First vs Last Day of School!

Our last day of school technically took place on March 16, 2020 - when all the local schools dismissed the students and said "we'll see you after Spring Break, when the virus settles down!"  And then they delayed the return another week, and another week, until they (like the rest of the country) finally decided to shut down the schools for the rest of the 2019/2020 school year.  Sigh... absolutely the right decision, but a hard adjustment.

As of right now, it's still a bit unknown about the 2020/2021 school year. We're hoping for the best, but prepping for...I guess not the "worst", but the "less than ideal" (which would be more lessons at home with Mrs. Sasser teaching in between her work calls.)  And by Mrs. Sasser, that's Mrs. Jennie Sasser, not Mrs. Leron Sasser - who would undoubtedly be a phenomenal teacher for the kiddos. I wish Atlanta weren't so far away!

BUT I DIGRESS!!  Even if there wasn't really a "last day of school" I still marked what would have been the occasion with picture replays on the porch. Everyone humored me with their first day outfits, minus shoes!

It's amazing to see how much these kiddos grew in 9 short months.  Not just in size, but also in maturity and development.  Little Wesley has especially blossomed in his first year of school (and his vocabulary has exploded since everyone's been home, a very positive externality of quaratine).

Let's look at some side-by-sides. First up, our Kindergarten graduate, JB!

Then our fiery little Preschool 3 girl, Miss Maryn!

And last up, the baby (who's not such a baby anymore!) Wesley's first year of Preschool, in the books.

We're so thankful for wonderful schools, wonderful teachers, and three kiddos who love to learn.  Now it's on to the summer!

Our First Kindergarten Graduate!

Sweet JB, this is not how I envisioned we'd celebrate your Kindergarten graduation (or even the end of what was a GREAT Kindergarten year) - but that doesn't mean it wasn't super special!  I'm so grateful for the teachers and administration that worked very hard to make the event memorable.  They showed up in full force on our lawn (and at each and every Kindergartener's house) to present their diploma, bible, and best wishes for 1st grade.

We had our family there watching, as well as two other special ladies in JB's life (Ms. Therlon and our babysitter, Miss Ashley).  Lots of cheering came from the porch! 

After his graduation ceremony, we left the littles with Miss Ashley and let JB choose something special for our evening with him.  He chose - not surprising - a picnic out at our land. We grabbed some takeout hamburgers and greasy fries from the little country store, and drove all around the land while the sun set.  He pointed out all the work they've been doing, talked about the future plans for planting, and showed off his incredible knowledge about every inch of the 700 acre property.  A perfect evening for - and with - JB.  :)

I can't believe JB's first year of "real" school is over.  He ran in the first day and never looked back. He made some great friends in his small class, and we loved the sweet environment of the school. We celebrated holidays, Farmer Brown day, and JB loved all the pep rallies!  And we were on track to finish strong before "the stupid virus" (as the kid say, and I don't even correct them or try to tell them not to say "stupid" because, uuuugh, I'm right there with them).  Although, in perspective, we did finish strong because we finished it together! As a family unit and as a TCS family. It took a village!

A huge shout out to JB's teacher, Mrs. Crozier, who recorded and uploaded all her lessons on YouTube; conducted multiple Zooms throughout the week; sent very well organized packets and homework for us to work through; and made "homeschooling" not just possible but very doable for the last 8 weeks of school.  We loved her throughout the year, but she went above and beyond to close out the year.  THANK YOU for making his Kindergarten year so great!  We'll miss you!

Tybee Island Tradition

Well, we kept up our Tybee Island tradition this year...even if our main reason for heading to the island (the Beach Bum Parade) was postponed due to the ongoing pandemic.  Despite the delayed event, because we still had a condo rental, the beach provides lots of space for social distancing, AND we needed to get out of our four walls oh-so badly, we made the trip. And I'm so glad we did.

(Sidenote: It's difficult not knowing for how long nearly every single one of my posts will start out with some impact of "the ongoing pandemic". Months?  Years? Time will tell...)

The kids knew just what to do when we hit the beach:  shells, waves, screeching with joy. (And screeching with terror - poor Wesley is still not a fan of the surf and much prefers to spend his time in the tidal pools. And instead of the swimming pool, he prefers to hang with me and the snack bag!)

We stayed in the same condo as last year, and of course the kiddos remembered that it provides beautiful views of the ocean AND the colony of stray cats in the dunes.  We spent a ton of time on the balcony, listening to waves (and meows).

Chillaxing 

how is she so tall!?

Some of our dear friends and neighbors came to Tybee as well, and - since we have all been quarantined and careful - we allowed ourselves to enjoy the time together.  Although we're committed to whatever it takes to contain the virus, we're also opening up a bit to friends and family.  You know, the things that make life worth living!! 

So, so glad we broke quarantine with this crew. They are so fun, so sweet, and the kiddos all get along so well. 

And then this crew of mine. Love them, too.  :)

Funny-ish story: the kiddos were fascinated by this bird (below) and wanted me to take a picture and then ask Grammy and Gran Gran to identify it for us.  So I did, sent to them, and asked "what kind of bird is this, skimming the water" (because I had no clue). Folks, it's called a Skimmer.  The knack for birding obviously skipped a generation.

OH, and another "funny" story involved the below. We came up on this retired couple stomping down a pile of sand, in an effort to protect sea turtle mamas and her hatchlings. So, of course, I jump into action and got the kids to help.  We smashed the pile and saved the turtles!  (The other adults stood by laughing at the whole spectacle, but a quick google search when I got home proved this to be legit!)

Although we had spent nearly the entire day at the beach, playing and laughing and lounging, there is just something about a sunset stroll...

So maybe not the full weekend we envisioned when we booked the condo last year, but one that did the heart and soul some good. I hear the Beach Bum parade is now in August, so - who knows - we may be running back to you soon, Tybee Island!!

(Also, here's the post from 2018 and then 2019.  These kiddos are growing too fast!)