April felt all out of order in 2020. Life was completely different from anything we knew. The world as we knew it stopped moving. Schools and churches closed. People were encouraged to stay away from each other. It was weird. We still managed to have all sorts of fun and learn all sorts of things.
We ended the month with Elizabeth's birthday. She was so excited to turn 5! Abigail took charge of decorating the room to celebrate Lizzie.
We sure love being blessed to spoil our kids.
Lizzie wanted to make her own cake this year. She chose rice krispies in the form of a guitar.
She did an amazing job forming the guitar and decorating with frosting and sprinkles.
We had fun drawing shadow art and then filling in the details inside (it was too hot to stay outside for the entire project).
It took a bit of creativity and ingenuity to be able to trace the animal shadows without our own shadows getting in the way.
Too bad the water got spilled as we were water coloring. Next time we'll be more careful. Or not. Because that is just the way life goes sometimes. And that's ok.
Water fights with the neighbors over the fence since we were supposed to be quarantined.
And don't forget the hair wax. What kind of a quarantine would it be if we forgot about hair wax?
We love having fun experimenting with temporary changes to our hair. So far the hair wax has been fun for multiple colors, but not so great for longevity. It washes right out and also makes the hair feel very brittle. Not our favorite. Guess we'll have to keep trying new methods.
It's been tricky finding hair color that shows in Abby's darker hair.
Easter time means so many things. Focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central and we do it through so many different activities. We love finding new ways to remember Him.
One of our favorites is coloring eggs! All the bright colors remind us of all the beautiful creations made for us. It also helps us remember that although every one is different, they are all beautiful and together make a wonderful work of art.
Speaking of works of art...these kids are sure amazing! Home church means getting all dressed up to go into the front room instead of our normal building. We still find ways to set apart the day and time to worship and show our love for our Savior.
Easter treasures!
Outside family time!
All the staying away from other people and only staying with our family meant lots of family walks. We had fun being prepared to keep our distance and cover up if that wasn't an option. We were fortunate to not actually need the masks and got to enjoy the fresh air. Make the best of our situations...
Zeb got a small chunk of hair cut by accident...has anyone figured out how that can actually be an accident?!?!...and the end result was a short summer cut. He wasn't a fan at first, but soon enjoyed not having to comb his hair every morning.
We started the month of April off on a good note...General Conference! We set up our tent to face the prophet and got to work listening and learning from our leaders.
Online school (without giving the schools any time to prep for it) - really means no school - which means we find ways to learn and grow at home. Chalk art is great to learn about all sort of things. Colors, blending, shapes, proportions, etc.
It only took having 6 kids to get me to have maternity pictures taken. And really, it only happened because I have a good friend that was finding ways to spread joy and hope during a scary time. She took pictures of families and asked for a short story to go along with the pictures to share with the community.
Gorgeous girls!
The world is a scary place, even without pandemics happening. But look at these smiles!
Look for ways to stand up and stand out.
Look for ways to be kind.
Look for ways to share light.
Look for ways to find peace.
Look for ways to build and buoy.
Last family picture as a family of 7!
Moral of the story...even if things are all out of order and new and scary...you can still find joy and hope and peace if you take the time to look for it. Look outside of the box and find new ways to learn and live.
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