April 2020 Recap

April was month of at-home learning and working from home as we sheltered in place during the pandemic. It was a month of balance and learning the "new normal" while trying not to go stir-crazy. Who knew back in April that things would only get worse?

For the last two months of school, the kids had online Zoom classes four mornings a week, with Wednesday mornings reserved for independent work and teacher office hours. Gene and I both worked from home, and we managed pretty well. 

Henry created a found poem for an English assignment. He was worried about it but it turned out better than he could have expected!

Here are some of the things that kept us sane during April:

Almost daily bike rides in the afternoon with Henry: 

We started our butterfly garden with native flowering plants as well as lots of milkweed. The monarchs found our garden and laid tons of eggs and we were able to watch the life cycle several times over.

Monarch caterpillar molting

Caterpillar making a J curve in preparation to form chrysalis

Easter during the pandemic was quiet. The kids had Easter baskets and enjoyed sweet bread for breakfast. We went to Mass online and then had ham for dinner. 

After Easter, I had Monday off while everyone else went "back" to school and work. After a weekend when all parks were closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Ruby and I got up early to go to the Houston Arboretum when they opened at 7am. We had a long delightful walk. 

After my first early morning walk, it became a regular part of our weekly routine. Getting outside in nature is one of the things that has kept us sane and healthy. It's also been a delight to see how the park changes with the seasons. 

Blackberry season

Asp!

We also went strawberry picking up at Wood Duck Farm. 

Strawberry shortcake!

The state parks closed briefly, but then reopened to limited numbers with a mask requirement. We were excited to go hike at Stephen F. Austin State Park on a beautiful spring day.  

On Wednesdays, when the boys didn't have online class, Henry and I often went to Hermann Park. 

And beyond getting outside, we spent a lot of time cooking. Gene smoked a pork butt for pulled pork, which was delicious.

We continued shopping at the farmers market and signed up for a CSA again, so we always have fresh fruits and veggies.

What kinds of things kept you sane during the beginning of the pandemic?