Well... 2020 was not at all what we expected. But we made it through and fortunately without too much stress and anxiety. We were sad to cancel our trips to Germany and Saskatoon and the girls really missed going to school, but overall we had plenty to be grateful for. Here is a recap of our pandemic year.
Everything was fine in January. The year started with two extra kids: cousins Lorelei and Caleb stayed with us while their parents celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary. We continued to prepare for our trip to Germany and thought that homeschooling during the teacher's strike was a funny (and temporary) adventure.
In February we happily celebrated Valentine's Day and Family Day. We hosted a big party (by today's standards) in honour of Grand-Papa turning 70!
Things started to feel a bit awkward in March, when COVID became more serious in Canada and social gatherings were a little taboo. The girls had their March Break, but then didn't return to school when it was over! I started blogging about our weekly lockdown activities.
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| Turning 7 and 37 |
In April we kept busy with organizing, online learning, and literally hanging out around the house (in our new hammocks). We started to miss our weekly Sunday dinners with family, but fortunately we saw the grandparents for an outdoor, socially-distanced Easter egg hunt.
Instead of flying off to Germany in May for my Oma's 85th birthday, we sewed masks, walked dogs, and Jessi learned to ride a bike. Mother's Day was celebrated in the chilly outdoors, but at least we were together! Thankfully the weather was warmer for Jessi's birthday.
In June we had many snake adventures, enjoyed swims in the neighbour's pool, and Steve completed his Grade 6 Conservatory piano exam! We showered Steve with love on Father's Day and even got to see his family for an outdoor hike.
We enjoyed a short trip in July, heading up to Owen Sound to visit Steve's mom and Southampton to visit Steve's brother. We kept busy taking care of our garden, tadpoles, snakes, and guinea pigs!
August felt pretty normal with hikes, haircuts, and summer fun. Steve and I celebrated 12 years of marriage and we were even able to have small parties for Emily's 11th.
The girls finally went back to school in September after a 6-month break. Grand-Maman turned 62 and Steve and I celebrated 20 years as a couple by taking the kids to the Corn Maze. We even enjoyed some time at Snug Harbour before COVID restrictions tightened up again.
October started bleakly with sickness from a cold and a very quiet Thanksgiving. But then we had a blast with visitors from Waterloo, the first snowfall, Daddy's birthday, and Halloween! A great month overall.
The two main events in November were getting Little Click, our new pet fish, and taking the girls out to see the stars. By the end of the month we started getting ready for Christmas.
December was quiet and mostly centered around Christmas. A peaceful end to an unusual year.
Happy New Year from Nathalieland!
Here's hoping 2021 will be a better one.
