I left UT very early on Monday morning but, with the time difference, arrived back at our house around 4:30pm. While I was away, the kids and Penni had a great pool day. Though I hear the pool is still freezing and our wet suits are probably a good idea in the future.

Nice and uncrowded on a weekday!

Back home to my loves!! I brought them each some UT honey plus a gift for everyone. (Because Steven told me that I have to bring home presents if I’m gone for 3 nights or more. Fair enough.)

I bought Steven a puzzle and got this sweet text from him the next morning. ❤️

Amaya had swim on Tuesday and graduated to level 7!! Way to go, Amaya!

After swim, it was off to the lake. I haven’t been to the lake with the kids this summer (or last!). I’ll have to make a point to go with Steven, Sammy and Amaya before summer is through.

This week each of the kids picked a recipe to make with Penni or Lindsay. Amaya made her pineapple & ham dish (with bacon instead of ham). Steven picked out this meatball dish.

On Wednesday the boys had a make-up swim lesson. (With another lesson on Thursday!) Afterward it was a quick stop at the optometrist to pick up Steven’s glasses.

This was the meal Sammy made with Lindsay. She said it looked gourmet and that he helped with almost everything! Looks fantastic to me!

On Thursday the kids spent time at a playground and then visited the library for books of the week.

Amaya borrowed a face painting book and Lindsay turned her into a softball. 🙂

Evening shows with Steven…

He did my hair for me 🙂

On Friday Penni had a vacation day so Lindsay came for the full day. It was a treat for the kids to get extra Lindsay time. She took them to The Bees Knees to do pottery. Then to Starbucks for hot chocolate (where they wanted to sit like they’re “mature”), and then to a park. A full, fun day!

Sammy painted a dragon

Amaya painted a pig

Steven painted a sandwhich

Mature lol

Some field!

Amaya loves sweet Sally. All the kids do. I can’t believe she’ll be 17 years old next month. Good thing she’s immortal.

This morning, Amaya got a new summer look with some pink and blue in her hair. I think it looks great!

And I took Steven to the barber shop (JJ’s) for a clean up of his curls. Jason did a great job cutting the bottom part of Steven’s hair last weekend but Steven wouldn’t let him at the top. His hair needed some balance and he was also hoping they could shave the hot wheels logo in the side. Amaya joined us on the trip. Afterward we walked next door and got ice cream – for Sammy, too.

Jason and the kids played Monopoly this weekend. I’m pretty sure Jason won. Every time someone was out, Steven played the Imperial March from Star Wars.

Sammy wasn’t in the mood to swim today, but Steven, Amaya and I spent the day at the JCC pool. It was a hot day – perfect for swimming. We had an extra treat because their friend Ruxin, Ruxin’s mom and his brother Apollo joined us there for a couple of hours.

While Sammy hung out with his dad, we had a great day out in the sun.

Amaya passed the deep water test for the season.

She spent nearly 2 hours of our time there just going in a loop – jump off the diving board, climb out of the pool, get in line, jump off the diving board, climb out of the pool…and so on.

Steven really enjoyed watching everyone jump off the diving board.

Amaya, handling concession on her own.

Diving!! My friend Addie watched her video and gave her a few good tips to try next time: keep her arms pressed against her ears to keep her head down the whole time and keep her knees together to help keep her legs together and straight.

Great day!

That’s it for us! Have a great week!

This is going to be a short little blog. I’m in Sundance, UT with friends and so my focus is there. But still, a blog.

It rained almost the entire week. Definitely disappointing for a bunch of kids who want days at the pool and the lake. They did get to spend time cleaning the play room. Poor consolation, I suspect.

Just lounging around with Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars.

When I read books at bedtime it always offers some prime “Sally petting” time before and during. Sally has grown so docile in her old age or, perhaps, she’s just grown to trust Steven, Sammy and Amaya.

Amaya thinks this is a funny picture – trying to pose while focusing on Sally.

On Wednesday, the kids went to Stemville – a hands on play place that Steven has been eyeing for a while. It was reservation only and looked pretty quiet. The kids played for two hours, ate out with Penni and then hit up a playground, taking advantage of one of the few dry days of the week.

Steven always has time for cuddles with his mama. <3

If Sammy has trouble sleeping, meditations are a great option for him. I love that, at such a young age, he’s building skills like this.

On Thursday, after more than two years, Bitcherie Weekend is back. Our 13th! This trip highlighted the challenge of the kids and I having been in each other’s space for the past 15 months. I know I’ve done 1:1 trips to NY since the pandemic started but it was very, very difficult for Sammy to see me head off for 4 nights. We’re all so used to being together and the kids are used to knowing I’m home with them. It led to some very sad goodbyes with Bubba.

