Where are our kids are at the end of the pandemic

Being a mom is hard.

I would die for these children. And yet I want to kill them (not literally obviously). How can this be simultaneously possible? 

Tonight I feel completely zapped. I don't write much about the "details" of my kiddos because as they get older, I want to protect their privacy more and more. But I do what to remember who they are at the end of this pandemic. (It isn't completely over but this is us as we are "moving" to the other side of things.)

Isaac: Isaac is 12 now. He'll be 13 in May. He'll be a teenager. He already sounds like a man! We have often said that if we didn't have other children, we probably wouldn't ever have an issue from Isaac. He's really very mature. Always been an old soul. Mostly it's tiny little hiccups in helping him be respectful, full honest, diligent, etc. that work us. He loves to collect HotWheels cars, is still amazing at the piano (although he'll tell you he doesn't like it), and has been working on the farm for pay (in addition to the chores he does for "free") with his cousin Gabe in order to support his collecting habit. 

Sidge: Sidge is 12 now too. He has a heart of gold. He loves all animals and nature. He craves the outdoors and being outside. If he goes to do his morning chicken chore, he may not come back for a half hour just walking around the farm looking at things. Sidge is a lot like me in his "1+1=57" mentality. I often have to stop him and have him write down the schoolwork he has due so it doesn't feel as overwhelming as he thinks it is. He is ecstatic about our West Coast trip as he loves National Parks and loves to play Wingspan with me. (We play at least one game a day together!) He also enjoys building in the "workshop/garage" with his Gramps. 

Abigail: Abigail is 9. She'll be 10 in July. She is so into birding. She still does ballet and enjoys it -- chomping at the bit to go on pointe. She is incredibly artistic, science-minded, a good writer, and actually very talented at piano as well. Lately she's struggled with some adrenaline at bedtime that's been challenging for her ... she's a BIG thinker. She does not like school much and doesn't care much about reading -- unless it's birds. She can read about birds all the time.

Hannah: Hannah is 7. There is just something about our Hannah. She is such a unique and fun individual. So her own person. She just loves life. She thrives. She is always getting into something new, finding something to do, trying something new. She's emotional, excitable, energetic, and enjoyable. She makes us laugh SO hard and then makes us pull our hair out. She is reading at a fifth grade level, but then you'll catch her putting something in her mouth like a young kiddo. She isn't really into anything. She simply likes to be with people and is always up for an adventure -- but nothing holds her attention for very long.