The Hazard Chronicles

Well...The world is starting to get back to normal. I am back at work full time. Ish. The kids probably aren't going back to school this year, but we have managed to work out a pretty good routine. Rach and I are doing trips, and we've already booked some things for later in the Summer/Fall as a display of optimism.

This whole thing has honestly been a little bit fun. Definitely different. I can't say it's been horrible. But I am excited for life to resume.

As for the family, here are some pictures.

First up, "homeschooling" has been interesting. I think we are doing an okay job. At least we try. It's hard to know how much is enough though. Certainly, it's not something we would be able to sustain long-term. The kids have their packets and they'll be able to finish the school year strong, but Rach and I both acknowledge that it could never be a full-time gig for us. In fact, I'm pretty sure we would just become one of those families that convinces themselves of the supposed benefits of "un-schooling," just so that we could still tell ourselves that we are good parents. We would go on lots of field trips and do fun stuff, and we'd probably be really loud about telling anyone and everyone about all the things our kids were "learning" through their "real life" experiences.

In reality though, it would just be us blowing things off, having a good time as a family, and then justifying it. In other words, thank goodness for real schools and real teachers. We need them.

This has become a regular thing in our home. A month ago, ZOOM was just an obscure but satisfying breakfast cereal. Now, the world can't live without it (well...not the cereal. The computer thing). Teachers. Family. Friends. This is how we interact now.

Field trip picnic!

Here's where Ev does her reading. Better than a classroom.

Also, we went on a family trip (but stayed pretty local). Lots of hiking. Lots of climbing. Also, our kids got to see, in real life, the difference between granite, sandstone, and basalt! See, no textbooks or instruction or anything! We just climb and hike and play and they end up learning so much! They just soak it in! These are experiences that will always be with them. (This last sentence isn't sarcastic. The others...well...)

Jackson is our rope gun

He has quite the cool head on lead.

Ev isn't too into climbing, but she loves to belay. 

Passing the torch. All I do now is sit on the sidelines and smile. The kids lead, belay, and coach each other through moves. I love it!

Here's Maren at the top of a pretty good finger crack.

And Rachel doing some slabbin'

Hiking around some sandstone pinnacles with the vineyards and orchards in the background. Beautiful morning!

We even have a cheerleading section!

Separate from our family trip, Rach and I got out to do some harder stuff. I love that we can do this.

So, that's about it. Just living and loving life.

Have a good week!