Easing up on Social Distancing

Week 10 of Social Distancing was SUNNY! In the literal and figurative sense. Gorgeous weather, more things opening, some me time and our first mini vacay. A good week! 

On Sunday, we joined friends we hadn't seen since lockdown began for a play date in Beatrix Park. We biked from there to the zoo, which had opened to members just a few days prior. They have limited, timed entrances and a new flow to keep traffic one-way in addition to marked places 1.5 meters apart to indicate where to safely stand. The main attraction was the baby elephant, just 13 days old. We waited for the elephants to come outside and were awed by the "baby," before realizing that was the adolescent. Then when the real baby came out between the legs of its mother, oh my goodness, so cute! 

Our first visit to the zoo since our trip to Africa and it was a little heartbreaking

If you live there, your view is elephants, giraffes and zebras! 

We thought this was the baby.... 

Growing like weeds

The zoo's rhododendron bushes were stunning

My first two mornings of freedom were devoted to Maeve's birthday prep so Monday morning was my first time all for me. I did a home pilates class and read in the sunshine. When the kids arrived home from school after lunch, I was refreshed and happy to see them. It felt like my finest parenting in 10 weeks. Tuesday I had a social distancing brunch with friends I have really missed the past 2 months.

An accurate way to predict the sex of one's imminent new baby, right? 

On my bike ride home, I passed Amstel Park and circled back around to explore Rhododendron valley at my leisure. I had no idea there were so many varieties! I couldn't get enough.

The week was short and sweet, Wednesday was an in-service day and Thursday and Friday were holidays. We were supposed to be going to the Island of Arran in Scotland, but instead headed south to Zeeland for a nice change of scenery.

Maeve Turns 4!

Our Maeve-y Girl turned 4! A day she had been counting down to since Christmas! She wanted a unicorn themed party and a pinata with as many candies and sweets as possible all day long. Her birthday ended up being her second day back at school (something I never imagined would be possible) so she was able to celebrate her birthday with friends. We weren't allowed to join her, which was hard, having celebrated each birthday with the kids at ISA. We also weren't allowed to send in treats to share, just an individual treat for Maeve. Photo evidence suggests she was still pleased. 

Pancake breakfast 

If you wondered what a unicorn sounds like

She opened up two presents before school.

She loves dinosaurs right now

She brought her unicorn cuddly to school

School reported that she included her friends in all of her birthday activities, making her birthday crown and blowing out her candles. 

Back at home, she had a blast opening her presents.

Then it was pinata time! Should I begin my second career making balloon pinatas?? ;) 

Maeve got bath bombs for her birthday and couldn't wait to take a mid afternoon bath. So fresh and so clean, time for cupcakes! Oma and Opa were able to call in and sing with us.

Pizza and movie night rounded out this special girl's special day.

Maeve at 4:

Maeve is hillarious. She makes these incredible faces and uses funny voices to get a laugh. She's into unicorns, dinosaurs, her doll house, coloring, mazes, baking (sneaking bites), hide and go seek, Easter egg hunts around the house, wrestling and snuggling Jude, reading stories, watching her favorite shows (Robot train, dinosaur train, Paw Patrol, Hatchimals, Grizzly and the Lemmings), snacking, and eating anything sweet. She talks up a storm and loves telling stories (when she can get a word in with her equally locquacious brother) and singing. She's a cuddler and it often feels like she's trying to crawl back inside me the way she clings. She knows what she wants and is clever in her approach to getting it. We are still working through big emotions and channeling them appropriately. We love you, not so little girl!