Week 2:
Anyway... I didn't worry too much about school last week but when we were told school would not be resuming until April 13th, I decided that we needed to be doing things at home. We picked up Hannah's computer which had been left at school for the break and we picked up Christian's computer which he does not usually get to bring home. We weren't getting a lot of direction from the school other than some of the elementary and middle school teachers putting optional assignments on Google Classroom. So that is what I had the kids focus on. High school teachers just said to review. Of course, Cameron wasn't about to do that. We were and continue to be bombarded with ideas of websites to go to. I don't really find that beneficial because I want my kids to progress in their education and I don't know where they are at in that progression and how to get where they need to be. Plus it is overwhelming and time consuming figuring out what websites we want to use and what to use on them. I just want direction from our teachers and administrators. But based on the communication the middle and elementary schools are sending home, I get the impression they'll put a few optional things on Google Classroom and that is about it. We likely won't get back to school this school year and all the kids will be advanced. However, starting Monday, the high school will be putting new material on their educational platform, Schoology, and grades will be going into the grade book (so they say). I have had all 3 kids doing a typing program in effort to get them typing, something they don't teach at school. We have always been good about reading. Christian and Hannah even like to read on their own. We've also been pretty good about practicing instruments and I am now being more diligent about that. I am also making sure they get outside and get physical activity. Hannah's dance teacher has classes everyday on line (dance, yoga, Barre, etc.) and the HS strength and conditioning coach is putting workouts online. Of course I have to be side by side with Cameron to make sure he is doing something.
Here are some of the memorable things from the weeks:
Week 3:
Monday - the kids started the day fighting. They were immediately sent to "in room suspension."
Tuesday - Christian sat down to practice piano and Cameron got his flute out and they played together. It is very rare for the kids to do something together other than fight.
Wednesday - Christian was minding his own business when Hannah swiped his leg with a paint brush. He said he hated her and took the paint off his leg and tried to swipe her with it. She then painted on his new, favorite shirt. (BTW - things like this happen ALL. THE. TIME.)
Thursday - Cameron decided to learn to play the Ukele. He played the same 8 or so notes (which was the beginning of a song) over and over and over all day long.
Friday - We tried to play four square together. That never goes well.
Saturday - I taught a boot camp class at a park with plenty of space for social distancing. I had about 22 there. A crazy guy was there and he yelled at us (from a distance) for a long time. I am guessing he wasn't happy we were there spreading the Covid-19. We were not breaking any laws or even going against any directives. This is just nuts!
Sunday - We had a Sunday School lesson in the morning and we had a short sacrament meeting before dinner. I am so thankful to have worthy priesthood holders in my home!
Week 4:
Monday - This morning we woke the the announcement that school would not resume until next school year and the state was going on lock down. I wanted to cry, but didn't. I knew it was coming. We adhered to a loose schedule today. After the kids got their initial fighting out of the way, it wasn't a horrible day. All the kids have work posted online which they did without complaining. They are also working on typing and we are spending time outside. Chuck started his furlough week. He re-grouted the hall shower/bath and painted the areas that were not covered when we got new counter-tops almost 4 years ago. We finished our evening with the announcement that the city of Tempe was closing all parks. No more boot camp in the park for me.
Tuesday - We didn't follow much of a schedule today but the kids are getting their work done. Cameron likes to start his first thing in the morning which is about 6:30. I try to keep the kids from watching too much TV. It's the most difficult with Cameron. Hannah spends a lot of time painting and Christian will play Legos for hours. There have been lots of fights over the Ukulele. If there is anywhere where I can buy one, I would seriously buy one for Hannah just to stop the fighting.
Wednesday - Cameron has gotten back into the habit of whistling ALL THE TIME. I try to be patient with him but it irritates me so much. There is still a lot of fighting over the Ukulele.
Thursday - Cameron bought a unicycle. He's been practicing in the driveway. Surprisingly he hasn't gone through "all the emotions" but is being patient and determined.
Friday - Cameron said, "I am done with this. Can we go back to school?" Guess what? I am done with it too.
Saturday - Chuck went on a LONG bike ride today. I took the kids on a shorter bike ride with some friends. We went on the canal and to Kiwanis Park. The amount of people out on the canal paths is insane. I can't believe so many people even have bikes.
