James's First Communion

While James's First Holy Communion was canceled in April and rescheduled for September, the church informed us that we could attend Mass and have James receive the eucharist any time he wanted.  Since COVID-19 numbers are continuing to fluctuate and we weren't sure what the fall months would have in store for us, we decided to go to Mass on a random Tuesday morning.  

Brian and Bridgette generously sent Brian's First Communion outfit, which was also worn by Andrew and William, for James to wear.  It was a nice event -- with everyone in the church distanced and masked -- and the priest focusing the homily on how James was now part of the global Catholic Church.  I'm so grateful my parents were able to join us for the morning.  

Marsh Creek and other small adventures

This summer we have been trying to have regular adventures to keep life interesting, including sailing or standup paddleboard rentals at Marsh Creek (always followed by a picnic), taking Simon to a dog park with a stream, campfire hotdogs and smores in the backyard, making pistachio shells into poker chips, and endless creative play.  

Car selfies with the beauty filter

Before a series of appointments that Alma had recently, we took selfies in the car with the mega beauty filter.  While it removes my wrinkles 👍, it also removes our freckles 👎.

I'm so grateful for the terrific kid that Alma is and what an awesome young adult she is becoming.  Her laughful, humor, care, and sense of adventure bring so much life to our world.  

Summer Baking

Joshua is sharing his culinary skills with the children this summer and we are bursting with sweet treats and delicious breads, including cupcakes, zucchini bread, french bread, and macaroons. 

Socially-distance visit with the Kloders

COVID-19 update

While I know that plenty of books will be written about the COVID-19 pandemic, I just wanted to share this one chart from the Chester County Dashboard, which I've been watching closely since the stay-at-home order began.  Chester County is now in the "green phase" in which most businesses are open, with restaurants only offering outdoor seating, and everyone in Pennsylvania required to wear a mask if they leave their house and cannot remain at least six feet from members of other households.  Our family has still remained very isolated with only Joshua going to the grocery store once a week and occasionally his school for small group staff meetings. 

It has been an odd spring turning into an odd summer.  I'm thankful for our governor making strong choices that have lessened the burden of this pandemic on our community.  I pray that federal leadership and leaders in other states can also be prudent during this tenuous time.