This September is unlike any other start to the school year that we've ever had. If someone would have told me that we'd been in month 7 of a global pandemic, I don't know what I would have pictured. Reflecting on these photos, my take away this month is that despite the continued crazy conditions in the world, we're still finding joy. Leah took the above picture of herself and I found it on my phone a few days later, and it made me smile. Harry Potter face mask, Mommy's sunglasses, Red Letter Challenge t-shirt, sitting at outdoor worship: Living her best life, COVID style.
Even during COVID-19, I've plotted ways for our family to have cute, coordinating outfits: "Sure, we'll volunteer at the Red Letter Challenge table outside at church and all wear the promo shirts!" 😉
And speaking of cute outfits, we were SO happy that the ACC is playing football this fall. Even though there aren't fans in the stands and we can't see our Demon Deacons in person, we're celebrating them at home. Decorations, Wake Forest shirts, and the fluffiest football you've ever seen = Delight as we watch WFU games on tv during these September weekends!
A month later, the new baby cows are getting bigger, and they are a regular part of our daily routine as we walk and bike along our farm road. This is one part of cute country that we absolutely adore, and we love visiting these sweet neighbors:
 |
| Saying hi to her moo moo friends. |
One thing that is NOT cute country is this copperhead that was within 2 inches of Leah's foot last week. Peanut saw it at the last possible second (Thank you, God!), as it raised its head and stuck out its tongue at her. We were all a bit freaked out, and Leah announced, "Mommy, its beady little eyes were staring RIGHT at me!" We've encountered a lot of snakes since we moved here, but this was, by far, our closest call with a venomous one and scared us a bit.
Returning to cute animals, the persimmon tree in our front yard is filled with fruit right now, and the deer are not shy at all about coming for lunch. In the middle of the day, with all of us watching, they enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet of ripe persimmons:
Panther, our neighbor's outdoor cat, entertains Millie often by prancing along the windowsill and hanging out on our patio. Millie doesn't bark or seem to mind, and I'm thrilled that Panther roams and takes care of vermin in our yard (now if only he could have done something about that copperhead...). It's fun to watch these two as they interact on an almost daily basis:
I'm amazed at the creativity during this time to provide safe, fun experiences for families. The Summit Church hosted a free drive in movie at our Town Park this month (complete with concessions!), and we had the BEST time! We piled up the back of the SUV with pillows and blankets, wore pjs, and watched Sonic the Hedgehog on a gorgeous September Saturday evening. How I love our sweet little town!
 |
| Playing games as we waited for the movie to begin. |
 |
| My boys in tailgating chairs watching the movie (Leah and I were curled up in the trunk!). |
Remote learning certainly has its perks. No matter where the kids choose to set up their laptops, there's always a doodle supervising their online lessons:
Wait, there's a doodle everywhere. This dog is so used to us being home with her all the time now. She loves her people, is spoiled rotten, and adds so much fluff and cuteness to our days:
We welcomed crisp, cool mornings and clear blue skies for many days in September. Jigsaw puzzles continue to be a wonderful distraction and way to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and this fall one was perfect this month:
As he approaches the 6 foot tall mark, Luke seems to be saying, "Mom, I'm too old for these cutesy fall photos", but don't let his expression fool you. The kids had a blast at Kersey Valley's Maize Adventure, and did many of their annual favorite activities there: corn maze, pedal carts, rock wall, jumping pillows, and bungee trampolines.
 |
| No, really, they are happy (and not taken hostage)- I promise! 😂 |
 |
| Maize adventure 2020 edition: face masks in every photo! |
Thankful for a September filled with happy times together and for continued health and safety!
