Quarantine 2020: Volume 1

So, just like the rest of the nation Team Tully has been hunkered down for the last few weeks trying our best to adjust to this new "normal".  It's surreal, the whole situation, surreal.  When we speak about COVID-19 and what is going on we often speak equally about gratitude and challenges.  We approach this virus and it's resulting and rippling effects like that on purpose both for ourselves and for Luke.  It is important to L and I to keep a perspective that is both honest and positive.  We answer Luke's questions and we talk about all the helpers out there...many in our own extended families.  It is surreal, sad, worrisome, and overwhelming, but also a lesson in gratitude for what we have and that we are TOGETHER.  May your days be full of light and love.  Our quarantine days have been spent homeschooling and spending TONS of time outside. 

Literally the weekend before it was advised that everyone stay home Luke and I went to HH to visit Ima and Sheshy while L was backpacking in the mountains.  We loved our visit of course but I am even more thankful that we got to have that time in that beautiful place with some of our favorite people.  It was a perfect weekend!  Fishing buddies :-)

(also, can you spot the gator across the lake?)

 Ima takes Sheshy's place for more deep thoughts with Luke! 

 Flounder!  

 We even got some time out on the links!

 This dog!  This dog loves HH, understatement of the year, he LOVES HH!  He can roam free on the beach and this particular trip he made a beeline for the pluff mud.  GROSS!  So muddy!  Such a mess!  I think he loved it!  Ima and Luke gave him a bath with the fanciest hotel soap you can imagine that Sheshy had stashed away....the St. Regis in Beverly Hills, CA!  HAHAHAHA! 

Only the best for Jasper!

 Homeschooling is going really well!  Luke has had a positive attitude about it all and his teachers and our school district have done an amazing job with providing assignments and resources that are both productive and manageable.  Our school day starts at 8am (I even ring a bell) and we work until about 12 or 12:30 each day.  4 to 4.5 hours of focused work and we are all done!  We have even been given PE, Art, and Music assignments.  It's been great!

 I held science class outside...working on ecosystem dynamics, both biotic and abiotic.  We visited our own neighborhood creek ecosystem.  The natural world as the teacher...you can't beat it! 

 Social Studies in the playroom.  Acting out the causes of WWI

 We have had amazing weather so we are outside ALL. THE. TIME. Jasper gets walked a lot anyway but with Luke being home he gets extra attention and creek time!

 I thought this one was spot on.  L and I keep telling Luke that he is living in a history book chapter.

 We have family Pokemon Tournaments linking them to probability and statistics lessons.

 Part of our quarantine life is the Luke has an extra chore each day.  We are all here all day every day so everyone has had to take on a little extra to keep things going.

 This one was his idea.  He was right, the ceiling fans were pretty gross.

 Electrical energy:  closed versus open circuits.

 Music class:  he is teaching himself how to play "Concerning Hobbits" from Lord of the Rings

 Art assignment

 More outdoor time...hiking in the forest...making sure to socially distance ourselves from any other hikers or bikers

 Team Tully:  surviving and thriving during this crazy time!

Luke spotted this guy on our hike...Jasper and I walked right by it.  L was behind Luke and took an alternative path.  HA!

Quarantine Tully Tidbits:

1. We are fortunate

2. Boggle and Skipbo are our favorite quarantine games

3.  Living this quarantine life is actually not that far from our normal life.  I am not sure what that says about us

4. L and I chose well...we make each other laugh daily and have really enjoyed our time together.

5. Our yard looks the best it has in years

6. Very thankful L has a job that is still needed

7. We have never seen so many people out and about in our neighborhood....so nice to see neighbors out of their houses and away from their screens and enjoying the great outdoors

8. I enjoy homeschooling my kid.  VERY thankful that I am still smarter than him (that is actually kind of questionable in math).

9.  Every lunch and every dinner are spent at the kitchen table with all three of us...so many great conversations and discussions and debates and learning or teaching opportunities through all of this.  

10.  The time we are currently living in has so many unknowns and unanswered questions but we are acutely aware of all the GOOD.  So Much Good out there.  Focus on that.