Reed's Birthday, Quarantine edition

Reed's birthday during quarantine is basically what Reed's birthday not during quarantine would have been, except that we didn't get to share the day with his grandparents. We did facetime with them so that they could see him opening the presents they sent. It was very sad not to have them here in person but for Reed, getting to open and explore his new gifts was still very exciting.

Reed requested cinnamon buns and bacon and scrambled eggs and fruit salad for his special birthday meal, along with both cupcakes and ice cream cake. We lucked out by finding a Carvel Frozen II ice cream cake at Wegmans, which he loved. Favorite gifts were a stuffed Dobby toy, a bath-ready Moana doll, a Mighty Pup tower, and lots and lots of great My Little Pony toys, books, games and stickers.

His birthday was as beautiful and warm and springlike as the day he was born, but we didn't attempt any major trips or adventures. The boys set up the sprinkler in the backyard, we did bubbles, and we did a lot of sticking close to home. It was a great day.

A really fun morning last week we went to a local preschool to play in their amazing outdoor space. They have a road set up just for trikes and scooters, with a bridge and an underpass and a little town square to roll through. One highlight was the boys taking turns being the crossing guard on the little bridge. There's also an awesome playground but we stayed away due to COVID concerns. I'm guessing that will end up being total bunk, this whole worry about catching COVID from a playground, but for now we're being cautious. There's also a great little trail up the hill behind the playground, where there's a sweet treehouse and a couple great play areas.

We have spent a lot of time in Elmwood Park, just to the south of our house. The boys are very observant, watching for wildlife. Theo found this tiny butterfly and coaxed it into hanging out on his hand.

Fair Haven Beach

A few weeks ago it was warm and sunny and Syracuse so we headed up to Fair Haven State Park for a social distancing visit with Grandma Joanie and Grandpa Stu. It turned out colder and windier than we had hoped it would be but the boys still loved digging in the sand and wading in the frigid water.

Gillie Lake

A few weeks ago we had Gillie Lake to ourselves. The boys built sand castles and moats and played frisbee and beach volleyball and everyone got in the frigid water up to their necks.

Fun around the house

Reed built this giant tower and wanted me to take a picture of him. Then he wanted to take a picture of me standing next to it.

It's always a good day for costumes.

This little one enjoys eating as much as anyone.

Making cinnamon muffins.

Jeff has just showed Reed how to play Mario Kart (a racing video game). It's funny to watch him play because he gets very intense. The ottoman he's standing in back of started out about three feet farther away from the TV but he pushes it closer as he's standing and leaning against it.

Social distancing visit with Leibowitzes

Just three days after our very cold visit with Joan and Stu we met Jon, Greg and Kathy at Delta Lake State Park on a 65 or 70 degree day. Perfect for soccer and beach time.