Social Distancing Teen Style Part 1

We are trying to figure out this social distancing thing.  Honestly, I wish Gov Abbot would issue a shelter in place for Texas, and then our family would have to do it.  Also, then I wouldn't be the bad guy!  It's the law...sorry guys.

It is really hard to keep teens home and distanced from their friends.

I have had more than one conversation with other moms of teens trying to figure out just how they are planning on navigating "social distancing."  As this pandemic becomes more real, I think all of the parents are reigning in a little more and it is better all around.

Parker worked last week (manual labor) and that was super helpful for him.  He was busy and tired and working with friends.  This week is going to be harder for him.  He is definitely our child that has always needed to be busy.  

Here is part one of pictures from some of what the kids did last week to keep busy.

Park, Tanner and Aub were really good about exercising.  (Bryn and I did some walks...but these guys were running, lifting weights, playing b-ball etc....)

Morgan and Bryn planned a picnic.  I love that they included Aubrey.  They also made some puff paint and created lots of cute pictures.

Brinley stopped by the Birds to pick up books.  It is soooooo hard to stay 6 feet apart from those little cousins. (They are doing great with social distancing.  The kids are only hanging out with each other.)   Ella and Brinley gave each other air hugs.

Avery and Aubrey have been meeting up in the evenings for bike rides in the neighborhood.

We are mostly just fine with our food and supplies at home, but one evening I decided to pick up some bread, milk and cheese from the store.  Didn't have much luck.

Tanner had Tate over one day and went to Mason's house another day.

Park has been cleaning out one work site and moving it to another.  He comes home beat but happy.  He is working with friends, eating out for lunch and making money.  (Probably his top three favorites at this point in his life: friends, making money and fast food.)

The boys have been trying to annoy me by way too much nuzzling or snuggling.  If I walk through a room and they are both in there, they reach out their arms and say "Come to me Mom"  "No, come to me."  "No, you know you like me better. Come sit with me."  And on and on it goes.  I try not to react.  I don't want to encourage them.

I am the one being smothered on the couch.

And this!!  Our new air hockey table.  A friend listed it on Facebook Marketplace for free, and we were the lucky recipients.  I felt like it would be the perfect quarantine addition.

The best part is, when we are done with it, we are passing it on to the Bird's to put in their new shop.  I love that we can enjoy now but it doesn't have to permanently reside in our living room.

I also appreciate Brian and these strong High School boys who helped load and unload it.

Bri, Cole, Park, Harper and Tanner

By the end of the week, we were doing better about social distancing I think.  Friends are just such a part of the teenage years.  It's hard to keep everyone happy and apart.  I'm glad my kids have each other.

Part two of pictures tomorrow.