Kindergarten Love Letter

 My sweet Wessy bug, 

As most everything in 2020, your big kindergarten debut shook out differently than the way we anticipated. The school plans for fall changed multiple times over the summer and come September we had no idea what it was going to look like. I grieved for my sweet middle child, not getting the quintessential start to grade school you'd dreamt of. Watching your brother's experience gave you high hopes for your turn to ride the bus and order hot lunch. 

The year started virtually and you quickly got the hang of zoom meetings and YouTube instruction. Your initial sentiment was- it's way too easssyyyy. At the end of September Kindergarteners got to go back in person, and though you don't get to ride the bus, you are getting as normal an experience as one could hope for in 2020. You have a fantastic teacher, a super small class and wearing a mask doesn't seem to cramp your style one bit. 

For the majority of last year it was you, me and Hazel while Owen was off at school. You were my little helper and Hazel's full time protector/entertainer. You were so sweet with her and the two of you played together well. I had many thoughts of how much harder it was going to be with you in school because Hazel wouldn't have her little buddy. But then Covid hit and everyone was home all the time for months. The sweet dynamic between you and your sister got shaken up and those sweet weekdays swept away. 

Academically, you are well prepared. You are eager to learn and always apply precision and dedication to your work. I'm not sure how much of it is your desire to learn and how much of it is the education we've received from your brothers experience, but you are ready for kinder in a way that feels good. Between your incredibly thoughtful heart and your strong work ethic, I am one proud mama. 

As you embark on this new chapter, may the roots of our deep love give you the security to chart the unique course you are destined for. I love watching you grow and the positive impact you have on your community. From your fierce love of Uno to your desire to help others, you radiate kindness and hope. In a time where more love and understanding are absolutely necessary, you are exactly who the world needs. We love you, our little Kindergarten Wessy. May your elementary adventure be rich, full of growth and goodness. 

xoxo 

Your loving mama 

Summer 2020

With Covid raging, summer 2020 was both far from typical and not that much different, all at the same time. There were no parties, no warm summer nights at the pool, no concerts in the park, but the weeks still felt full. The cadence was steady but lacked the quiniatcential craze that usually accompinies the desire to squeeze every last morsel out of the sunny days. 

We traveled a fair amount including camping at Deception Pass, a weekend in the mountains for family photos, and a kid free weekend in Canon Beach for our anniversary. Chris and Kari bought a vacation home in Eastern Washington and spending time at "The Cove" was the highlight of our summer. Having a safe space to get away and be with family is everything we could have hoped for. We checked it out for a long weekend in May, spent a week there in July and ended the summer with Kari's 40th birthday celebration weekend. The kids are obsessed with boating and Owen wake surfed (on his first try!) with Uncle Chris. 

We embraced exploring locally and visited all the WWII Military Forts- Warden, Flagler, Sea Salt and Casey. We discovered that we love Port Townsend and frequented the candy shop there on the way in and out of town. The kids continued to roam the neighborhood unattended and we learned the pros and cons of being close friends with neighbors. We did privates swim lessons on Fox Island. We got together with a small group of friends often. 

With the pandemic it's hard to know what the right thing to do is. Which activities are safe, which people should we be around, etc. Ultimately, it comes down to priorities. You won't find me in a large group setting and I can live without indoor play places for the kids, but being with family and friends is the nectar of life and, to us, a small community is absolutely necessary.

By this time I'm usually craving the coziness and routine that accompanies fall. This year the changing season is ripe with uncertainty. I'm tempted to look ahead and fear being quarantined indoors during the dreary PNW winter, but have vowed to take things one day and week at a time. At the end of this atypical summer, I'm happy to report we made the best of it. I'm thankful for our health, steady jobs, cousins, adventures and a safe home to return to.