Sunday - Camera and Emily didn't come over for dinner. They are taking the stay at home orders very seriously. At dinner the kids were being so nasty to each other, they were sent to their rooms while Chuck and I finished dinner. I do want to note that this behavior is not a result of spending too much time together. This is par for the course.
Week 5:
Monday - Mondays are the worst as well as the best. They are the worst because the kids seem to fight the most but are the best because they work the hardest on school. But today Hannah did say, "I am not doing school today." One of this morning's fight was over the zit cream. It made Chuck so mad that he went to Target, bought two tubes and put Hannah's name on one and Cameron's on the other.
Tuesday - I've been providing moral support for Cameron while he does daily workouts posted by the strength and conditioning coach. Today Cameron was not taking the workout seriously, was not taking feedback from me and was not problem solving when something wasn't working right. I got mad, he got mad. I wouldn't provide moral support, he wouldn't do the workout.
Wednesday - I've been craving a really good Dr. Pepper so I took the kids to Sonic during Happy Hour. The Dr. Pepper was good but the price, even at happy hour, was ridiculous.
Thursday - The Ukulele which has been MIA for a few days found its way back into Cameron's hands.
Friday - I should probably journal what it's like when we go out... Restaurants are only doing take out. Some let you in the restaurant, others will not. No where lets you sit down inside or out. Everyone store has markings of where to stand while you wait your turn so you are six feet away from anyone. Trader Joe's won't let you use your own bags. Fry's will, but they won't touch them. They will touch your coupons however. People are wearing gloves. They touch everything with their gloves and don't change them. I am not sure how that is different than just using your hands. A lot of people are wearing some type of mask. Again, they wear it all the time, taking it on and off, probably touching their face more than they would if they weren't wearing a mask. So many things aren't making sense. There is no hand soap or Chlorex wipes to be found. Frozen hash browns and flour also can't be found. Our neighbor refused to touch our recycling bin (he normally pulls it up to the house for us) and he won't pet the neighbors dog.
Saturday - Hannah and I walked to the store to grab a couple things and they had hand soap. We tried to buy two while going thru self check out but we were caught. And while the somewhat rude cashier was taking our second soap away, she did not give me my six feet! I gave Hannah a dollar and she went to a different cashier and bought a second bottle.
Sunday - We had a pretty nice Easter. Although Christian figured out the Easter Bunny is not real. He seemed a little upset but when I told him if he says the Easter Bunny is not real than he doesn't get presents, he said, "But the Easter Bunny is real. You are the Easter Bunny and you are real." I feel like he has lost some of his innocence, but I am glad I don't have to pretend anymore. The kids got some money rather than a gift in their basket and some candy. We had an Easter egg hunt, went for a bike ride, dyed Easter eggs, had Sunday school, took naps (well, I did), and had sacrament meeting with Camera, Emily and their kids before we had dinner.
Week 6:
Monday - Camera took the boys hiking. That's probably the most outside time and physical activity they've gotten since the lock down began.
Tuesday - We've been able to extend the length of our time playing Four Square before someone gets upset. We usually go out after dinner and play until we can't see the ball anymore.
Wednesday - Chuck and I went for a tandem ride today. We probably average once a year riding tandem. Christian happily played Legos until Hannah kicked them over. The fighting was pretty intense today.
Thursday - There is a seat at our dining room that the kids always fight over. I don't know what is so great about this seat but it is across from me and next to Chuck. I was sick of the fighting so tonight each of the kids got to sit there ONE AT A TIME. Really the things they fight over are so dumb! I was hoping for a better day than yesterday, but I went to bed thinking about the line in a Hard Knock Life when it says "Yesterday was plain awful."
Friday - Hannah and I went to the Music Store to buy a guitar string so the kids can start to learn the guitar. We called ahead, let them know what we needed and paid over the phone. We called when we got there and they put the strings outside and we picked them up. We also went to Michael's because she was running low on paint. Chuck went back to the Music Store in the afternoon because as he was stringing the guitar, he made it a little too tight and it busted. The boys watched A LOT of TV and Cameron threw a fit when he was asked to water the garden. He did it yesterday! How can we possibly ask him to do a "chore" two days in a row.
Saturday - There was a lot of fighting over the piano and Ukulele today. Hannah and Cameron were actually going to play a duet with H on the piano and C on the Uk. But as it turns out, they learned their parts in different keys and neither one would learn their part in the other key. As always, it got ugly.
