We've been pandemic parenting for over a year now... and it's been a hell of a year, hasn't it? Compared to so many that were medically or financially devastated by Covid, our family got off fairly easy. Yet I imagine everyone looks forward to putting this behind us, allowing it to fade into a surreal, scary, traumatic, lonely, stressful, depressing - and oh so monotonous - memory.
Between the isolation, health scares, lost work and the flaming dumpster fire that was virtual learning, I had to do something to keep my sanity, fill the time, and lift the spirits of my housebound family.
While distance learning was (and is) a largely futile endeavor for my ADHD kiddo, his school interjected some fun as best it could. Spirit Week was always one of my favorite events growing up, so I was pleasantly surprised when Jon's school added a couple of extra themed weeks to the calendar.
As it's no secret Dad loves any excuse to play dress up, I wasn't letting my son have all the fun. I got us all involved - picked out props, took pics, and occasionally had some Photoshop fun before sharing on social media. It was such a hoot, I added a few themed Spirit Days of my own. If I'm being honest, sometimes I was probably the only one truly enjoying it - but kudos to Jon and Papa for letting me force convince them to play along!
So, as we surpass the year mark on quarantine life, I wanted to commemorate all of the wacky, weird and spirited photos from the weary months we've made it through.
HOPPY EASTER! 👯♂️🦄 Not an official Spirit Day photo, but officially adorbs. Trying to find some fun hidden in our son's first Easter not spent at Grandma and Grandpa's.
🎩👒🧢 Sometimes (okay a lot of the time) it was hard to get us all set up for virtual school and work and still find time for a goofy group shot. So here we are in our individual quarantine habitats, donning selections from our too large collection of hilarious headgear. Fun fact: I wore this very same Big Bird hat when I was of Sesame Street-viewing age.
🐻 The first of my made-up Spirit Days. We've dressed up as The Three Bears before, but this time we did more of our own thing. Too hot? Too cold? Just right?
SUPERHERO DAY! 🦸♂️ Naturally, my favorite. But we only had time (or energy) to put on our hero tees and strike a pose. I used my super doodling powers to add costumes and backgrounds. 💥
💜❤️💙 So this time we all picked our favorite colors, then proceeded to pile on every piece of clothing and costume/accessory in said color. Violá - instant fashion show!
The Addams Family ain't got nothing on us!
🎅🎄🎁 Yet another unofficial Spirit Day. But I'm counting it since we managed to have a little fun while taking photos for our holiday card. Check out the final result.
I'm hoping we can squeeze in one more Spirit Day before the year is up. Maybe it will be a THANK GOD VIRTUAL LEARNING IS OVER photo. Check back in a few weeks to see what we come up with...
What were some ways you and your family helped pass the time and inject a little fun during quarantine? Share them in the comments!
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