Lake Lure Vacation

December 26-30 getaway to end 2020.  Beautiful Lake Lure NC.  Many photos are at the top of Chimney Rock.
 

Christmas 2020

Another tradition we took up for the pandemic: I made the tourtiere (pork pie) this year!

Cookie Making

                                          

Every year Henry has always made Christmas cookies with Merere.  This year due to the pandemic quarantine, we did them ourselves!

School Picture 2020-21

 

This one was staged.  I took this picture in the bike room at home.  At this point, mid-way through 7th grade, Henry and I had been home together due to Covid for a year.  

Henry's essay on learning

 

This was very moving.  I sent it to Mrs. Harney back in Amesbury.  She will always know the impact she had on Henry's life.

First day of Seventh (!) Grade

 

Every year.  2013-2020.  Kindergarten through 7th grade.  This year it was staged.  Henry will likely not pass through the entrance to his school this year due to the pandemic.  He was a sport to take the photo with me anyway.  

Birthday #12

 

Despite a global pandemic, we had a good birthday.  Went to Big Bloomers nursery in Sanford and bought plants for Henry's room.  Then got a big 

Mount Mitchell

The only time we left our isolated, COVID-free retreat was to take a drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Rockies.  The dashboard screen shows the insane drive we had to the summit.

Mount Nebo NC

We did a "quarantine vacation" in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Somewhere about an hour east of Asheville.  We had that house to ourselves on a big three-acre property.  Lots of hiking trials in the neighborhood.  The last two shots are from the Blue Ridge Parkway just north of where we were staying.  Western NC is stunning!  

Blue Boy

The teachers have been really good with online learning.  This was a fun project to recreate a classic painting with a silly twist.  Thomas Gainsborough "Blue Boy", but with tube sox.

Crazy Hair

Since we're probably not leaving the house for the rest of the year, Henry dyed his hair purple and I grew a beard.  At least we can have a fire pit in our giant yard for fun.