The Simonson's: May 11

We made it to the final week of school. This was a more emotional last week of school than most years as it is hard to say goodbye to someone on the computer or in a 5 minute conversation. The end of 2020 school year will be one that no one will forget anytime soon. The kids were ready for school to be over but they would really like to see their friends again. Rachel and Becca's teachers are both hoping to have a party sometime over the summer if restrictions get lifted, Alec's teacher has her hands full helping her daughter this summer so I don't think they will have a party. Covid-19 update is not much this week, they reopened restaurants to groups of 6 that are 6 feet apart, you have to order food to get a drink, and they are encouraging you to just eat and leave not hangout! Mike worked more this week but is still not back full time. He is enjoying his time at home working on his blue corvette that he took apart the year Alec was born. He bought it so he could change it from an automatic to a manual.

Monday we did school work in the morning and then Rachel had a Derm appointment after lunch. I had Elly come over and stay with Becca and Alec while Rachel and I ran to town. This was probably one of the worst weeks Rachel has had for pain, but they also peeled and look like we are finally making some progress. After her appointment we grabbed ice cream and then dropped off rhubarb for Michelle and stopped by Traci's to pick up the dog pen so we could use it for Simba. We didn't stay long as Rachel was hurting and just wanted to be at home. That night I made a grilled chicken pesto dish that was very yummy.

Tuesday we did school work quick in the morning then I went to town to get my hair done. It was so nice to catch up with Christina and just have some time for me. I also did a little shopping next door to Christina's shop. I then went to Lisa's to make a cup for the bus driver before coming home. I made Taco's for dinner that night and then had a Teammate's zoom call for mentor training. Becca also had her end of the year zoom call with her class. Mrs. Arnett gave them all certificates and they all got to have some time to talk to each other. Becca was excited for her awards and a little emotional knowing the year was over.

Watching their class video!

Wednesday we only had a little bit of school work to finish up for the year. Mrs. Arnett stopped by to give Becca her certificates and an end of the year gift. We also gave Mrs. Arnett her end of the year S'more and Forget Me Not basket. That afternoon we planted all my flower pots. Rachel and Alec loved helping and we got all the plants in the pots, and also split and moved some of the tulips. Alec really enjoyed helping me with the tulip bulbs. He would throw the bulb into the hole and see if it would land the correct way (most of the time it did not but he doesn't need to know!). That evening Alec had his final Zoom class and he said that he missed his classmates and he always thought of them like his brothers and sisters with different moms!

Thursday was the official last day of school but we finished all our work on Wednesday so all we had left to do was to take pictures. Rachel had her last zoom class for the year and then at 11 we had a final AR zoom were Alec was honored with his 100 point dog tag! We did a lot of reading over the last couple weeks and most night he wants to read 1 or 2 books before bed. Thursday we also went out early and started planting the garden. Rachel and Alec helped while Becca entertained Simba and cat. This year Rachel and Alec both learned how I plant my garden and they planted most the plants while I put the cages on. We are also trying to put cardboard down on the rows and areas without plants to see if it helps with the weeds. Right now we don't have enough card board! After planting the garden I mowed the lawn then we got cleaned up and delivered Alec and Rachel's teacher gifts. Alec was a little emotional seeing Mrs. Johnson for the last time this year. He had a few tears fall and just wanted to sit in the car while I finished talking. We then went to North Platte and delivered Rachel's gift to Mrs. Thompson. After Mrs. Thompson's we stopped by the bus driver Ms. Amy's house to give her a gift. She was so excited to see us and loved giving the kids a tour of her back yard and her new raised beds. We picked up some food and headed home so Becca could have her end of the year talent show. She decided to play the Harry Potter Theme song on the piano that Rachel taught her that morning. She only played a couple measures but she did really well. Mike and the kids then watched a movie while I Zoomed with the Kohle family. I love our Thursday night chats!

Rachel's last zoom

AR Zoom

Rachel thought she would outgrow Mrs. Thompson this year!

Friday the girls decided they wanted to unbunk their beds and rearrange their room. Since I am deep cleaning and organizing the house this month it was a good time to tackle the girls rooms. We got rid of some clothes and over whelmed Becca with all the crap that they had in small spaced in their rooms. They are loving the new layout and have kept it clean so far! Rachel got invited to have a sleepover at Elly's that night and after putting the little's to bed Mike and I ran over to Rocky and Robyn's for a drink with some of their friends. It rained most of the day and night which helped my garden and new flower pots so much. Saturday I tackled the kitchen and living room decluttering. I took lots of stuff out and love looking into my cupboards now. I am hoping to have the neighbor come over in June and help me pick out new paint colors and help me redecorate the living room and kitchen! Saturday night while I was on a zoom bridal shower for my cousin Avery we got a knock on the door. Neighbor Melissa had nominated the kids to get "Crowned". One of the Miss Nebraska Contestants, is doing a Crown your yard fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network. She we got a picture and a sign in our yard for 24 hrs then got to pass it on to Becca's friend Bree!

Sunday I decided that the kids and I would make a scratching post, play thing for our new kitten. He loves to climb things and so I thought we would make something for him. It is not pretty but the kids and I had a great time building and painting it. We may have to make some adjustments as he grows but so far he loves playing with it. Mike then needed to run to Menards so we dropped him off and went for ice cream before coming home. The kids and I then went for a 3 mile walk (Alec choose to ride his bike), and Mike and Alec took the Blue car for a spin before coming in to shower and watch some shows on TV. They still have a lot of work to do but it runs and drives (just not in reverse, but who needs that?)!