Easter During a Pandemic

How do you celebrate Easter during a pandemic? Well we did the best with what we had. We couldn't have any family parties because social gatherings have to be limited to less than 10, and we have to be super careful around a lot of our extended family since they fall into the "at risk" category (older age, underlying health conditions). It was definitely a different Easter this year, but we kept as many traditions as we could and added in some fun new ones.

Terry and Craig arranged for each family to come over separately to have their Easter Egg Hunt.

 While Grandpa and Grandma were hiding the goodies, all 4 kids climbed the tree.

 Then it was off to find our goodies.

 That night we colored Easter eggs... 48 to be exact.

 The funniest egg award goes to Makayla. She titled this egg, "My Life... destroyed" aptly named for the ever changing world we live in now.

 We started a new tradition (well Tyler didn't realize it was a new tradition until I told him it was). We get the kids new jammies to wear to bed the night before Easter.

 Brynnli was disappointed because she thought she was getting a new toy, but how stinkin cute are these cuties in their new spring jammies?

 The next morning the kids woke up to find their baskets. Now that the kids are getting older, their baskets are much harder to find. Caden's was behind the tv in the fitness room.

 Brynnli looked all over for hers and finally found it in her pretend washer and dryer in the playroom.

 Makayla's was the hardest of all. She found her's in the closet downstairs.

 Since we couldn't go to any family parties, and Tyler and I don't particularly love Easter Ham dinner, we decided to make a turkey and have a thanksgiving dinner. Tyler cooked our turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing and it was so yummy! I made the jello salad and rolls.

 Brynnli really likes the turkey leg... bone and all.

 Cute kids in their new outfits.

 We decided to have a little Easter egg hunt at our house. We hid their colored Easter eggs and some candy around the backyard and the kids ran around.

 Then we settled in to watch a movie.

 Even in quarantine, this Easter has made me appreciate my family so much more. Family is so important and I am so glad these cuties are mine. I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and for his Atoning sacrifice for all of us. The atonement is real; I have used Christ's atonement to be forgiven of big and little things. It is through Him that we can become perfected to live with our Heavenly Father again and be with our families for eternity, and for that I am so grateful.

A Birthday to Remember

Our little Buddy turned 8 years old during quarantine! It was a great day and we tried to make Caden's day special even though we had to make some accommodations. 

 Caden woke up to balloons all over his floor.

 Then he went straight for his presents. He got to open a new outfit. For his other presents, we hid them all around the house and he had to go around and find them all.

 Each of the girls picked out a special gift for Caden. Brynnli gave Caden a Mario watch.

 Makayla gave Caden a book, minifigure, and a chocolate Hershey bar.

 From mom and dad he got a new Lego set, some new clothes, a Mario blanket, a stuffed Mario, and a remote control.

 Then we had the greatest surprise when all of our family on Tyler's side came over for a drive by birthday party. They sang Happy Birthday, we ate cookies, and Caden got to open lots of presents from everyone.

 Thanks to Tracy for the drum set... it's a really quiet gift.

 Birthday parties during social distancing.

 Can you tell what we're spelling out? COVID

Grandpa and Grandma Thomas came over later that night and Caden got even more Legos!

 That night Caden got to choose where to get take out from and he chose Red Robin.  If you know Caden, you know that he LOVES cake... more than any other person I know. So we got him his very own cake.

 Then the kids picked to watch a movie and slept downstairs in the tent.

Oh Caden, we hope you had a fun and memorable 8th birthday. We wanted so badly for you to have a "normal" birthday with a friend party and a big family party, but we are so proud of you for understanding that things had to be different this year. I promise, when all this silly corona virus stuff is over, you are going to have the best party.

In honor of Caden's 8th Birthday, here are 8 things we love about Caden:

1. We love so many things about you. We love your peaceful disposition. Even when things are different or when plans change and you are clearly disappointed about it, you still try to find the positive in all situations.
2. You are the sweetest kid. You are always looking out for others and always try to make people feel special.
3. You give the best compliments, and when you give a compliment, you know it is genuine. I love that you are the first person to notice when I paint my nails and you always tell me that I look pretty.
4. You are so smart and try so hard at your schoolwork. I am amazed at how fast you understand math and how you can do a lot of problems in your head.
5. You are such a good example to everyone and you show us all how to never give up, even when things are hard.
6. You are very athletic. Basketball, baseball, soccer, you name it, you can play it... and you are a really fast runner!
7. Your sweet tooth. Basically any treat, you can bet that Caden loves it.
8. You're our little buddy. I know you will be my best little bud forever. I love you so much Caden!

Just so I Never Forget

Just so I never forget...

This is the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, declared March 11, 2020...

Gas price near my home is $2.19.
School cancelled March 14, 2020 - it's continuing online and regular school is scheduled to open again May 1st.
Church shifted from meeting at the church building to in-home worship starting March 14, 2020.
No public will be allowed to attend General Conference, which will now be broadcast from a small auditorium on Temple Square (Apr 4 & 5, 2020).
Temples have all closed.
U.S. missionaries serving in other countries are returning home. (Most are home by now.)*Self-distancing measures on the rise.
Tape on the floors at grocery stores and others to help distance shoppers (6ft) from each other.*Limited number of people inside stores, therefore, lineups outside the store doors.
Non-essential stores and businesses mandated closed.
Playgrounds are off limits, city buildings have locked their doors.
Entire sports seasons cancelled.
Dance classes are online. Dance competitions are being postponed to the summer at this point. A few have been cancelled.
Concerts, tours, festivals, entertainment events - cancelled.
Weddings, baptisms, family celebrations, holiday gatherings - cancelled.
No gatherings of 100 or more, then 20 or more, now 10 or more.
Don't physically socialize with anyone outside of your home. We are to distance from each other.
Shortage of masks, gowns, gloves for our front-line workers.
Shortage of ventilators for the critically ill.
Panic buying sets in and most people can't find toilet paper, disinfecting supplies, paper towel, laundry soap, and hand sanitizer. Store shelves are bare.
Manufacturers, distilleries and other businesses switch their lines so they can help make visors, masks, hand sanitizer and PPE.
Government closes the border to all non-essential travel.
Fines are established for breaking the rules in nearby cities.
In large cities, stadiums and recreation facilities open up for the overflow of Covid-19 patients.
Press conferences daily from the President and Governor. Daily updates on new cases, recoveries, and deaths.
Barely anyone on the roads.
People wearing masks and gloves outside and to the grocery stores.
Essential service workers are terrified to go to work.
Medical field workers are afraid to go home to their families.
5.4 Earthquake hit Utah (Magna) March 18, 2020.
6.5 Earthquake hit 78 miles from Boise, Idaho, March 31, 2020.

One day, during a better time, this will show up in my memory feed, and it will be an annual reminder that life is precious and not to take the things we dearly love for granted.