In the very first weeks of the 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic, no one knew quite what to think or how to feel. It was such a time of uncertainty and mixed emotions. For nearly two months, we closed ourselves off from family, friends, and the rest of the world out of sheer fear and without the knowledge we have gained months later. Not being able to be around the people we are used to seeing and being around was tough- mentally and emotionally on our kids, and on us as parents. We didn't know how long the lock-down would last or how long it would be before we could join our family once again.

We missed celebrating milestones and birthdays as a large family unit. We are used to big to-dos and grand celebrations. As restrictions began to ease up in May of 2020, seeing our family for Memorial Day was absolute joy for us! It would be the first time since early March that we were all able to be together. Hugging and touching was strictly limited and many family members chose to wear masks, which we fully expected. Again- just to be near each other, even at 6 ft apart, was wonderful. It's amazing what we take for granted, isn't it?

Gathering safely in groups of 10 people or less, as recommended by the CDC, has been a practice we've been following fairly strictly during this time. Getting together for dinners or brunch has brought a lot of happiness. For my kids to get out of the house to have a change of scenery and pace, has been such an important element of surviving this pandemic from an emotional and mental standpoint.

Our parents (and grandparents) have been an instrumental piece of our kids being able to handle this strange time in their lives. If my husband and I didn't have their help and support, I think we would have reached our breaking point a long time ago. We love our kids, but we're all so used to being active and involved in our various activities... none of us are used to being together 24/7 anymore. It's been such a change and challenge. I wish I could say that I have savored every moment of our time together during this pandemic, but it's been tough. Being able to have breaks from the kiddos, have help to have time to work, be on ZOOM meetings, keep schoolwork on track, etc.

Our family is LIFE, and being together is our lifeblood. 

To our family, we love you and are so grateful to you! 

We couldn't do this without you!