Hybrid's a-comin'

The boys have been distance learning for a year or so now. But with the advent of the vaccinations, it feels like things are taking a turn for the better (finally!), and all the teachers at Yu Ying (the boys' school) have been vaccinated. That means that the boys will be back on campus for a week every three weeks! It's something!

Maceo's a little down on going back to campus because it means less time at one of the pod™houses where there lives a sweet dog named Zoe. But overall, they're excited in part because of the playground opportunities!

As 100% distance learning winds down, there were a few memories to hold on to. One is our recent spate of "snow storms." Nowadays, in the DC area, a prediction of snow is enough to warrant school delays. BUT WHEN I WAS A KID...

Sorry, I got distracted there.

So, the boys had some snow last week, but with the power of Zoom, they continued apace with lessons. Here they are, trudging off over the tundra, uphill both ways, to Zoe's house for a day of school.

They have become much more comfortable wandering the neighborhood, visiting friends and family. In fact, the other week, we needed dinner for Grandpa and Grandma Sue, so I sent the boys to the nearby Yes Market, and gave them a $20. "You guys can use the rest of the money to buy something for yourselves at the CVS," I told them. The CVS is about 4 blocks past the Yes which is about 6 blocks from our house. They came back, gave me a carton of vanilla ice cream and 75 cents, very pleased with their haul.

Another day, we had freezing rain. On a walk to Grandpa and Grandma Sue's, the boys discovered the fun of peeling ice off the leaves to have an ice leaf to munch on. 

When we arrived, it was time to slip and slide over the frozen snow. 

Saturday, I came down from my traditional nap to find this lovely scene. Normally, when it gets quiet in a different room, I get nervous. But this was one time when it was really nice.

Finally, last night, it was Cassius's turn to make dinner for the family. He chose a rather limited menu, to Maceo's disappointment: cacio é pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) and chocolate pudding cakes in mugs. He was very satisfied with it.