Explanation

Our family was planning a summer 2020 vacation to Alaska and we were so excited. We planned it over a year in advance so we were really looking forward to it. Three months before we were scheduled to go there was a global pandemic that shut everything down. We spent the boys spring break in Mexico at the Mayan Palace. Before going, Mike learned that he would have to quarantine at home for two weeks when we returned. Two days before departing Mexico we got word that the borders were shutting down to non-essential travel and schools were being closed. The boys had to start doing online school. It was a disaster. Stephen excelled at online school but missed hanging out with his friends and was stir crazy at home all the time. Kyle could not focus on online school and his grades suffered. He missed playing with his friends every day. 

Covid-19 totally derailed our plans to go to Alaska. We'll have to reschedule that trip for another year. 

Stephen's Comments: I was not enjoying 8th grade because kids were being mean so I  was looking forward to going to online school. I found that it was no good. I missed hanging out with my friends and Kyle bothered me at home every day. I stayed in touch with my friends by playing video games with them online. We all learned about the importance of washing hands and sanitizing everything to protect ourselves from getting Covid-19. Let's just say that the government is very good at telling people how to wash their hands and how to prevent people from getting sick. I for one can say how lucky I am that I have two parents who both still have their jobs and are getting their usual income. I have seen so many videos of people who are explaining their situation and just how incredibly hard it is for them financially. I am sitting here with no worries in the world knowing that we are stable. This has taught me so much and I am so grateful for the lord being there watching over me and the rest of my family. I have been doing research on other pandemics and I am even more grateful for the advancements in medical technology and just how fast they can start working on a shot for prevention after the spread starts. I believe that this will end just like the rest of them and that younger people like me will start to appreciate spending time with loved ones and friends more. I can say that it has been kind of hard for me to not have the freedom to just ride my bike to the park with my friends. There are certain things that we all take for granted every day that we are starting to appreciate more. I also think that once everyone is told that they can gather in large groups, there will be more family gatherings. It has been so long since people have been able to visit their family members. This has been quite the journey so far and I don't know when this pandemic is going to stop but I hope that life goes back to normal soon.