One Year!

 It's been one year since the country was completely shut down, one year since my kids said goodbye to their K, 3rd, and 5th grade teachers for (unbeknownst to them) the last time, one year since a TP shortage that I have never seen in my lifetime, one year since COVID-19 slammed our country with illness, death, and fear. After one year, we have come so far. There is now a vaccine, sports are being played again, restaurants are open for in person dining again, kids have been in school in person successfully for the entire school year in Lowndes County. TP is back on shelves as well as paper towels and other goods. Things are slowly looking normal again. Looking back, it amazes me how fast it all really happened even though (especially during all of the business lock downs) ti seemed that there was utter confusion and unknowns that would change our world forever. I'm so thankful for the time I had at home with our kids last year, but I'm more thankful that they are back to a normal life, that involves interactions with their peers, church, school, and sports involvement. I firmly believe socialization is terribly important for kids. 

With all that being said, this weekend we attended a local festival. Yes, an outdoor festival with people and music and fun! The Azalea Festival was cancelled last year because of COVID, but this year it was on. I took the kids yesterday and they had the best time. There were all kinds of activities, food, arts and crafts, and shows. I was so thankful for that little festival because, by being there, it made me feel like we were really all getting back to some sort of normal (for now.) Some people wore masks, some didn't, but it was all outdoors and the weather was perfect. I think we were all more at risk of pollen allergies than COVID yesterday. (The pollen haze is hanging over us now and is miserable.)

The bungee jump was our first stop. 

I couldn't talk the kids into doing a flip. They just wanted to bounce really high. 

Up next was the rock climbing wall. This is by far, Ellie's favorite thing to do. 

She made it to the top! 

Let's just say, Mack was a little on the struggle bus. 

Emma couldn't be outdone by Ellie. 

She made it to the top as well. 

All the walking and activities required a cool refreshment. Kona Ice for the win. 

Decisions, decisions. 

All Mack wanted to do from the time we got there was swing. Right before we left, he finally got the opportunity. 

While Mack was swinging, Ellie and Emma met up with their sweet friends (who are also sisters) Cara and Shannon Hillberg. 

Mack kept insisting on this sword, even though it cost him $5 of his own money. 

This picture I snapped this morning after church. I had to document Ellie wearing a romper. It blows my mind that these things are back in style. She loves the 2 she has, and she looks super cute in them. 

 

2021 Ski trip and other fun!

 This February we went on our 3rd annual family ski trip. This is Worth's FAVORITE thing to do. I am so thankful for him and his planning abilities. He had our trip planned by the end of July 2020 and had started the packing process by the beginning of November. He gets really excited about the ski trip, so we just roll with it. This year we went back to Park City, Utah. It was easier this year just because everything was familiar to us. The COVID situation made eating out a little more challenging, so we had groceries delivered to our condo and ate in most meals every day. It was cold and there was a TON of snow this year in Park City which made for great ski conditions. Everyone (including me) had improvement in their skiing abilities. The kids are quickly surpassing my skills, so I feel it won't be long before they no longer want mom with them. 

Along with the ski trip the month of February was another busy sports month including basketball games and Ellie making the middle school golf team. I love that our kids enjoy sports and really work hard at whatever they are playing each season. It is so fun to watch them perform and improve as athletes each year.

Before we left on the ski trip, we let the kids go ahead and open their Valentine's Day gifts from each other and their grandparents since we would be in Park City for Valentine's day. 

Mack lost a tooth the night before we left for Park City. Last year he lost one while we were in Park City, so I guess this will be an annual thing as well. 

Being in the airport was a little different that pre- COVID years, but the kids did awesome. Mack loves to watch the planes. 

We made it to Utah. The hot chocolate was a necessary 1st stop after arriving.

Daddy/Daughter skiing discussion. 

The kids had to get down and play in the snow before we did any skiing. We certainly don't get to see it but once a year on this trip. 

Me and my girls waiting in line for the lift. 

Ellie and Emma posed up after getting off of a lift. The snow was so heavy, you can't even see the mountains in the background. 

Attempted Family helmet selfie

In this moment it was around 4 degrees on top of the mountain. 

Worn out after a day of skiing. 

We got stuck in Salt Lake City on the way home due to our plane having a mechanical issue. It made us miss our connection in Atlanta to take us back to Valdosta. We were able to get the last flight back to Valdosta at 9:00pm that night, which left us with about a 3 hour lay over in Atlanta. The kids took their time on the moving sidewalks and we had a sit down dinner in the airport. I never knew my kids would do so well in the airport, but they did great despite wanting for what seemed like forever. 

Somehow on the final flight back to Valdosta, Mack got an entire row to himself. He was loving it. 

These 2 sweet girls made the Hahira Middle Golf team. They may not have mad golf skills yet, but they sure do look cute out there playing. 

They won their first tournament. 

Mack, Emma, and I made it to the tournament at the end, just as the downpour hit. 

Ellie was so nervous, but they did so good.

This is the one picture I got from Dr. Seuss dress up week. This was Wacky Wednesday. Ofcourse, Mack wanted a mohawk. 

Mack making some free throws. He actually made a lot of his free throws this years. His shooting is improving. 

This is Emma making her free throws. Her team lost in their playoff game, but they had a fun year. Emma has definitely become an amazing basketball player for an elementary school kid. 

There are so many boys that play parks and rec basketball there are 2 leagues - the SEC and ACC. Mack's team ended up winning the gold bracket in the SEC league. 

Mack was so excited! Even though the parks and rec people messed up and accidentally gave our team the runner up trophies. 

My favorite #5. 

After they won their league, they had to play the winner of the ACC league. They, unfortunately lost that game but were thrilled to get more trophies and new basketballs from their coach. 

Westside White

We were missing a few players for this last and final game, so these boys were worn out from not really getting a break during the game. I was so proud of all of them.