Socially Distanced Photo Shoots

During the first week of quarantine, which was also Sophia's Spring Break, Sophia and I walked into the woods to do a little photo shoot. It was a reason to get showered and dressed and out of the house. We decided it was something we would do occasionally as this went on. Yesterday was our second effort. Lots of fun to do this together. Sophia's enjoying being in front of and behind the camera. I'm just enjoying the silliness of the moments.

For this particular day's photos, we went up the hill to Concordia Seminary - a place with great architecture and plants to choose from as backgrounds.

Here is an over-the-shoulder smile that I'm proud of.

The squat and look up at me shot. A few shadows on the face, but overall a great picture of a beautiful girl.

This one I love because I caught the real giggle. I can't take credit for the giggle, though, she was cracking herself up.

Not sure what this is, but it was fun anyhow.

Her instructions here were, "Look confident." We can only hope that this is not actually how I look when I feel confident. Otherwise, I should definitely feel that less often.

Classic Senior picture moment. Super cute, though.

She thinks this is hilarious. She was being silly on purpose but has no idea what's meant to be happening with her hand.

Here is a photo from the jumping series.

Here's a selection from the running series.

Here is my Senior picture section. She did a great job, and I'm actually really pleased with these! Next professional headshot, probably!

 And, finally, here is our togetherness shot. Happily hanging out in the Spring sunshine. There are plenty of odd and uncomfortable moments in all of this, but I am so grateful to have Erick and this lovely girl to share every day with.

Recipe for Homemade Granola

Like everyone else, we've obviously been doing a lot in the kitchen while we're on Stay-at-Home orders. Not sure which term I like best for this state of being. 'Shelter in Place' is a good one. 'Quarantining' doesn't apply if you're not sick, right? Even 'self-quarantine' is something that requires symptoms. 'Social distancing' only applies when you're outside. Whatever you call it, we're all at home if we're able to do so, and we're all spending lots of time in the kitchen.

Today, Sophia made her very delicious homemade granola. I decided to share her recipe here in case anyone needed to make some of their own. This is a recipe from cookieandkate.com that Sophia makes every so often, and she has made a few of her own tweaks over time. So, it's tried and true and quite delicious all on its own or on yogurt with a little ripe fruit.

HOMEMADE GRANOLA
INGREDIENTS

• 4 Cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups raw nuts or seeds (she uses 1 cup pecans, heaping 1/2 cup of almonds)
• 1 tsp sea salt (if table salt 3/4 tsp)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 and cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper
2. Put the nuts into individual baggies and crumble them with a rolling pin or tenderizer or something. Pecans don't take much, but the almonds are much more difficult to break down.
3. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, salt & cinnamon
4. Pour in oil, honey and vanilla. Mix well until each oat and nut has a covering of sticky
5. Pour mixture onto your prepared sheet and use spatula to spread it in a pressed, even layer
6. Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway and pressing again
7. Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed for an hour. Break with your hands for extra clumpy or stir with a spoon for smaller crunches.

Mixing the granola goodness

Pressing to maintain its crunchiness

Before the bake

Deliciousness after the bake.

School's Out! Only not at all, really...

When Sophia's school was on spring break, they let us know that it would be online at least through April 22nd. Last week, they let us know that the kids won't be entering the buildings again this year. Then the governor made that official for everyone, so at least there's that. 

For the first couple of weeks of online school, Sophia has been at the dining room table. It's roomy and bright and the chairs are comfortable. It worked. However, once it was officially going to be the full quarter, we decided she needed some more permanence and privacy. So, I set her up in our third bedroom/back room this morning. Now she has a designated study and classroom space and can focus without interruptions from me or Erick. From me, it's puttering, cooking, walking in and out. From Erick, it's conference calls and wandering through. So, we're hoping for the best. School has not been easy so far, but I know everyone is just doing the best they can. Seventh grade has gotten pretty weird, but I know Sophia will get through it. I just keep wondering what all of this is going to mean for these kids. What an interesting and memorable way to spend a spring.