End of Summer 2020

Hello again.  Quite the unique summer.  I'm sure the kids will look by at 2020 with wonderment sometime in the future....imagine what they will tell their kids.

We managed pretty well.  Despite lost opportunities of internships, summer jobs, summer swim meets, we were able to get away on a few trips and spend time as a family.

I will start with the end of the summer.  All 3 kids went back to school in vastly different ways.

Madi started her last semester at Liberty University.  She is living in an off campus apartment for the first time.  It is a nice location and a good situation for her. 

Andrew began his adventure at Virginia Military Institute.  We took him down for matriculation.  As of the writing of this email he survived the administrative week, hell week, and started classes.  Here are some pictures of his adventure so far.

Abby began her last day of elementary school....5th grade!! She is headed back 4 days a week to start.  Her class is small due to options for online learning and she has to wear a mask all day.  An auspicious start, but we are grateful that she can be in person....at least for now.

Our school year ended online.  In June, our pool did figure out a way to open using the Pennsylvania rules.  As tradition, we went the first day and Abby got in, despite the cold water.

In June, we took our family trip to Williamsburg.  It was different from all other years for multiple reasons.  First, it was the first without my Pop.  That created some sadness.  Second, the traditional places were not open, we had to wear masks, and we ate all meals in.  We did visit the beach a few times.  Third, it never rained so much during this week since I can remember going.  It was still good to be with family and get away.

In July, we also had a chance to go to Myrtle Beach and stay in a friend's condo and enjoy take out food and the beach.  That we a good time and the weather was better.

Madi spent the summer working remotely for Hope and Help Intl.  An organization run by my brother and sister in-law.  She also went back to Mr G's - where she worked in high school - for a few hours.  

Andrew spent the summer running and getting ready to go to VMI. He had a really good college running summer - he followed a good plan from his college coach.  Figuring out all the prerequisites VMI paperwork and the specific packing list took some attention.  He turned 19 on July 26.  We had a low key gathering for his birhday.

Abby swam alot at the pool.  She was able to attend swim practice at the Y as part of her Sharks club team...no meets though.  It was still good for development.  She read alot of Harry Potter - also good.  We did take a hike near the end of the summer to our favorite place, Cunningham Falls.  It was a good hike, good weather, and the water was low enough that we were able to climb and get some pics.

We did get family pictures taken this summer.  We have not received them yet.  Here is a link to some pics in the meantime. It is us despite the butchering of our last name ;)

Family Picture Link

Rebekah continued to work her business in this new environment.  I was able to work 4-5 weeks at the Pentagon, mostly remote.

All in all, not a bad summer.  Tried to remember that, despite the limited environment and annoyance of the pandemic, it was nice to have everyone around this summer.....probably the last summer for that.

It is a blessing that Madi, Andrew, and Abby could all start school in limited capacity.  Praying that it continues.  

Not sure what the next post will look like.  Hopefully some pics from Madi's last semester.  Very few pics from Andrew at VMI probably as we may not see him very much.  Hopefully, we will continue to find activities with Abby and hopefully she can swim in some capacity this fall.

Hope this post finds you well.  Hoping that things become more normal moving forward.  Until next time...