Steven, shockingly, didn’t bat an eye. I just got a “goodbye Bestie! I love you!” and off I went.

Amaya also sent me off with a big smile

Waves goodbye.

Shortly after I left, we had some fun deliveries – an air hockey table and a foosball table! I’m so excited to get home and play with them.

Sammy, via his iPod, stayed in near constant contact with me as I traveled to UT. I had phone calls and FaceTimes and arrived in UT to about 20 pictures that looked like this. My poor Bubba. 🙁

(On of the times we were on the phone, Amaya was in the background yelling, “This is Steven! I love you, Mommy! You’re the best!!” Funny girl.)

This is definitely my favorite text of the weekend from Sammy. ” That doesn’t help. Please respond.”

The separation led to, I believe, many nights in a row of sleepovers with Daddy. I am going to have to put a plan in place to get used being apart from one another.

On Friday, the Penni took the kids to Panera for breakfast as a way to get out of the house during more rain. So much rain. They also had a popcorn movie afternoon (A New Hope) and a lego building contest.

Haircut weekend – long overdue – and Steven’s set on long on top, sort on the sides. We’ll work on taming it. 🙂

On Saturday night, the kids skipped right to Return of the Jedi for movie night #2. Movie and cupcakes while Mommy was away!

It was a lazy day at home for the kids and Jason, followed by dinner out at Garage where they were thrilled to wrap up the weekend with ice cream sundaes.

Finally, here are some pictures of the Bitcherie in Utah! Together again!!

Have a great week!

This was another week that feels so full of activity it’s hard to believe that Monday was, as I type this, less than a week ago.

On Monday morning, we gathered our stuff and said goodbye to a wonderful weekend in OH but not before we managed get this great family photo. <3

Steven wanted a picture with Grandma Sunshine because they were both wearing red.

When we were in NY, we started keeping track of the license plates we saw. This first part of the list is compliments of Nana who transcribed our list as the kids and I drove home from Westchester. We’ve been adding ever since. (And this week we added Idaho and Wisconsin.)

Some Monday cuddles

Amaya and Steven (^^) both got new hats. Will it surprise anyone to hear that Amaya’s matches Charlie’s? She looks so cute in it.

A parting gift from Grandma Sunshine was a box of 480 water balloons. Monday was a hot, hot day so we decided to get busy and have some water balloon fun.

I thought I was just going to watch peacefully until Sammy the Stinker decided to soak me and drag me into the battle. Totally worth it! We ran through about 350 of the water balloons and were drenched by the time we were through.

We went out for a family dinner to wrap up the 4th of July weekend – Amaya went in style.

Deadwood! We ate here in an igloo for the kids’ birthday but it’s been a long time since we ate inside. The table we were seated at was the first table all 5 of us ate at together, many years ago.

The Sloomoo experience carried on…

This week the kids started back at swim! It’s been since late November that they’ve gone but we definitely feel comfortable returning now and have the freedom in our schedule. Since Jason was off on Tuesday, he joined the boys and Penni to watch Amaya.

Right back into it! She did great!

Other than that, it was a quiet day. The kids went to a park and settled back into a new summer routine.

In the evening, Steven showed me his progress at Super Mario Odyssey.

Summer means summer reading! The kids picked out new books.

On Wednesday night I went out for dinner with friends which sent the kids into a tizzy. They’re really used to having me around most of the time. We’re going to have to adjust together.

Here’s how Steven fell asleep…

On Thursday, Amaya dove into a new slime kit that she bought with her own money. She wants everyone to know that Sammy isn’t the only one who loves slime. 🙂

Slime is a great bonding activity for these two. <3

Just like Amaya did, on Thursday the boys jumped right back into swim class. So proud of these boys.

Friday morning, while the kids got ready for a zoo day, Amaya worked on her slime. If this isn’t a zoo look, what is right?

Breakfast hugs

Zoo day!! Penni said it was back to pre-COVID crowds. The zoo requires masks inside but all of the inside exhibits are open again and all of the food vendors are ready to go. Whoo hoo!!

They wrapped up a looooong zoo day on the carousel.

Friday we returned to “Sleep with Parents” night and I got a smiling Bubba. This boy is such a ray of light. Before bed, he told me all about “the cutest” episode of Phineas and Ferb. It’s one where Perry (who doesn’t like to team up) teams up with another animal agent and, at the end, sees Perry giving a small “Platysmile”. (Perry is a platypus.) Now I call Sammy’s sweet smile a Platysmile. <3

On Saturday morning, the kids and I headed back to OH for a weekend with my friend Hannah and her family. Every summer she comes up from Baton Rouge to stay with her parents in Lakewood, OH – outside Cleveland and, every summer since 2016 – except 2020, the kids and I have visited Hannah and her family.

