Lamar

A few weeks ago, a crow came by and started trying to get Carl's attention by peering in at him through the window while he worked. He thought it was amusing and took a picture. Little did we know at the time, but that crow would become very special to our family!

Not long after coming to the window, the crow came back and landed in the yard by Preston. Preston fed him some pizza and the two became fast friends. The crow even let Preston pet him and pick him up! It was so bizarre and definitely unlike anything we had ever seen before.

The crow continued to visit each morning and we soon started calling him Lamar, after Louisville hometown hero and current Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson. We learned some good foods to feed him and he will now eat directly from our hands. He is super smart and enjoys playing games like fetch and tug-of-war with sticks and leaves. He especially loves shiny things like spoons, but he will also play with lids, small bowls, golf balls, etc. If he is nearby, Lamar will come when you clap your hands and call him! He will even go on walks with us! He lets lots of us pet him and will even hop up and sit on our laps.

We have found that Lamar visits other families on the street, where he is also called Larry and Poe. He enjoys different snacks at different houses. Sam's family feeds him cat food, Robbie's family feeds him grapes and toast, and Max's family feeds him cereal. At our place, he enjoys unsalted peanuts, softened dog treats, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, apples and bananas. He also likes pancakes, but those are a special treat!

Although Lamar is super friendly with many people, he and Preston seem to have a special bond. Preston talks about Lamar to anyone that will listen and Lamar seems to be especially drawn to Preston. Lamar has made many virtual friends as well, as I have been posting pictures and videos online. Everyone enjoys our special friend.

Preston and Lamar are good buddies.

Lamar enjoyed watching Preston play video games on my old phone. 

Lamar wanted to help Preston with his school work!

Lamar plays with all sorts of "toys."

I have grown very fond of Lamar. I enjoy feeding him and playing with him, but petting him is my favorite.

Lamar loves puddles. He likes to play in them and will use rocks and other objects as "pool toys."

Lamar loves apples!

Flat Cardinal visited from Chancey Elementary School. He enjoyed playing with Preston and Lamar.

Lamar likes shiny things. He found a dime and brought it to Preston.

Labor Day Weekend and Derby 146

Labor Day weekend was much anticipated this year. We have all been very busy with with school and work, so having several days off together was wonderful. It was made extra exciting, because we FINALLY had The Kentucky Oaks and The Kentucky Derby. No spectators were allowed, but all of the races were broadcast. We enjoyed watching the races and making bets. I was super excited to pick the winner for The Oaks and The Derby! We had Bonnie Mom, Grandpa, Aunt Rachel, Uncle Teddy, Caroline, Alex and Andy over for a small party. We also spent time at the pool. It was a really nice weekend.

Derby Day 2020

Labor Day was lots of fun. We had a reservation at the pool and our usual DJ had fun contests for the kids and adults. Preston won a dance contest and Carl won second place in the big splash contest!

The Karate Kid

Preston has continued to take private karate class with Coach Robbie via Zoom. He loves the one-on-one instruction and has learned so much. He has also been able to go to karate class once or twice a week at the gym. He recently tested for a new belt and he did really well. He now has an orange belt with a purple stripe! We are so proud of him! He has worked very hard. 

School 2020-2021 and The End of Summer Break

We have started school, but due to the pandemic, we are doing school online. It is similar to what we did when school closed in March, but there is more structure and more live instruction. The kids like it more, since they can talk to their teachers and friends more often. It is challenging at times, but everyone is working very hard to make it work.

We have a pandemic pod/little school at our house. It comes from necessity, as Alek and Kate's mom works full time and needs help with the kids when school is in session. It feels a bit more like school, which is helpful and provides structure for the kids. It is nice that they can play together during their breaks and I think it is definitely helpful for the kids' mental health. I am exhausted at the end of the day though. I feel like I am working full time again, as I help all four kids with their learning. 

Evan is in seventh grade at Kammerer Middle School. 

Preston is in second grade at Chancey Elementary School.

Kate. Alek, Preston and Evan enjoy Koontz Academy!

Even though school is online, the kids are learning and engaged. Preston loved playing "drums" in music class with Ms. Fassio. 

Some days school is easier in pajamas with your favorite kitty. 

Despite not doing most of the things we usually do, we managed to have a good end of summer. Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks. 

We have enjoyed our garden. The tomatoes are my favorite. I like eating them as soon as I pick them.

This picture makes me smile. We were enjoying time in our backyard and I asked the boys to let me take their picture. This is what I got. It sort of sums up this crazy year!

Preston LOVES to take bubble baths and use bath bombs. He asked me to take this picture, because he looked like Santa. 

Carl got this awesome Lego set for his birthday. He enjoyed creating the old school Nintendo and TV. 

We celebrated Granddaddy's birthday and Bonnie Mom's birthday.

Preston loves visiting the cat cafe. We have been a couple of times and we have so much fun. The kittens are adorable!

Evan has done lots of fishing. He loves to catch bass. 

We are outside a lot. Preston was thrilled to find this cicada that just emerged from its shell. 

We enjoy seeing the deer. We have seen quite a few fawns this summer. 

Usually Evan takes a shower and Preston takes a bath. Lately, they take a bath together. I guess it is relaxing. I found them bathing and watching a show on the phone the other night. I thought it was so sweet. Sometimes they don't get along, but they definitely need each other and I know they love each other very much.

The boys spent the night with my parents and Carl and I had a date night! It was so nice to have time together. 

We were able to have a virtual swim meet! The boys didn't get to train much, but they did really well. Evan and Preston each placed in their individual races and their relay races. Our meet was against Audubon Country Club and we won!