Today Genevieve went back to school for the first time since lockdown began. She only went for three hours but to say she was excited was an understatement!
There were some lovely cuddles between Genevieve and James before we left the house. I think they will genuinely miss each other this morning.
The excitement mounted as we began the walk to school, and a small squeak escaped her lips as we walked past a classmate’s house, particularly when Genevieve saw her friend standing in the doorway all ready for school too.
Once we got to school (being sure to follow the new one-way system), she went in very excitedly and happily. It was so nice. It may not be the same as before lockdown, but we feel like hit the school jackpot as she’s with lots of her classmates and with her actual teacher (albeit in a different classroom and in the junior school rather than the infants).
James had apparently switched toys to be played with only four times in the short time I was out of the house. Once I’d walked home after dropping Genevieve off, I had a virtual meeting to attend and some parental calls to make. Busy, busy, busy!
I sent Stephen upstairs to do some work and set James up on the iPad while I dialled into my meeting. James even came over to say hello to all my work colleagues – they thought he was very cute.
Once the meeting and parental calls were done, it was time to go and get Genevieve from school. I met all the parents at the gate and we had a little socially distanced gossip before going to retrieve our children.
Genevieve begged to walk home through the woods with two of her classmates and I couldn’t refuse her pleas. The three of them ran off giggling, laughing and revelling in the excitement of just being together. It was so lovely to see.
What was not so lovely were the piles of dog poo that had not been cleared up that both Genevieve and I managed to walk through. Mine must have been under leaves or in grass as I was super careful. Utterly gross. Thankfully I have an awesome husband as Stephen said he would clean them. And, in fact, he’s doing it now as I type. Thank you Stephen!
Once home, it was time to pop Genevieve in the bath for the daily cleaning that will be necessary in the “new normal” school day.
Then it was time to have lunch. After we had all eaten, and before my next work meeting, the kids helped me to bake a cookie tray with Kinder chocolate. Yum!
While we were eating and baking, Stephen had been sleeping but was unfortunately woken by the children playing loudly. Although I would have preferred him to be sleeping, it did make taking my work call easier. And I put on the latest Disney release for them to watch – Onward. It kept them relatively quiet for a while.
Once my call was done, some house jobs needed sorting and (annoyingly) the film had finished, so Stephen took the kids for a walk up to the green. On the way they said hello to the friendly neighbourhood monkey. Today he was celebrating Akela’s birthday from his Scout Group. Very sweet!
Having got to the green, apparently the children were very keen to play a game. Stephen was in no state to run around so, in desperation, asked them if they knew of any games that didn’t involve running. Genevieve chipped in with “Please Mr Crocodile” which turned out to be a great success. Upon their return, James decreed “Mummy, we’ve had a great day!”.
Stephen then needed another nap (he’d overdone it with the kids) whilst I arranged Grandma Lindsey chat time and sorted out dinner for Genevieve and James.
After dinner I instigated another brief game of Please Mr Crocodile in the living room, and then it was time to get the children to bed. Genevieve was clearly shattered from today’s excitement but will need to do it all again tomorrow, so a good night’s rest is important!
Then it was time for dinner and a spot of TV before bed for us, too. I’d earned an early night as walking Genevieve to the junior school site had tipped me well over my daily goal of 10,000 steps. Hurrah!
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