Sunday - Sundays are always long days but especially now since we don't get out to go to church. We've been doing our Sunday School lessons during the day and Sacrament meeting before dinner. Camera, Melody, Emily, Raygan and Rylee join us each week.
Week 7:
I've decided not to document each day during the week, but to just give an overview of the week. Each day and each week seems to be much the same. This week I decided I was going to force Cameron to work out with me. I actually didn't have to force him, he did it pretty willingly. We are streaming MOSSA workouts. He likes Athlete 30, Core and Power so we do each workout twice a week. The back porch just wasn't big enough for the both of us so we moved to the garage. It's getting warm out, but it's not unbearable. Hannah has been doing the Centergy workouts with me and sometimes will join us for Core and Athlete 30.
Week 8:
We've continued our workouts in the garage. Chuck was furloughed this week. He worked on sanding and finishing the door frames. He rode bikes a couple times with Christian and once with Cameron and Christian. They went to the Ahwatukee foothills which is quite a ride for a 10 year old. Christian seems to really enjoy riding. Maybe he'll be the bike racer. Hannah is spending a lot of time in her room completing homework packets or painting. I hate to say it, but there hasn't seem to be as much fighting lately. But don't get me wrong, there is still plenty. We celebrated (the best we could) Cameron's birthday on Saturday the 2nd. That will get its own post.
Week 9:
For his birthday, Cameron wanted to go backpacking. So on Thursday Chuck, Cameron and Christian left to go to Hannah Hot Springs. Carson has been in Eager since Spring Break so they swung by (not really on the way) there and picked him up so he could go along. They came back late Sunday evening. Hannah LOVED the time that they were gone. It was definitely very quiet around the house. Hannah spent some time with her friends but we also spent a lot of time together. The best part was when she gave me a pedicure. She asked me to wear a mask. (So many people are walking around with masks on. They wear them in their car, when they walk, run or ride bikes.) I said I'd rather not. She just told me to keep 6 feet away. HaHa. She said she was going to wear gloves to prevent the spread of the virus. (Yes, people are wearing gloves as well as a mask). But when those didn't work out so well, she took them off and told me since she'll be touching my legs so just don't lick my legs. HaHa. She did a great job. As you can see, this virus is making people crazy! Sunday was Mother's Day. Hannah bought be flowers, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed the floor and made dinner. She really was an angel all weekend.
Week 10:
Monday was my birthday. Hannah made some amazing crepes for breakfast. I ran and did 43 Sun Salutations. We went to lunch at Rumbi's. We actually got to eat in the restaurant. It was the first day restaurants were allowed to have customers dine it. The kids didn't really fight at all the whole day. Hannah helped me fix dinner and I worked out with Melissa (in the garage) after dinner.
The governor did not extend the stay at home order which ends on the 15th. Most things have opened up with restrictions (limited capacity, social distancing, etc.) The Y opened on Wednesday but has not started group exercise yet. However, I might not go back to teaching for them. EoS will be opening next week. But as far as I know, I am not in the first phase of group ex which means there are less classes for now. We returned the Chromebooks which means school is basically over. It would have officially ended next week. But considering they never do anything the last week of school, I guess we can say that summer has started. Cameron is taking a summer school class which he has to do online. He is not happy about that. But I actually think it's better because it will free up a lot of time. Maybe he'd feel different about it if he hadn't have been doing school from home for the last quarter. With all that being said, I think I will discontinue my weekly updates during this pandemic. However, since it is still affecting the country/world, I will probably journal an update here and there.
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| Hannah's Calendar |
July 5th - Well, a lot has happened in the last almost 2 months and nothing has happened. Cameron took a health class online for summer school. He didn't complain too much and did learn some things. He didn't spend a ton of time on it, but at least it got him to do something other than watch TV and play video games. He started football "practice" with many restrictions. The kids, while in groups of 10, lifted weights while keeping 6 feet between them and wearing masks. They ran drills outside keeping the 6ft between them but not having to wear masks. But that only lasted a couple weeks. His coach had a co-worker test positive for Covid, so his team was shut down for what was supposed to be a couple days but became indefinitely.
I went back to teaching on the 1st of June. I was teaching 8 classes a week and Cameron was going to most of them with me. He seemed to really enjoy them and again, it gave him something to do. But that too was short lived. The governor shut down gyms on June 29th and schools cancelled everything.
