Life Lately

This pandemic has definitely changed life as we know it.  Other than an occasional grocery store trip, I have been homebound or neighborhood bound for a couple of weeks now.  Luckily, I love being home.  I am missing my Alex City crew like never before, but I understand why this separation is necessary. My heart goes out to those that have lost jobs, medical workers, essential workers, and to those who are victims of this disease.  I pray we are able to continue to hunker down and ride this out.  I have been amazed at the people that I have seen on the streets...….Not caring for yourself is one thing, but I will never understand endangering the lives of others. With all that being said, I know we are blessed.  Our freezer and pantry are both well stocked, and we have a safe, secure home. We are prepared to weather this storm. Sunday, we enjoyed a couple of online church services, and then ventured out for a little fishing trip-well away from anyone.

After a few unsuccessful casts for me, I put my rod down and enjoyed the ride.  I honestly lost count of how many fish Reed caught.  

Warm temperatures, blue sky, birds chirping and fish biting!  Just a perfect day!

All of these fish lived to see another day, but we will be back! He said many times that he wished Reed (little) had been with us.  He loves to fish, so as soon as the pandemic is over, he'll get to go with us.

This little stinker is still loving on the chicks!  They literally lay down so he can pick them up.

Sharing with Pop

Isn't this gorgeous?  I just love spring!

Wrapping Up March

This time of quarantine has enabled us to get lots and lots of projects done.  We have pressure washed, painted, gotten the pool ready, planted lots of flowers, and more.  In addition, I am working online now.  I miss my school visits and seeing my students.  My heart is broken that the school year has ended this way...... I also greatly miss my Alexander City family.  We have absolutely no idea when we will get to see them.  Facetime visits are great, but I'm ready for a face to face visit.

This cutie was able to get his cast off.  He is still just a little wobbly, but is doing great.  He helped me plant a few flowers.

He is also still big buddies with the chickens.  

And he loves feeding the fish.

We have all worked hard to keep him home during this time.  We are anxiously waiting on Jack's arrival in just a few weeks!

These guys have found lots and lots of fun things to do during this time.  They haven't left home since the quarantine, but luckily they have an awesome place with lots of fun things to do.

Isn't this just gorgeous?

Pop has been turkey hunting two times this year, and killed two turkeys!!  Turkey #1

Josh is on the front lines of this pandemic as an health care worker.  While home one day, he took the kids on an adventure down to to the creek for a little exploring and a picnic.

Maddie made a hop scotch game that covered their entire driveway!

Lindsey is doing her best to keep them on a schedule, but it still leaves lots of time for making memories!

I just love these (both the pictures and the cuties)!!!  

Second turkey hunt-Turkey #2

Belle got to enjoy her very first quail hunt.  I am happy to say that she did an awesome job at 3 1/2 months!  John Sawyer came down briefly to watch.

We love this wild thing!

We will continue to hunker down and wait for this pandemic to be over.  It has been a time like no other, and one that I honestly never even fathomed could happen. We will continue to sanitize, wash hands, isolate ourselves and pray for all affected.  

Spring Break

We left last Saturday to take the big grandkids on a beach trip for part of their Spring Break. We loaded up with hand sanitizer, wipes, and all the other stuff and promised to do our best to avoid crowds. We ate outside at restaurants, and played on an underpopulated part of the beach. We stayed in Fort Morgan which was much less crowded than the other beaches. We returned home on Tuesday just as things were really shutting down.  We are all hunkered down now-ready to ride out this pandemic.  The pantry and freezer are stocked, and we are in it for the long haul. No more trips or adventures for us. I am not sure when we will see the big kids, but we are enjoying our daily facetime visits.

As soon as we got there, we took Belle to explore on the bay side.  She spent the days in doggy daycare, which worked out great for all of us.

These three love crab legs and grilled shrimp, so we headed into San Roc Cay to sit outside and enjoy the scenery (and avoid crowds), as we enjoyed our meal.

The next day after dropping Belle off at doggy daycare, we headed to the beach. So much fun! This little drama queen had a ball in the sand!

Yes, the water was freezing.  Yes, they got in and loved it.  There was also a tidal pool in front of us that provided lots of entertainment.

Shells were found, games were played, holes were dug, and waves were jumped......

We picked Belle up, cleaned up a bit and then enjoyed another great meal.

Maddie and Lillian were quick to point out many times that we always tell them we will take them to Lulu's to play - and never do.  So, once again against my better judgment that's just what we did.  I am extremely afraid of heights, so things like this scare me to death.  Maddie was a little scared in the beginning, but it didn't last long.  Reed was able to stay on the smaller one, which is much more my speed.

More beach time.......Pop had scheduled a deep sea fishing trip, but the fog was very heavy that morning.  The captain thought it was best to call it off.  In about an hour, the fog cleared and it was another perfect day.  We had a great time at the beach, so all's well that ends well......

They even fed the "devil birds" as Pop calls them.

I love our adventures with these guys and can't wait until John Sawyer and Jack join us.

And it just doesn't get any better than this.  Beautiful way to end a perfect day. 

And this little cutie has been a rockstar with his cast.  He got it off today for a trial run. The doctor wanted to put another one on, but Taylor asked to see how he does without one this weekend.  Fingers Crossed!!

All he needed was one of his dads socks on to enjoy the sandbox.

Chugga Chugga Two Two

I'm not sure there is anything more fun than a birthday party-especially when it's for a precious two year old.  Family and friends gathered for a great time.  Not only did the party have a jumper with a slide, it also featured a train.  Both provided endless amounts of fun!  When you throw in presents, decorations, chicken nuggets, and cake and ice cream, you have the perfect occasion.

All set up and ready!

Shortly after the guests arrived, they boarded the train and headed down the tracks for quite a ride.  No need to worry, we had the perfect escort.  Here Reed is dropping off a late arrival.

All aboard for a great time!

These cousins had a great time riding on the train. Maddie wasn't able to make it, and she was greatly missed.

It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to.......... I'm not sure what this was about, but he really had a great time!

After the train ride and several trips down the slide and in the jumper, it was time for cake, ice cream and presents!

Happy Birthday to you!

He had lots and lots of help with his presents.

This one is growing too fast!

Yummy!

Fun in the jumper and on the slide. We were thrilled Riley could join us. 

Just a few more snapshots of a really great day.  Conductor Mickey was simply awesome.  John Sawyer has asked several times since his party for the train. (For some reason, I don't have pictures of everyone. Tammy is sending me some, and I will add them.)

Reed and Riley enjoyed trying out the new batting t.

Love these guys!

And then another train ride to wrap things up!

Things were all fun and games - until they weren't.....Tori, William and John Sawyer were enjoying one final time down the slide, and this sweet thing somehow broke his foot.  As I type this, they are on the way to have a cast put on for a few weeks.  While it wasn't quite the way we wanted the party to end, we know this is just a minor bump in the road. He will be good as new in just a few weeks. He has been a trooper so far with the splint.  

Thanks to everyone that made this such a special day!