I can almost look back with nostalgia at 2020. January through early March was really great. Then, things got crazy. Our work conference was cancelled, as was our Spring Break trip to South Carolina. Work and School were put into a "temporary" virtual/telework status. I am not sure how I would have felt if I had known that temporary status was going to last the entire year (well, except for Luke). I can recall being overwhelmed by the unknowns and I think it was almost helpful to believe that everything could return to normal in a reasonable amount of time. Although, even then, I never really understood how that would be possible without a vaccine or some amazing treatments. Now, we have the vaccine, but getting the doses and having it administered is another unknown. But, I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am still really scared of getting Covid. I try and be rationale, but I am still scared.
But, there has been a lot of good in 2020. Jack and Anna became teenagers! We spent a ton of time together. We played games, went on bike rides, did puzzles and many outdoor activities. I am hoping that Thomas and I will get to telework much more often, even after everyone is vaccinated. Some of the kids may want to switch to full time virtual school, an option that Florida offers. It would be great to continue what was good and learn from what was difficult.
And, as tradition dictates, the annual summary of the kids:
Anna has really matured this year. She loved playing basketball and showed a lot of improvement. She also enjoys bike rides and goes on multiple rides every day. Her grades suffered when we went to virtual learning, but we are hoping she will do better when she returns this semester. She is smart and kind and has a great sense of humor. She is able to laugh at herself and is not easily offended. She enjoys creating hairstyles and playing Minecraft. My three words for Anna are nice, positive, and thoughtful. Thomas said: nice, maturing, and caring. When she grows up she wants to work for the government.
Kara has done well in school. Change is often difficult for her, so 2020 was an exercise in patience. She was helpful in watching Luke this summer and is a responsible babysitter. She has discovered a love of different types of music and knows all about what is on the radio. She enjoys watching YouTube and has favorite YouTubers. She also enjoys super hero (Marvel) movies. She constantly wears a hooded sweatshirt, with the hood up, no small feat in hot, humid, Florida. In September, she started ballet and acrobatics, which so far she enjoys. My three words for Kara are smart, moody and determined. Thomas said defiant, motivated, and stubborn. She wants to be an anesthesiologist when she grows up.
Jack has also matured this year. He is 5'9, much taller than me. He grew about 7 inches this year! He still loves reading and discovered a new author--Brandon Sanderson, who writes epic fantasy. Jack still enjoys Lord of the Rings, video games, and history. He also likes flying kites and is super excited to try out his new kayak. He has done okay in school, and is really smart, but is not super motivated. He is a sweet kid who is easy to parent and I am thankful for his (generally) calm presence. My three words for Jack are sweet, respectful, and interesting. Thomas chose inquisitive, conscientious, and introverted. Jack would like to be a professor.
Luke is thriving in first grade. He is very smart and scored in the 99th percentile on his latest round of standardized tests. He reads on a 4th grade level, but doesn't love reading yet. He got a new series, The Bad Guys, for Christmas which he is enjoying. He loves to play outside and is very social. He enjoyed playing soccer and is looking forward to trying flag football. He loves playing board games, current favorites are Love Letters, Throw Throw Burrito, and Minions Life. Unfortunately, he gets frustrated easily (at himself). He also still enjoys video games. My three words for Luke are: loving, athletic, and sensitive. Thomas said sweet, whiny and smart. Luke wants to be a lawyer when he grows up.
I have big hopes for 2021. But, most of all, as I say every year, my biggest wish is that on January 1, 2022, we are all together, happy, and healthy.
Welp.. if all 4 of them continue to aim high in their jobs.. our world is in good hands!
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