Chuck is still working at home. In addition to the initial furlough, Honeywell has done two lay offs. Many of Chuck's co-workers are getting laid off or taking a voluntary lay off. He still has his job, but he is miserable. He has been miserable for a long time, but it's getting worse.
The public pools did open, so we have been getting out and going to different pools. The kids are getting together with friends here and there. They are all looking forward to going back to school and church. But Arizona is a currently a "hot spot" and rather than moving forward, we seem to be moving backward. The governor has not mandated masks but all the city mayors have. So we are wearing masks when we go out. I am not sure how much good they do, but I am willing to give it a try. We see people wearing masks while in their car, while running, hiking, riding their bikes, etc. I am not sure if they think the virus is floating around in the air, but it is quite humorous. I was out for a run one morning and a lady just about jumped into the bushes to avoid getting too close to me. I am not sure we can trust the CDC or WHO, but they have said, and I do agree with this, that touching surfaces is not a main mode of transmission. But the country has become obsessed with cleaning everything that is touched and not sharing anything. The boys weren't even allowed to throw a football in practice. It is way out of control. Oh, and there is plexi-glass everywhere. I went to Changing Hands bookstore and not only were both the clerk and I wearing a mask, there was plexi-glass between us and he told me to place the books on the counter and take a step back. We are all so over this.
I went back to teaching on the 1st of June. I was teaching 8 classes a week and Cameron was going to most of them with me. He seemed to really enjoy them and again, it gave him something to do. But that too was short lived. The governor shut down gyms on June 29th and schools cancelled everything.
Chuck is still working at home. In addition to the initial furlough, Honeywell has done two lay offs. Many of Chuck's co-workers are getting laid off or taking a voluntary lay off. He still has his job, but he is miserable. He has been miserable for a long time, but it's getting worse.
The public pools did open, so we have been getting out and going to different pools. The kids are getting together with friends here and there. They are all looking forward to going back to school and church. But Arizona is a currently a "hot spot" and rather than moving forward, we seem to be moving backward. The governor has not mandated masks but all the city mayors have. So we are wearing masks when we go out. I am not sure how much good they do, but I am willing to give it a try. We see people wearing masks while in their car, while running, hiking, riding their bikes, etc. I am not sure if they think the virus is floating around in the air, but it is quite humorous. I was out for a run one morning and a lady just about jumped into the bushes to avoid getting too close to me. I am not sure we can trust the CDC or WHO, but they have said, and I do agree with this, that touching surfaces is not a main mode of transmission. But the country has become obsessed with cleaning everything that is touched and not sharing anything. The boys weren't even allowed to throw a football in practice. It is way out of control. Oh, and there is plexi-glass everywhere. I went to Changing Hands bookstore and not only were both the clerk and I wearing a mask, there was plexi-glass between us and he told me to place the books on the counter and take a step back. We are all so over this.
October 4th - What?! It has been 3 months since I posted! Well, as far as the virus is concerned, not much has changed. Things are still crazy, ridiculous and non-sensical (is that a word?). As you can see from other posts, we were able to do some fun things over the summer. Cameron started school virtually on the 3rd of August. Hannah and Christian's start date was delayed until the 17th. Both school districts were hopeful that the kids could start in person on the 17th but that did not happen. Apparently the number of people testing positive for Covid was still too high. The first quarter just ended and the kids have been online the whole time.
I have to admit that I have been impressed with the online schooling. The teachers are doing a great job. The kids stream their classes and have assignments. Our kids are attending class (we did have to upgrade our internet) and doing their work without prodding or complaining. The same can not be said about many of the other kids. Parents are complaining that their kids are failing. Even though my kids are doing well, they are not happy with online school and want to be back in person. Many (if not most) school districts in the area are back in school. Tempe Elementary District was supposed to go back after Fall Break (Oct 13th) but the Board decided to delay the start to Nov 3rd OR later. I am not happy about that. Even though the positive rate and death rate are way down, apparently it is still not "safe" to return to school. Here are the letters I sent to the Board.
Tempe Elementary Board Members-
First of all, thank you for all you do. We were relieved to receive the e-mail recently stating that our schools would be resuming in-person classes after Fall Break.
