COVID-19

Life has changed drastically in a matter of days. I vaguely remember reading about Coronavirus when we were traveling in London over the Holidays, but never imagined it would amount to what it has today. Seventy two hours after celebrating my fortieth birthday with so many of our friends from near and far, the first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in SD, changing everything. In the matter of one week, much of Sioux Falls has gone into self distancing, cancelling school and most of our extra curricular activities. Elective surgeries have been slashed, affecting both Dave's and my job. I was scheduled to work nearly 20 hours this week as Dave was off, but I was only able to go in for about 3 hours. My friends who own small businesses are struggling as they are forced to close their doors, all travel has been suspended. Dave and I are dabbling in homeschooling. My dad had been in California and after some inside information from a friend of mine who lives there, I was able to convince him to return home. We have been cooped up in the house for nearly a week and while the kids are loving pajama day everyday, we also miss being able to run around town like we usually do. We understand the critical roll we play in keeping the spread of the virus to a minimum. Life has changed. We are happy to have each other and our health at this time.

Here are a few photos of our first week.

The first day of the quarantine. 

O'Is the leprechaun got away but left some goodies behind. 

When Dave does the grocery haul...

Burn Bootcamp is live streaming camps to promote social distancing.  

Happy hour with a few of the RDs. 

Math class.

Virtual piano lessons. 

They all three started a baking project. 

The last one standing. 

We got 3 inches of snow on the first day of spring! 

Happy hour with my Creighton Girls. 

Slime in the hair. 

Art Class today- draw the Corona Virus. 

Catching up.

Life is moving at an incredible pace. I've had a hard time keeping up the blog lately, so I'm quickly catching up the blog through a few photos.

90 things about Helen for her 90th birthday.

Helen in one word. 

Greta starts piano lessons with Mr. David. 

Dave buys Brett's car.

Piper finds my old clothes. 

Me and my gals.

Good Earth State Park on 2/29.

Pip chatting with Sherie during a recent haircut. 

New do, looking so grown up. 

When grandma picks them up from the bus stop, anything goes. 

Brown belts- no longer tiny tigers! 

Birthday party fun,
Piper, Rose, and Khloe. 

Forty!

I turned 40! But more importantly than that, I turned forty with Maggie. And we celebrated, like really celebrated. We started talking about having a party a couple of years ago when we realized our birthday fell on a Saturday, things quickly started taking shape and growing legs and when you're talking two years, that means lots of legs and hype and ideas which equals fun. We planned early and pretty swiftly, a band, balloons, food, cupcakes, napkins, beer, wine, friends, friends, friends. Dave and Jeff hosted an epic party, although we did all of the planning. Late night idea exchanges, early morning emails, lots of week-of anticipation, it was everything I had hoped for and so much more.

The party was amazing, 200+ friends came to mingle, dance, party, and just to be in on the fun. Per usual, we had a hand full of wild cards creating a bit of extra fun, including many friends from over the years, childhood, high school, college, neighbors, work, gym, family, etc. It was so fun to see each of our groups of friends overlap each other and to see how they were all connected among themselves.

On top of an amazing party, I got to also have an unplanned girls' weekend. I was expecting Leanne and Joe to come from Minneapolis, but much to my surprise, it was actually Leanne and STACY. They pulled off my favorite surprise of the year, and as soon as they arrived, we slipped into best friend mode, eating and drinking and talking and being grateful to be in each other's presence for almost 48 hours straight. I wish I could do it all over again.

My most favorite part of it all was Maggie. I could go on and on about what she brings to my life, but when it comes down to it, she is just the other part of me. She talks me off the ledge when I need it, but she also gets on the ledge with me from time to time so I don't feel like I'm crazy, and then we talk each other off. I can't imagine life without her, her support, her love, her patience, her friendship and everything else about her. Love you, sis. I won life when I was born a twin.

Props to Dave and Jeff for asking minimal questions and helping us throw one heckuva party.

Cards on the flowers the kids (Dave) had sent. 

Facials.

Bday invite. 

The shot. 

The best surprise. 

#twinningsince1980

The whole crew during party prep. 

The best sis. 

Dave and I. 

The fam. 

Party sceens. 

The hosts. 

Jamaica 2/20/2020

After years of talking and anticipating and planning, our good friends Matt and Rebecca Barker threw an epic party in Jamaica for Matt's birthday which fell on 02202020. The too-quick trip included neighbors, friends (old and new), a polo match, jerk food, cocktails, sun, pool time, a dance party, a dj, a beach party, a bon fire, lobster, local perks, long conversations, matching suits, boat rides, and relaxation. It was an amazing 4 days, it went too fast. We were so excited to be included on the fun and are hoping they throw another party in the years to come.

Matchy match for Jamaica.

The most beautiful place. 

Amy, Jenny and I.

Dave, Brett and Kris.

The whole crew. 

Our crew with the house crew. 

Polo Party ready. 

Reunited with Matt and Jason.

Rebecca and I at the Beach Party.

Boat ride. 

Sunset photo op. 

I'm back!

Hi! I'm back after what feels like my annual blog hiatus. Truth be told, the blog is a love/hate relationship. I find it hard to commit to keeping it up, but the reward of looking through old posts or books with the kids makes the effort worth it. So, on that note, this entry will be photo dominant in an effort to catching up with all things pertinent so far in 2020, enjoy the overload.

Snow day! 

Greta got stuck, Sully had to run around the house to find
me to rescue her and the Deboers were yelling from
across the street to "take the photo before you let her out!" 

Ice skating outing in the new skates. 

Dave gets called on stage at the Cabaret, 'Dude Looks Like a Lady.'

Sully and Greta test into Blue belts with a stripe,
we've almost advanced out of the tiny tigers. 

Dave and I upgrade the deep freeze. An exciting but sort
of emotional transition. All of those numbers along the side
are me tracking the input and output of breastmilk.
What a commitment, and so worth it. 

We started swimming lessons again and the kids are loving it.

Piper or daddy? 

Parenting on autopilot. Sully's reading has come so far
this year and we are so so proud of his hard work. 

Getting our groove on. 

Afternoon siesta with the oldest and the youngest. 

When mom gets Influenza A. I had so many sweet notes
and love from all three when they were allowed in my room.