2020, April 27-May 3

We got news that (in Utah at least) some restrictions on getting out and about would be lifted as of Friday, and that the kids would be going back to gym in small groups by Monday, May 4. While we look forward to the kids getting some well-needed physical activity and an opportunity to blow off some steam, we remain aware of the health risks posed by COVID-19. The dilemma is real.

Part of getting the kids back to the gym is looking at their backpacks and making sure they are cleaned out. Landon had not yet cleaned out his backpack, and he had a trove of scholarly treasures to share.

It took Hallie a second to remember that three of them took a selfie to send to Diamond and Caleb. They don't use social media and so we decided to send them a picture.

With the help of Alicia and Mike who were willing to get their hands dirty Hallie started the garden for this year. We have 5 tomato plants, brussel sprouts, cucumbers and different bell peppers. Over the weekend Hallie along with our neighbor Shelly we acquired more cages to help in the growing of several of the vegetables. We haven't had a lot of great luck in the growing of vegetables over the years and so Hallie has a bit of nerves as she spear heads this little project.

Recently two teachers at Westside Elementary School put together a video for all of the students from the teachers and staff. Hallie worried over what to put on a sign and this is what she came up with. Hallie has loved her time at Westside and misses the kids she has worked with.

The star indicates all of Eliza's success in her resource class. Below is a self portrait Eliza did at the beginning of the year in her resource class. Thank you for all of your hard work this year Mrs. Beckham on behalf of Eliza!

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Below is Hallie's self portrait that she hung on the wall in the resource room this year.

On Thursday evening in spite of a thunderstorm we took porch pictures with Coach Alison as a fundraiser for AirTime. You would think the kids had never seen rain or the outdoors before. We had fun with Coach Allison and drove their parents nuts.

Friday was teacher appreciation day and many kids came out and chalked the sidewalk outside of the school to greet the teachers as they came to the school.

Mike has a cozy little alcove in the upstairs bedroom for work.

Hallie saw a news story a couple of weeks back about a series Steve Hartman from CBS Evening News had done recently online called Kindness 101. We've watched a couple of episodes on Sundays. This week we watched one on empathy. We wanted to show our appreciation for those people working with the public while many people are on lockdown. Both kids chose to thank our neighbor/Pediatric Nurse Julie. Thank You!