Hello and welcome to this weeks update.
It has been a strange week, with Easter coming and going without any real celebration and watching and waiting for the Government’s next announcement and whether they are extending the lockdown period.
Sunday 12th April – Easter Sunday
Being Easter Sunday, none of us had to work so we enjoyed the day together, with the first mission to create an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.
We normally enjoy the National Trust Egg Hunts, which involve a nice long country walk, so this was decidedly smaller, but our lovely neighbour let us use her garden too which made it more fun for the kids and they were very happy with their haul.
In the afternoon we enjoy a family chat via Zoom which was fun, although we did have to overcome some echo issues at first. Of course, posing for a family photo brought out the funny faces, as per usual.
It was then baking time as we made some delicious lemon cupcakes. We did cheat however, and used a baking set, as have not been able to buy flour since lockdown.
We finished the day with an evening bike ride around Canford Park Sang, which was lovely and quiet. We managed just over 3 miles and Eliza wanted to do another lap, but we decided one was enough as we still had to ride back home.
Monday 13th April – Easter Monday
A full day at work for me, so I left my husband and Kian in charge of the little ones. Easter is normally busy in supermarkets, particularly in the morning if the weather is good, but it was really quiet. There were a few people buying barbecue bits in the morning and a last minute flurry before we closed at 6pm, but nothing exciting.
I did get to relax in the hot tub when I got home, after the kids had their turn, of course!
Tuesday 14th April
One thing the kids always have at Easter is Chocolate Nests made by Nanny, but obviously we haven’t seen her this Easter so I promised to make them.
I had two very able assistants to help me, who did a great job of mixing and then putting the nests together. They may have gone slightly overboard on the decorations though.
Whilst we were doing this, my husband and Kian were clearing out the porch and fixed our dartboard which has given us all something extra to do and ramped up our competitive spirit.
Our darts have seen better days though, so we have had to order some more. Whilst Dad was teaching the kids how to play, I painted the bathroom ceiling which I have been meaning to do for ages.
Wednesday 15th April
We have been so lucky with the weather and it was the warmest day of the year so far, so the kids got to enjoy lunch in the garden.
We also got the opportunity to give the cars a much needed wash. My husbands car was gleaming afterwards, but sadly mine is looking its age and is still looking rather dull. At least all the kids “wash me” writing and pictures have gone.
The kids enjoyed another bike ride with Dad and Kian whilst I was at work, although this time to a different location which made a nice change and I cannot wait to join them next time they go.
Thursday 16th April
It was my husbands turn to work today, so I took the kids on a long walk along the fields to the river, where we got to see some cute lambs and some swans nesting on the bank.
We stopped to admire them, but I think Dad was getting protective as he soon left the nest and powered across the river, so we decided to head off and leave them in peace.
Eliza has insisted in bringing her doll with her on the walk and I was impressed that she carried it the whole way round, although we did have to stop for a rest under a tree.
We got home to the news that the government were extending lockdown measures for another 3 weeks, which we were expecting, but it didn’t make us feel any less disappointed, especially with Isaac’s birthday next week. My husband has taken HR advice about Homebase, so we are trying one more appeal for furlough.
Friday 17th April
The first wet day of lockdown so we didn’t go out for our daily exercise. I caught up on some review posts whilst the kids enjoyed a movie day and watched Toy Story 4 and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Both my husband and I worked today and found it to be a lot busier than in recent weeks, possibly because it was raining and people wanted something to do. The customers seemed a lot unhappier and there were lots of grumbles about the safety measures in store.
We also found out that they have cut overtime because too many temporary staff have been recruited and there is a risk our temp contracts may be cut short. We have both been offered overnight hours at another store but, with the kids at home, we just don’t think it will be possible.
Saturday 18th April
Today we should have been in Liverpool attending the Pokémon GO Safari Event in Liverpool, which was one of Isaac’s birthday presents.
Although it had been postponed, we still got to take part in Safari Zone Pokemon encounters and Isaac got to catch lots of exclusive Pokemon and take part in raids, so we took a 3 mile walk/scoot to find all our local gyms and pokestops.
All-in-all, it has been a week of ups and downs for us, but we are putting a brave face on and are planning a day of fun for Isaac’s birthday next week. Let’s hope the sun starts shining again!
How has your week been?
Easter was very strange this year. It sounds and looks like you all had fun.
We’re all out of flour too and have resorted to ready made baking mixes.
Ohh! The hot tub after work sounds lovely.
Ahh! When my youngest used to take her dolls out I always ended up carrying them. lol Well done Eliza.
