I can't say it was a smooth transition, but we figured out how to make things work once virtual school for the girls and classes for me started up. I restructured my classes so they were primarily asynchronous which left me with a lot of work recording videos, creating online assignments and grading, but left me flexible during the day not having to be online at certain times. The girls work was also primarily asynchronous. About once a week or so, they would have a Google Meet with their teacher and class. During the spring these were mostly fun activities to allow for some social interaction. They were so sweet, the kids were so happy to see each other, but also heartbreaking as I'd listen to these little kiddos ask when they would be going back to school and a chorus of "miss yous" when it was time to end the call. I typically sat with Ruby and Ada at the kitchen table helping with their work in the mornings and then working at the desk in our bedroom on my work in the afternoons. It was stressful going back and forth, but the girls finished most of their work quickly and then did legos, read books, did crafts to keep busy. By the end of April they were getting in the pool every afternoon for awhile as well and we tried to go for bike rides and walks in the evenings. Steve worked from home the first couple weeks, but discovered that it was easier for him to go into work so we weren't constantly tripping over each other as we traded off working in the room. His office was almost all working remotely so he was in a large building with about 3 others all working in their own offices which felt very safe.
Life in general was all very strange, but during this time it still felt like everyone was in the same boat; most people were working remotely and most things were cancelled/closed. We ordered groceries most weeks so we didn't have to go into stores (only one person per family was allowed making it hard to get there anyway). We did church online; UBC live-streamed services on Sunday mornings for the remainder of 2020. It wasn't the same but it was good to be able to see our pastors and people commented throughout the services which made for some connection. Birthday parties were virtual events on Zoom or drive-by parades with decorated cars honking and waving. The girls had both been taking dance and our studio started doing virtual classes. Each week one teacher would do a Zoom class where they would learn a short dance it was fun for awhile, but like everything else online we got Zoom fatigue. Ruby's piano lessons and recital got cancelled, but her teacher had the students still practice and record some songs to share. We started family movie night each Friday night where we'd order in food and have a picnic in the living room. I wonder how long this routine will continue; I don't see the girls letting it go anytime soon.
The spring was filled with all sorts of crafts and projects, even for the adults! We started getting Kiwi Crate Doodle Crates for the girls each month which were really fun projects; something to look forward to and keep them busy for a bit. They also got into perler beads and rainbow loom again; its fun to see them get creative when they have unstructured time.
Like most schools, Ruby and Ada's elementary school organized a teacher parade one afternoon. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it again. I imagine there were 40 cars all decked out and they made their way through every neighborhood the school serves. It had to be a 3+ hour event for them. It was so life-giving to be able to see each of their faces and the girls loved seeing their teachers.
Fourth grade is the last grade at our elementary school which meant Ruby missed out on the typical graduation events. Halfway through fifth grade, it still feels strange not having closure at Woodway Elementary. The PTA and teachers did their very best to celebrate the kids with a drive thru event and I am so grateful for this moment. It was very emotional for me and even Ruby.
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