We would like to voice our opinion that it is way past time for the kids to be back in school. We are not going to take the time to cite research and quote experts. We all know that the children are suffering emotionally, physically, and mentally -- all because they might catch a virus that has a very low death rate. Honestly we have a greater concern that our kids will get hit by a car in their schools' drop off and pick up zones.
Fortunately, our children are doing well and we have been impressed with the online instruction. But that is not to say they are happy. They are not. There are many times they are frustrated, angry, overwhelmed and anxious. Some of that is of course normal, but the online school has certainly exacerbated those emotions.
Many public and charter schools in our area are already in-person without incident.
We urge you to not allow the voices of a few loud parents (who already have the option to keep their kids at home and continue with on-line instruction) sway your decision in opening schools for in-person instruction for those who want it.
Thank you for your time.
Charles and Rebekah Royalty
Good Afternoon -
I appreciated the opportunity to attend the board meeting last night. I also appreciated the thoughtful comments that were made. However, those comments did not resonate with me nor did they sway my opinion.
I will not go into the many reasons why making the decision based on the number of Covid-19 cases in the 85281 and 85282 zip codes is perfectly flawed just as the numbers themselves are perfectly flawed. It was explained how the metrics are dominated by the ASU student population. But I would like to point out that our children's education should not be tied to a non-representative body of our student population.
There are also some other things I would like to address from last night.
First, the word compromise was tossed around as if this decision is a compromise. A compromise would be allowing those who want to go back to school the option and those who want to stay home that option as well.
Secondly, I appreciate Mrs. Devine's attempt to move the start date up. I also appreciated her question to Superintendent Busch on how long will we "keep pushing the ball." This question was not adequately answered. As Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Trejo said, we have no idea how long this pandemic will last and there seems to be no end in site. I do hope this pandemic ends soon, but Covid-19 is around to stay, and we need to learn to live with it. Let's say the "numbers" are still the same come March. Will we still not be back in school? Yes, as Mrs. Wells said, death is permanent. However, the risk of death from Covid-19 is very small. But there is the certainty that many children are suffering academically, emotionally, physically and developmentally. The results of which could also be permanent. There is also the certainty that the school district has lost and will continue to lose the most involved families.
Lastly, I did appreciate Superintendent Busch making the decision to remain on-line throughout the first quarter. I agree, it is hard to plan and commit when the there is a moving target. However, even though the target might still be moving, we need to get back to school AS SOON AS we meet the recommendations from the State (if that is what you are choosing to follow). I am afraid that Superintendent Busch will decide/recommend to continue on-line instruction through the second quarter for the same reasons she chose to have on-line only for the first quarter.
I would like Superintendent Busch and the board to assure us that our kids will be able to get back to in-person school when (if not before) the recommendations for a "safe" return are met.
Thank you for your time.
Rebekah Royalty
Although we are not back in school, we were able to go back to church in August. We only have sacrament meeting (and the procedures are ridiculous) and we don't go over 45 minutes. We have been divided up into smaller groups but this week we are able to all go at the same time.
There is a mask mandate right now so everywhere you go you have to wear a mask. For the most part we always remember our masks. If you go to Target, the grocery store, etc. other than wearing the mask and having reminders about social distancing, things seem pretty normal. There was a time where dressing rooms were closed and some establishments wouldn't let you use your own bags. Some restaurants are open for dine-in at half capacity, others are still not allowing anyone to eat at the restaurant. No one allows refillable cups or allows you to refill your paper/plastic cup (we still do). There is plexi- glass everywhere. I am not sure how much these measures are helping. Does it make sense to think that the virus (if it is airborne) can not move around the plexiglass? Months ago it was very hard to find Chlorex wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer, etc. Now it is every where you turn around.
I went back to teaching at the Y about a month ago. I am teaching 6 classes of different formats. We have to wear a mask the whole time. I find it to be annoying and unnecessary but it is not horrible. I do see a lot of people struggling to breathe. I rarely see any runners in masks, but I do see lots of dog walkers and people riding bikes. I love when people aren't wearing a helmet on their bikes but they are wearing a mask. On many occasions while outside when I pass someone without a mask, they will move over, turn their head or cover their mouth/nose with their shirt.
