Paula's 5th Birthday

Hello from a Spring Break like we have never experienced before. We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the governor has ordered schools to be closed for at least another month past our scheduled break. Besides schools, almost everything else has been shut down except grocery stores. I am suddenly finding myself with a completely cleared calendar, all four children home with no where to take them, and a tenser-than-usual husband trying to work from home. Every hour I am battling against boredom on behalf of the kids, at the same time I try to keep distraction at bay for Forest so he can focus on work. I miss seeing my cello students and sometimes wish I could escape to an orchestra rehearsal (all of which have been indefinitely canceled).

But despite these challenges, there are some benefits to being housebound. We are getting some serious family time--not all of it is the highest quality, but there is still something to be said for quantity. Also, I have dusted off a bunch of solo repertoire for my cello, and actually found some moments to practice it. In addition, I am finally sitting in front of this neglected blog with the hopes of completing a post from more than a year ago.

So here it is . . . back to December 2018.

On the morning of her fifth birthday, Paula woke up to a surprise: A giant horse she later named Hazel.

Later in the morning she got to play at Jumpin' . . .

. . . and then we all went to Coopersmith's in Old Town Fort Collins for lunch.

Wylie enjoyed a cup of root beer milk (which tasted a lot like a melted root beer float)

Then we went for a short stroll around Old Town.

Back at home . . .

 Presents . . .

Cake, candles, and doughnuts . . .

To my Darling Paula Doll,
     One of the things that amazes me about you is your love of learning and your hard-working attitude. Sometimes when you encounter a challenge--when something puts your mind or your skills to the test--rather than moan or groan, I actually hear you audibly giggle, like you are enjoying yourself.
     Perhaps because of this disposition, you are one of the smartest kids I have ever met at your age. After your first week of preschool, your teacher was blown away by both your reading skills and your number sense. I guess it's not every day you meet a four-year-old who buries her nose in a chapter book. The best part of your teacher's report, though, was the part about what a kind friend you are to classmates. You are fun and compassionate, and people like to be around you.

I love you so much. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Mama