Covid Life - Random

This is a random post, including pictures from the outbreak of covid (February) to the end of April.  

At the very beginning of February, Audrey participated in Faces of History as Alfred the Great.  We spent many hours reading books, brainstorming, writing, revising, and practicing for her oral presentation.  It was a ton of work but also a great learning experience.

The week before CC shut down, Amelia was able to dissect a cow heart.  Not her cup of tea, but also recognized as a rite of passage.

Avery had his last piano competition the first week of February, as all other spring competitions were cancelled....he wasn't too upset.  

All sports practices and competitions were cancelled mid February...I wasn't too upset.

All CC, Wilson Hill, and piano classes moved to zoom.  I didn't have to drive all over town...also not too upset.

With a lot of practice and preparation, Audrey passed all proofing to become a CC Memory Master.  She was super excited. 

Amelia completed all of her blue book tests for CC.  She is most proud of her world map.

Avery had 4 big CC projects for the spring semester.  His favorite was carving and painting the Globe Theater for a CC presentation.

Aggie continued to give presentations using her favorite horse picture and putting a mini face mask on her stuffed animals.  

As a family, we enjoyed watching too many movies.  Our favorites included; Harriet, Just Mercy, and a Hidden Life.  However, the kids most enjoyed the popcorn and candy that accompanied our frequent movie nights.  

We also enjoyed many game nights.  Our favorite games included Racko, Trivial Pursuit, and Yahtzee.  Family Feud was a total bust, way too many arguments.  

With May on the horizon, I feel the covid cloud lifting - slowly.    I'm not sure how our summer is going to look, as covid is already leaving a mark on our summer plans, but acknowledge the past couple of months will always remain a very unique time in our lives.  

Grandma Lois (May 9th, 1923 - February 15th, 2020)

My grandma, Lois Bures, passed away this February.  She was 96 years old.  Her health had been on a slow downhill slide, so her death wasn't completely unexpected, but losing her was still hard.  She was such an amazing grandma.  I have so many idyllic memories of her and grandpa on the farm.  My grandparents created a simple, yet tender atmosphere, where their grandchildren all felt safe and loved.  

While back for her funeral, my cousin Rachelle wrote a beautiful tribute to Grandma Bures.  Her tribute, while including her own unique experiences and memories, was moving because her recollections were shared by so many different people.  Grandma Lois   left a lasting impression on all!  She is loved for so many different reasons, but as I get older, I realize one of her greatest gifts is role modeling how to be amazing grandma.  Thank you!    

Rachelle's Tribute to Grandma Bures

Many memories of summer visit to G&G's farm-

Sugary cereals; they do no harm.

Big day in Lincoln at The Children's Zoo-

A packed picnic lunch with a treat or two

Hot afternoon card games with a whirling fan-

Grandpas knuckle trick on the table-my, what a man!

Watering the yard and out came the toads-

Laundry smelled so good; oh how many loads!

Picking and squashing ticks off Bruno the dog-

Zana the indoor dog getting lost in the fog.

Diller parade and gathering candy-

Mandatory naps on the floor; now that sure was dandy!

Young & the Restless was not to be missed-

Grandma's snickers and comments when Nikki was kissed.

Miss America Pageant and Wizard of Oz with root beer floats-

Gathering eggs, feeding kitties and of course milking the goats.

Always a fun day at the Beatrice pool-

Special stop afterwards at McDonalds; we thought that was so cool!

Absorbing Jr. to the rescue for our chigger bites-

No allowance at Grandma's were sibling fights.

The playhouse was built and stocked with love-

Grandma and Grandpa are now smiling down on us from above.

Running in the irrigation sprinkler-what a treat-

Brining Grandpa his thermos of coffee and sandwich in the heat.

Rides in the tractor and fun on the tree swings-

Daily chores, cleaning and baking; quite simple things.

Always sent home with a new outfit from the fancy department store-

When the end would come we wanted more.

These memories are deep and real and true-

My dearest Grandma Bures, I love you!

April Snow Day?!?

Nebraska has some pretty crazy weather, to be sure! This past Thursday, a snow storm dumped about 5 inches of snow, in one day, on Omaha.  Instead of sitting inside, griping about the snow, which we all wanted to do, we headed out for sledding and had a great time! 

Easter

On Easter, the kids slept in, got dressed, and headed downstairs to begin their day with a scavenger egg hunt.  Aggie was so much fun to watch, and literally squealed every time she found an item.  After our hunt, Shane made us french toast for breakfast.  When our bellies were full, we settled in the living room to watch church service with Paster Scott.  After church service, the kids all decorated their Easter crosses, grabbed a quick lunch bite, and finally settled into a leisurely afternoon.  Some of us listened to the audio book Titus: A Comrade of the Cross, while others napped, and Avery whittled.  In the late afternoon, we all began making our Easter dinner.  Avery made rack of lamb, Audrey made deviled eggs, I made scalloped potatoes and prosciutto wrapped asparagus, and Amelia made trifle.  The dinner was excellent, especially Avery's rack of lamb.  Considering the circumstances, this was an Easter to remember!