Covid Testing Returns

 Last year for 17 weeks we did twice a week Covid testing on our students in our district.  That Covid testing has returned this year.  Since it is definitely not over, our district felt this was a good way to help keep our students and staff safe.  Now there is also a test and stay program for everyone who signs up for weekly Covid testing so the numbers sky rocketed for participation.  We have over 1000 stuents in our very small district participating!  

Comic Con

 This year Finley decided she wanted to try and sell some of her fan art at the Boston Comic Con.  She applied for a table in the spring and got one.  So this past weekend Mat and I took turns hanging out with her at her table.  She was a superstar.  She talked to everyone who came to the table and sold a ton. She ended up making $1000 in three days.  We were blown away.  She sold out of so many of her things.  We were so so proud of her

High Schoo Begins

 Today is the first day of school in our small town.  Finley and Cainan are both starting high school today.  9th grade here they come!

Pantry Complete

 Mat and I have finished the pantry.  We built the shelves for the food.  And we built some decorative shelves to fill the walls on the opposite side.  It came out beautifully.  It was just as I imagined!

The pantry shelves are about 20 inches deep.  We took 6 IKEA bookcases and attached them together.  IT was a lot of work but totally worth it.  Mat did a great job.  I have been scouring antique shops for cool boxes and antique items to use to store out food.  It has been a lot of fun planning out.

Mat built me 4 shelves made out of reclaimed barn wood.  They are gorgous.

A few years ago I found this hymnal holder from an old church at an antique store.  It makes a perfect holder for my favorite cookbooks

I also took two of the old cold mining lanterns we inherited from Mat's grandpa - derusted them and added them to the pantry.  It was a fun project to bring them back to life

The before

The after!

Arlington starts her Sophomore year of college

 This weekend Arlington started her second year At UMass Amherst.  She is still an Animal Science major and was excited to get back to campus.  This year all classes are going to be in person, the campus completely open, and all students invited back.  It should be a more college experience this year.  They are still requiring masks in all indoor spaces and everyone has to be vaccinated, so fingers crossed things go well.

Mat's parents were here to help her move in which was very special.  Arlington is in an on campus apartment this year.  She has her own bedroom but three roomates.  It has two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room so a lot of space to spread out and relax.

Scooby Turns 10

 Happy 10th Birthday to our Scooby!  I cannot believe he has been with us a whole decade.  He is still silly and goofy and a big old dumbo.  We are so lucky to have such a good dog

Jim Gaffigan Show

 For Arlington's birthday in 2020 (yes you read that right) we got her tickets for a live Jim Gaffigan show.  We love his comedy and were so excited to be able to see him in person.  However Covid hit and his show was postponed until August 2021.  We were so glad to be able to go this past summer.  Cainan didn't come with us  - chosing to spend the evening with his grandparents instead.  The show was amazing and it was so cool to see him in person