Cameron has been playing football. They have had 3 games. One was cancelled because the school closed because of a Covid outbreak. An outbreak is considered 2 kids from different families. At the beginning of football practices the kids had to wear masks and social distance while inside the weight room. They could not throw a football and when they would run drills outside, they were put in cohorts of 10. There was about a two week period early on when Cameron's group could not work out because their coach had been exposed to someone with Covid. It turned out he was negative. The rules are a little more relaxed now but still ridiculous. At games they have only one person (a volunteer) allowed to touch the water dispenser. Of course they have been having to bring their own water the whole time so no one uses the water. The have a volunteer who is supposed to keep the kids social distanced while on the sidelines and one more volunteer who takes temperatures before entering the stadium. I have not volunteered to do any of those things. Only 2 people can attend for each kid and we have to wear masks. They won't take cash so we are supposed to buy tickets online but the link/app only sometimes works. There are no concessions. But the interesting part is that Chuck went to one away game east of here and they took cash and had concessions. As I have mentioned the inconsistencies are so frustrating.
Christian started playing Little League Fall Ball. They aren't all allowed in the dugout at the same time and if they are in the dugout, they have to wear a mask. They put their bags on the fence 6 feet apart. Seriously, I am not making this up. Originally we were told that we could not attend practices or games. But before the first game, the city said we could attend as along as we wore masks and social distanced. No one does.
November 3,
Not much as changed in the last couple of weeks other than the number of Covid cases and deaths are going up. They are at their highest. However, we are going to church every week with the whole congregation. We are still only doing sacrament but we do get to sing. (Did I mention we weren't singing for a while?) Cameron started going to school in-person a few weeks ago on Th and Fri only. The other half of the school that wants to go in-person goes on Mon and Tues. He is glad to be back at school but they have to wear masks, social distance, wash their hands all the time, etc. The classes are really small making him wonder why he can't go everyday. Making me wonder too. Hannah and Christian started yesterday. They are going 5 days a week. They have the same regulations that Cameron does but they don't have to have their temperature taken before school like Cameron. Christian gets to go out to recess but they have to stay in zones with only their class. They aren't allowed to share equipment like a basketball or soccer ball (heaven forbid). But they are both happy to be back at school. I kink of liked having them home because I didn't have to do drop off and pick up or fix lunches. I was also able to sleep in a bit more. Now I have to be home by 6:30am to get the ball rolling. With the cases spiking, I can't imagine they will be going to school much longer. I hope I am wrong.
December 21,
Well, I was not wrong. Christian and Hannah were able to go to school in-person for 3 weeks before they went back to online. Cameron was able to go the last couple of days before Thanksgiving before he went back online. And last week we got the emails that they would not be starting the second semester of school in-person. We have not been given dates of when they might go back. Cases are still sky-rocketing but people are starting to receive a vaccine. It will be a while before the general population receives it. First priority are health care and front line workers, then nursing home residents (because that make sense to someone) and then school teachers. But right now there are limited doses. Melissa's husband Mike and her daughter Mia got Covid but Melissa and her other daughter did not. Mike got it from his niece. Camera's husband Jomo also got it. They think from school. He is a teacher. Mike and Jomo felt bad but did recover and did not require medical treatment. Mia had one day when she felt bad. My mom and dad also got it. My dad picked it up at the Bishop's store house where he volunteers regularly. He has felt pretty bad. My mom just lost her sense of smell and taste.
December 31,
On Christmas Eve day, Camera asked if Hannah would like to go on a hike with her and Melody. She said yes. But the hike turned into going to her house for lunch, wrapping presents, etc. The point being, she ended up spending most of the day with Camera. Camera came over for Christmas Eve dinner and had a slight cough that she swore was allergies. Well, she started feeling worse and got tested for Covid on Christmas Day. It came back positive. Within a couple days, Hannah started having headaches and a slight cough. Chuck and I also had headaches and slight coughs. We were also very tired. Cameron also had headaches along with a sore throat. I decided to have Hannah tested only because Jonathan and his family were going to be coming to town and they did not want to get sick. The test came back positive for her so I assumed the rest of us had it also. Christian never did have symptoms if he was positive. After Charity got home, she started having symptoms. She was not tested, but Covid does have some weird symptoms. It isn't really like a cold but not really like the flu, so we are sure she had it too. We did lay low for a couple weeks. Jonathan and his family did not come which was a big bummer. Cameron was invited to a New Year's Eve party (somethings that doesn't happen very often) that he could not go to. Other than that, life didn't change too much. Overall, it wasn't too bad and we are thankful to be able to contribute to the herd immunity.
