Tractors & Tutus: Day 19: Covid-19/Social Distancing/Self Quarantine/"Shelter in Place"

We are currently on day 19 of all of the above and I still can't even believe this is what life looks like for us right now! It seems so surreal! And while it would be easy for me to look at all the negatives, we really are thankful for so many things: John being able to work from home, all 5 of us continuing to be healthy, all the family time, our 10 acres and spacious neighborhood....just to name a few! The kids are doing a great job with our new routines and understanding why we can't be at school, play with friends, etc. I'm getting out about once or twice a week to grab groceries and pick something up to bring home from a local small business (I cannot imagine being a small business owner right now!) and it looks like the weather is on a warming trend so we will be able to be out much more than we currently are. Our days mostly consist of a little school type work in the morning and some exercise, lunch, alone time in the afternoon to rest, play in rooms, read, draw/color/etc and then some art projects and free play before dinner. After dinner we've gotten to play outside some more when weather allowed, had movie nights, played games, etc. I have taken on the project of organizing every nook and cranny of the house and John has began yard work and barn cleanup. We honestly can't say that we are really THAT mad about not being able to go anywhere, because we have kept plenty busy!

Mellany started remote learning today! I was a little apprehensive about it at first (mostly because I was just unsure of what it was going to look like--just like everyone else) but she is going to do just fine and her teacher is amazing! She was so excited this morning to see her teacher's face and to be on a video chat with her gym teacher and some friends; I think it was really refreshing for her!

For now, we are hanging in there and doing well. When the time comes that we can "get out" again, the Barretts will be (cautiously) ready!

Some exercise time....we love GoNoodle!

A really pretty sunset I caught one night

At Menards...I thought the kids would get the biggest kick out of this guy riding the floor cleaner :)

School Activity: Parking Lot. Each kid had cars that needed to be placed. into the correct parking space.

More school activities

"Riding" the rides at Disney

Taking a drive to Rural King to pick up supplies....

Working on fixing the yard from the geothermal loops that were placed last fall.

Wooden people art activity. I'm pretty sure John had the most fun! :)

Exercising with mama

Meeting our new niece Emberly!!!

Small group "Chat".....we can't get together physically, so this is definitely the next best option.

Winston sure does love having John home during the day.

On my recent trip to Walmart, I thought I'd try to grab a few more hand weights....this is what the racks looked like! Everyone must have had the same idea!

More school activities...(I think this was the day Mellany had decided she needed to work in her room.)

The vet is closed except for emergencies, so Winston go a haircut courtesy of John.

Mellany does bodypump with me every Tuesday and Thursday...the entire hour workout, including using actual weights....she's amazing!

Marshmallow and Toothpick construction activity....another one where I'm not sure who loved it more...John or the kids...

Johnny decided to help me clean and organize!

The kids have been playing "school" a lot....they pack lunches, carry their backpacks to the basement, have recess and specials and Mellany teaches them certain things on the art easel. It's the cutest thing and makes my heart so happy to watch!