End of School -Field Day & Camping

Click here to open in a browser so that videos will appear.

To say that the end of the school year was unconventional would be the understatement of the year.  But as I type this May update in mid-July, it seems that this may only be the beginning of unconventional school.  

Matthew was so very much in love with his two teachers, whom he'd looped with for two years, that he was particularly hit by the sudden halt.  He already knew that one was moving to the DC and the other to the Philippines, so the idea that he might not even see them again was crushing and he asked me if he could be penpals with them.  So this response from them lifted his spirits:-)
  
"I would love to be penpals with Matthew, email or snail mail!  It was an abrupt ending and COVID continues to make normal goodbyes even harder, but trust that we will be back to visit and please reach out when this craziness dies down and you all are up in DC! Matthew will always hold a place in my heart. He has come SO far from his kindergarten shenanigans. From the first moment, he has been a delight, loving and excited to learn. This year in first grade he really grew into his voice and became a leader and regular advocate for good behavior and treating others well. We see that you raise your kids very thoughtfully and we are grateful for it!"

"Kindergarten shenanigans"?  What?!?!  "Advocate for good behavior" :-)

School ended two weeks early, no reason provided, so the job of fully entertaining and engaging them 24/7 (as opposed to 23/7) kicked in by Memorial Day.  First thing on the list?  Camping! 

A church friend told us about this spot in the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area.  The short 45-min drive to the private spot in the woods by the river was exactly what we hoped it would be. 

Somehow, little excites kids more than S'mores!

No flash...

Flash...same picture.  Fascinating difference.

Penny's first "real" camping.

What else happens at the end of the school?  Field Day!

Michael gets 100% credit for coming up with ALL of these adventures. 

Using an ice hockey stick to propel a dodge ball through football uprights.  

 Ring toss with sprinklers in your face.

The refs, equipped with timers and whistles, sheltering in place (i.e., the shade).

It's harder than you think to shoot a lax ball into a bball hoop. 

Running to fill the tennis ball sleeve with water.  Of course the milk jug has holes in it:-)

Shooting hoops from the deck - Bball hoop hanging from the lax goal

 Sprint.  Spray. Swing. Spray. Sprint.

The grande finale obstacle course!

 And...the deck flowers are showing signs of growth already.

 More time at the river...

....means more unwelcome sightings.

 

Phew.  We. Are. Tired.