the past weekend. Here is video of each child hitting the ball.
Phoenix especially enjoys teaching Rubix. She has spent hours this week working with him. Axel has also worked with Rubix this week on his work as well. It has been a great help, as I have been busy with video visits/patient care and Keith has been busy with work as well.
If you look closely in the picture you can see that Rubix has something attached to his shirt. Rubix is a very deep sleeper. He has actually never had a dry night in his life. We tried 2 weeks of waking him up about 4 or 5 months ago. We then tried 2 weeks again after he turned 4. I then purchased a "pee alarm" that would wake him when he starts peeing. He only used it for one night and then the two following nights he would only wear it for the first waking and then he didn't want to wear it anymore. I didn't have the heart to force him so I quickly ordered more diapers. I only ordered 44 pullups though. I told him that I hope he is ready when these run out and that he will be willing to try again. It is tough on everyone having him wake 3 to 4 times per night. The kid literally pees every 3 hours. This is even after stopping all liquids at 6 pm. Rubix literally has the worlds smallest bladder (inherited from me) and his dad's ability to sleep deeply.
On Tuesday, Axel turned 11!!! Axel requested pumpkin scones for his birthday breakfast. Here he is enjoying his scone and pumpkin drink.
It was a beautiful day and a nice change in weather. The kids had fun after lunch playing basketball/ fun shots game.
Our neighbor actually dropped off puzzles on our front porch. The kids had fun building their puzzles (although Axel is still working on his 500 piece puzzle), while I finished up with my patient care and Daddy got his exercise in.
At 4 pm, Axel's Google Hangout Party started. Apparently, they didn't hang out very long. One of his 10 friends decided they should play "Moo Moo." At 5 pm the kids sang Happy Birthday to him and then he ended up playing Minecraft for another couple of hours with his best buddies.
It wasn't exactly what we had in mind, but Axel and his friends enjoyed the "time together".
Axel has been running with Daddy every other day since they can no longer swim together. They are alternating between running the mile or 4 x 400's or 2.5 mile trail run. He ran his fastest mile yet at 7:44 pace the other day. His pace on his longer runs seems to be close to 8:30's. I had to run with him the other day and I just couldn't keep up after riding my bike. I had to let him go so that I could run with him the last mile home, where we have to cross Quito Road. I was smiling from ear to ear, a proud parent.
My mom sent masks for us and friends who inquired about them. The kids have not left the house, except for bike rides so they haven't needed them, until this week with all of the art projects. I just had to get pictures of the kids with their masks on. I thought they were so cute!
Adorable, right?
This weekend it was a rainy weekend. Anytime there was a dry moment the kids were outside. Daddy cut down some rivets. The kids happily played with them. Axel used his carving skills and took off the bark to make walking sticks and "linkin logs" for Phoenix's fairy garden.
It was extremely fun to see the kids having fun being kids.
I also caught the kids playing in the Guava tree. As worried as I was that one of them was going to fall out, I was extremely happy to see them in the tree. I loved climbing trees when I was younger and I just love when they do normal kid things. Yesterday was the biggest day of them just being kids I have ever seen their entire life. This is exactly why we have this opportunity to shelter in place. To get back to the basics. To get used to being families. To have the opportunity to get bored enough to figure out how to play with what you have. I am so excited to see how the kids are going to grow into better people because of this pandemic.
Here is another moment of the sweet moments between the kiddos.
Rubix joining in the cuddle fun.
The kids continue to have weekly play dates with their best buddies. Phoenix typically hangouts with Caitlyn and Nicole. Caitlyn read a book to them. Nicole played the piano and Phoenix read her friends jokes. Axel mostly hangs out with Joel, playing Pokemon or IO games. He still plays Minecraft with Kristen his couple of hours per week. Today Rubix got to have a virtual playdate with his old friend Daniel. He was oh so very excited. Daniel just got home a couple of weeks ago from Brazil. He came home on the very last possible day before all travel was banned. He just finished his 14 days of isolation with his Papa who he went with and luckily they are both healthy and happy to be home.
I am excited to celebrate Jesus' resurrection this weekend. We have been enjoying online church together the past 3 weeks. It has been another amazing blessing to be together for church. This weekend I hope we will get to enjoy both Good Friday and Easter Sunday church services. We will also have a new edition Easter egg hunt around the entire perimeter of our house instead of the park. Check back soon for more blessings in the Szolusha household.
No comments:
Post a Comment