Pandemic Week 40: Christmas Break & Christmas Cookies

 Anna is happy to at last be on holiday break!  After a flurry of activity finishing up a wide array of assignments (at the constant prodding of her mother), she declared herself finished Friday night (Theresa was very excited as well).  

We spent the weekend making holiday cookies, albeit a scaled-down version this year.  Since most neighbors are not trading baked goods (although a few are) and Theresa cannot taking any to the office as she continues to work from home, she decided to try some different variations and smaller batches.  Since Cook's Illustrated had their top 5 holiday cookies, Theresa opted to make those (along with some pizzellas).  The results were good (although it took a couple of tries to get the Florentine lace cookies right).  Anna helped decorate the gingerbread men & women and some cookie plates were delivered to a few neighbors.

Other highlights of the week included:

  • The first snow of the season.  It was only 1.5 inches....and some ice, but it was something.
  • Anna had her try-outs for the high school swim team.  Good news - they are not cutting anyone this year, so we assume she made the team.
  • Santa made his drive around the neighborhood on Saturday night on the back of the old volunteer firetruck - complete with music blasting.  He was wearing a mask.
  • Anna attended her first Zoom birthday party for her friend Sofia.  It must have been fun because they were on for over 3 hours playing games.


Happy Pandemic Holidays!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swimming with the Lakevale Dolphins

Image
The Swim Gang - Leo, Aidan, Megan & Anna Tonight Anna completed her third season with the Division II Lakevale Dolphins.  It was a great season for Anna as she improved her strokes and her times and made it to the "A"team to compete at Saturday meets.  It was an educational season for Joe and Theresa, who learned the ins and outs of life as swim team parents. The neighborhood swim team is the hub of neighborhood social activity in the summer.  There are events throughout the season, including Friday night pep rallies, and Sunday night fund events that include such things as the neighborhood scavenger hunt, laser tag night, bingo night, and even a team night at the Washington Nationals game.  In between the fun is the seriousness of the swimming, and there are definitely some top notch swimmers on the team. Anna with her lollipop for getting a "personal best" time Kids are motivated by different things. Some kids love to race.  Other kids try to b...
Read more

Camp Coles Trip & June Birthdays

Image
Anna at Girl Scout Camp Anna just returned from a fun-filled week at Girl Scout camp.  This year she was old enough to go to Camp Coles Trip, which is on a bay area off of the Potomac River.  This is a water camp, so she spent her days on the bay learning to paddle board and sail along with kayaking. Girl Scout Camp is definitely roughing it.  The camp is in the woods and girls stay in platform cabins with screens.  Anna shared a cabin with 4 other girls.  Mosquito netting is very important at night.  The only electricity is at the dining hall, health center, and activity building.  The girls are also responsible each day for doing "kapers" or chores.  They take turns helping serve meals, cleaning the bathrooms, and general clean-up.  They are also responsible for keeping track of their own things and carrying their bags. Anna had a fantastic time, despite the lack of modern conveniences, and is already planning her return next year....
Read more

The End of 1st Grade

Image
Last Day of 1st Grade Pool Party Anna is officially a "rising 2nd grader."  She was quite excited to celebrate her last day of 1st grade on June 14. She learned a lot this year, including great strides on reading, addition, subtraction, and writing. Anna kept a writing journal during the school year.  Below are some excerpts: If I had a pet I would choose a dog.  I would feed him, walk him, play with him, and a dog would keep me company.  PS, i atcally want one these are the things i would do One day while I was driveing on the road a deer was in the way.  My dad honked the horn.   self-control is keping your self in control.   Peace is when you are quiet.   I can respect others by bringing over plates afer diner.    The last week of school included a field trip to Frying Pan Park, a working farm in Fairfax County.  Anna, upon recounting the details of her trip, stated that they learned how to do farm chores from...
Read more