I hope Isaac has a great birthday x
It looks like you’ve had a lovely week, despite lockdown. The bike rides look great and at least the sun has been shining! What a worry about your hours potentially being cut. Working overnight definitely doesn’t sound ideal! It must have been annoying to hear customers complaining when you are working so hard to keep things safe.
How lovely that your neighbour let you use her garden for your Easter egg hunt. The children looked like they enjoyed it. Love your photos from getting out and about to exercise – you have such beautiful places to explore on your doorstep. I particularly like the photo of Eliza under the tree with her doll. Hope Isaac has a lovely birthday next week and good luck with keeping your temp contracts and to your husband with his appeal over being furloughed. #project366
It was a very different Easter this year. Things have been strange. Sorry to hear about the jobs, I hope you can get the shifts you need. The hot tub sounds fab. I am sure Isaac will love his birthday no matter what. My little one has been taking her doll out too for walks xx
It was a relief the rain was short lived. There’s lots of moaning people on our local FB page going on about directions in store (my brother got told off in the Express store for going the wrong way which he thought was funny as he was the only customer in there at the time). Must be v stressful with all the work politics going on. Hope the weather stays good for Isaac’s birthday this week
Easter really was different this year, it really did not seem like Easter. It looks like you had a great week full of fun, and I would love dart board havent played in years
I think you really made the best of the situation and managed to to have a good Easter despite the current situation
We haven’t seen our grand kids in a little over a month, except on video chat. I’m going to see them Friday, as my son and daughter-in-law have to work. I look forward to catching up with them! It looks like you and your family have been keeping yourselves entertained!
Right now I would love to have my own hot tub just to chill out in I have to admit! Love how the wall behind you all is decorated and nothing quite like having an easter egg hunt!
It looks like you had lots of fun over Easter. We had a lovely time – I am really appreciating all the extra family time we are getting right now. The weather is just the best too!
the weather has been very favourable since lock down began, cant remember a wet day here. Nice to be making use of the time to enjoy cycle rides.
Maybe the supermarket hired to many with the idea a % of you would become ill.
What a fabulous week you have had despite the lockdown. We have also missed our Easter Egg Hunt at the National Trust places as we have been doing this for the last 5 years now, our week has gone pretty quick. Being the holidays kids had a lot of time playing on their games and watching shows before we started on our weekly projects
We’ve been baking too and we’ve been playing a lot of darts – the games room is seeing plenty of action at the moment.
Egg hunt looks like fun. Cute zoom family picture. I’d love to go for a walk where you do. Chocolate nests look tasty. Lovely pictures and your kids are so adorable. You’ve all had a very fun-filled week.
Easter felt strange for us too, a kind of non-celebration in a way but wanted to mark the day for the children.
It’s so nice that the weather has been good so you’ve been able to enjoy some of that during the lockdown. I’m so jealous of your hot tub x
Sorry to hear about the work issues, fingers crossed furlough from your husbands previous job works out. Love the amount of time you’ve spent outdoors and looks like jet washing the car was fun
It was a strange Easter as we normally do it with a large group but not much we could do about it this year. No Easter egg hunt for mine either. I’m hoping to get some next shop as I hear there are loads still in stores. We can still get away with it I think.
Kara this is a lovely way to make of the current situation. Those cupcake cases are so cute. Where are they from? I bet it is so nice to have a hot tub in the house
I hope Isaac has a great birthday and the sun is shining again. It sounds like you had a lovely Easter considering the circumstances.
The nice weather certainly does make things that little bit easier. Lovely of the neighbour to let you use her garden.
I hope Isaac had a good birthday, its not easy having celebrations in lockdown.
That picture with the blossom is lovely. I’ve been meaning to get some darts for my board – it was there when we moved in and I’ve never had darts for it.
Agree with you, it was a strange Easter. How nice of your neighbour to offer the use of her garden for a more extended egg hunt. Happy belated birthday to you son!
The hot tub looks inviting.
It was a warm week, and we also had a couple of days of rain, which the garden needed so much. Sorry to hear the work hours might be cut. Could you do overnight shifts in turns?
Our Easter was really low key too, I am so glad for Zoom though to keep in touch with family. I really envy you your hot tub still!! Project 365
I have been Skyping my parents nearly every day, mys sister twice a week and now am using Zoom and Teams for work: how life has changed! Rice krispie cakes are so fabfor kids to help in the kitchen #project366
Sounds like a lovely Easter weekend we also had an egg hunt at home with the kids disappointed there was no National Trust hunt this year.Sorry to hear about Tesco hours, I hope the HR advice helps you. Happy Birthday to Issac.