October - December 2020

As fall moved into winter, we kept maintaining social distance and limiting interactions with others unless we could meet up outside.  One of the outside activities was a visit to our local corn maze with some friends.  Kate and Anna learned there would be no Nutcracker in January 2021 to be sure everyone stayed safe from the coronavirus.  Jack was able to complete his Eagle Scout project--building a trail at a nature preserve--while the weather was still good.  We had Thanksgiving and Christmas with the five of us; unfortunate not to visit family, but cozy and nice.

Jack shoots the corn cannon (you can see the corn flying past the parked grey trailer)

Anna (right) with her friend on the bridge in the middle of the corn maze

Jack with his friends on the bridge later that day

Kate (right) and her friend after completing the corn maze

Jack sitting on the bench he made for his Eagle project. This is on the trail he and his troop-mates built.

Officially, it is not considered Thanksgiving unless Kate makes crescent rolls

A family Thanksgiving selfie

The Christmas lights are up

Opening gifts on Christmas morning

July - September 2020

Mid and late summer was largely similar to spring and early summer.  We spent quite a bit of time around the house; Anna even mowed the lawn once!  Jack started planning his Eagle Scout project by working with a local land trust charity.  A good family friend got married outdoors in Vermont in August.  We spent two weeks at home to quarantine and then drove to the wedding.  Nearly everything was outside, and we were happy to have a trip and be safe doing it.  Ballet had a few indoor sessions in the large ballroom wearing masks, but that moved back to virtual at the start of the fall semester.  

In front of the big oak tree at Moyer Gould Woods

Anna on the mower

waiting for the outdoor wedding ceremony in Vermont

A family photo at the wedding location

Anna with Dad's scrap-built ballet barre for virtual classes

April - June 2020

Most of our activities moved to virtual or got cancelled.  No soccer.  Ballet via Zoom meeting.  Jack helped his troop move to virtual meetings using a discord server, but no BSA summer camp.  Mom and Dad did not take too many photos either. Kate helped Dad record a video message for his job and used her videographer and photo setup skills.

 

Plum tree blooms in early Spring

Kate on the patio

WLFI story about Troop 335 discord meetings

January - March 2020

Little did we know as 2020 started that this was going to be a difficult year.  Anna and Kate participated in the Nutcracker, as usual.  They both had several roles and had a great time performing.   Kate's birthday in January had snow, so she and her friends got to do some sledding outside as part of the party.  Anna went with Mom to Indianapolis for the YAGP dance competition, and while they were there, Dad took Jack and Kate to see We Banjo 3 play at the Long Center.  Then, everyone knows what happened starting March 13.  Anna and Jack's birthday was just with our family.

Kate as party goer (at rehearsal)

Kate as toy soldier (also at rehearsal)

Kate leaping in her harlequin costume

Anna as the shepherdess during Marzipan

Anna's entry during finale; Kate is in the second row, left

Do not get your hair in the candles!

Sledding at the birthday party

Before the We Banjo 3 show

The twins' birthday cake