First Solo Catch Walleye

The walleye were biting off the dock like mad on Sunday evening.  Ramsey was so excited to get to the dock!  So excited, in fact, he put his shoes on the wrong feet and no one really cared.  :-)

Eric baited a new rod for him and off he went. 

Within seconds, he had a fish on.  (Thanks, Dad, for the golden opportunity!)

He was so exited!  We laughed at his humorous reaction!

He may not yet be ready to be a patient fisherman with Daddy, but if genetics has anything to do with it, it won't be too long.  :-)

Sidewalk Chalking

Sunday afternoon was gorgeous; beautiful temperature, barely any wind... truly a perfect afternoon to be outside!  

 We grabbed the new tin of sidewalk chalk and drew out a hopscotch pad (I kind of forgot about the double-digits for 3/4 and 7/8, but we rolled with it!). 

 Ramsey added on extra numbers and spaces.

 I drew some balloons for a funny photo opp.  This will need to be perfected... another day, though!  :-)

The Graduate

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 Seniors everywhere are affected.  Area schools had to resort to extremely nontraditional graduation ceremonies and think outside of the box for planning phases.

Ten days before Connor's graduation aired on local access television, he was given his diploma at Central High School.  Due to social distancing and the inability to gather in crowds, each senior was only able to bring two people with them for their graduation.  Of course Eric and Connor's mother were the accompanists who proudly watched him walk on the stage to obtain the coveted paper that signifies  13 years of educational efforts .

The virtual graduation and an hour-long photo gallery of memories was shown on TV on May 17th.

Eric, Ramsey, Riggsy, and I watched Connor's graduation COVID-style, snuggled in on the couch and lounger.

The show choir also performed via Zoom.

Later that afternoon, the seniors had a vehicle procession through town, to celebrate.

Smaller towns in the area had planned mid-summer festivities and local parades.

On July 25th, there has been a graduation celebration scheduled so students can see each other as a group one last time.  Hopefully the pandemic fears will have subsided and the "curve" will have been flattened enough so that this get-together can remain intact!

By the aforementioned date, though, some of Connor's friends (like those who are joining the military) will not be able to attend.  They will be missed.

To the Class of 2020 - Congratulations!  A new chapter in your life awaits!  Make the best of it.

To Connor, our amazing graduate... You're an intelligent, wonderful, big-hearted young man, capable of doing great things.  Behind you are all your memories.  Before you are all your dreams.  Around you are those who love you.  Within you... is all you need.

We'll always be here for you.  Remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you will ever know.

  And, as Donald Trump once said, "You have to think anyway, so why not think BIG?"

Brotherly Fun

Our two boys... such blessings, to us and each other.  :-) 

 Connor and one of his buddies had caught some fish the night before, so Ramsey kept Connor company as he cleaned them for a future supper.   Ramsey finds it funny and interesting when Connor dissects their tummies to see what the fish have been eating.  Connor used to love this too, when he was little.

 Later, it was time for a "pillow fort party".  Ramsey had been begging Connor.   It took me a while to find them.  When I did, I noticed another head pop up from underneath the pillows!

Kindergarten Graduate

The COVID-19 pandemic took our nation (and the world) by storm.  Throughout the social-distancing, school closings, and such, Ramsey also missed out on his Kindergarten graduation.  

 So, in honor of our littlest sweetie, I purchased a cap and gown and took pictures of my own in order for us to remember this special chapter in Ramsey's life.

 There was no celebration at the school where parents and relatives could watch their kiddos graduate, which was really a bummer.  But, we're all still here and we're healthy.

And now, we can say.... we have a First Grader!    We love you, Doodle Bug!  Your world is just starting to open up to so many amazing challenges and life experiences.    You will be able to do anything your little heart desires.

Final Days of School

Friday was the last day of school.   That really hit me, as I was driving home from town on Friday. 
It hit me that we have a graduating Senior and a graduating Kindergartener.  Talk about emotional! 

Eric had taken the day off of work, so I had run in to get what would be the last bags of food that the school would provide for the kiddos.  I got two; one for Ramsey and one for Connor.  Lots of tasty vittles!

Three times per week, the school prepared two days' worth of food for students.   These prepared foods (turkey sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fresh veggies and fruits, milk, treats, etc) were amazing time-savers for me, working my full-time [ridiculously busy] job, trying to home-school, etc.  I was very appreciative getting these types of food bundles three times per week. 

 Ramsey had his very last Zoom meeting.  On the last day, all three of the Kindergarten classes came together for a final call, where they chatted a bit, but also played a scavenger hunt game.

As the kids said goodbye for the last time, I may have been a bit more mournful than Ramsey was.  I suppose it was just another day to him, but to me, it was as another chapter was ending, and a new one would be beginning.

Connor had finished his schoolwork at 2:55PM the afternoon before.  (It was due by 3:00 PM - just made it!)   His Friday was 100% free.  That day, his summer started and his high school career ended. 

During this time of COVID-19, many days seem to just meld together.   This quite momentous one nearly seemed to do the same.   The emotionalism of it was bittersweet.  We no longer have a senior and a Kindergartener.  We have a 1st Grader and a college Freshman!

Our Bird Friends

Last year, our bird friends had made it in time for Mother's Day.  This year, Mother's Day was a wee bit early, so they didn't quite make the date.   The Orioles, Grossbeaks, and Yellow Finches just rolled in and have been tearing up the feeders ever since!

At one point, we had four male Orioles on the feeder, with the females close by always.  We figure we have maybe 3 or 4 sets of Grossbeak also.

The Orioles are twitchy... and certainly NOT easy to get pictures of!