Amaya took this picture of me when we were stopped at McDonalds for a late breakfast. I had a shirt on my head (plopping) and they thought it was hysterical that I went out like that.

Only I could turn a 2:40 trip into a 4 hour extravaganza with stop after stop. But I did. The kids were in great spirts for our last stop at a Service Plaza. Some Popeyes and then we were almost there!

We made it! It’s amazing to me that this is the 5th time we’ve visited Hannah and her family. Hannah has 6 kids and the youngest three, Bonnie, Betsy and Abby, are triplets born a few months after SSA. Her oldest, Evelyn, is 11 with Lucy and Josie in between.

In the past, SSA stayed by my side for a while after we arrived and the kids needed a reasonable amount of supervision. This time, they all took off together playing imaginary play games outside and with all sorts of physical games (foosball, air hockey, ping pong) inside. It was awesome for them and so nice for Hannah and I to just be able to sit and talk.

In a battle, the dead lie in place hoping their surviving teammates pull out a victory.

A lot of fun was had in this box.

Dinner outside!

After dinner, we took a trip to an ice cream parlor. It was so much fun.

We wrapped up the night with an episode of Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn – an older Nickelodeon show about quadruplets. Perfect for this crew and something I’m sure SSA will revisit.

We were able to stay in OH until almost noon today. Later than I intended but the kids were having so much fun playing with the Birchman girls.

We took a picture of Steven, Betsy, Amaya, Bonnie, Abby and Sammy in the same order as a picture of them in 2017.

For fun, here’s a picture of the gang when we first visited in 2016.

It rained and rained on the way home. Sammy was a fan. (I was not.)

The kids wanted me to get pictures of this Service Plaza because it looks so different from ones further east. It’s really something when your kids are that familiar with OH service plazas but we also stop in them on drives to and from NY so there have been many visits in the past 12 months.

This is the view Steven wanted.

And that’s it! We’re home safe and sound in MI and I’m staying put until Thursday when I head to Utah for Bitcherie Weekend 13! Have a great week!

Some weeks it feels like more of a miracle than others that I get the blog published so, as I type this on Saturday morning, I am curious to see if I make it for Sunday night with all we have going on. Future me will find out!

We had a fantastic rest of our week in NY. Each morning, while I took some morning meetings for work, the kids went across the street to Nana and Papa’s for breakfast. It worked out perfectly!

After Sunday, we had another three full days at the beach. It was hot and sunny and we all made the most of it. We got into a good routine. Right when we got to the beach we’d stop at the playground and I’d apply sunscreen to everyone. While they waited, and afterward, Charlie and SSA played a game called “Toilet Tag”. I get the sense it’s like Freeze Tag.

Monday was primarily a pool day. The kids were in the pool, on the playground and then back in the pool.

Steven really wanted to go on a shell hunt and I agreed to be his partner in crime. It was so hot. I brought a small backpack with water which was a lifesaver.

Steven took me to a spot he’d checked out on Sunday.

Steven hadn’t planned to go down to the ocean but the heat got to him, too, and it was beautiful down at the water. Cooler and breezy.

Back up by the cabana, Papa and the rest of the kids hit the pool.

The whole gang. Savta joined us on Monday. She mostly stayed by the cabana but it was great that she could come with us. <3

When we got back to Glenwood Rd, we took the kids on a promised trip to Carvel for ice cream. Joe & Nicole’s daughter, Dalia, was staying with Auntie and Dod Shuki this week so she came by and, after ice cream, the kids all played with legos together for a short while.

My view of Nana from the rental. Back and forth and back and forth she goes.

On Tuesday we headed down to the ocean right away. It was another hot, clear day and the ocean called us.

Three years running, this is Sammy’s favorite bathing suit. Now it’s soft and worn and has been mended multiple times.

Amaya and Steven went on a shell hunt with Nana. They didn’t find many shells but they did find a whole lot of birds.

Charlie and Sammy chatted while Steven and Amaya went for their walk.

Auntie, Dod Shuki and Dalia joined us at the beach and Auntie got comfortable in the sand.

Dod Shuki was on ocean duty with Dalia and Amaya

Amaya and Dalia, playing together. Cousins’ kids!

Even I got in the water on Tuesday. I got a little red on Sunday so worked hard to stay covered the rest of the trip, even in the ocean.

Such a pretty view

I had a work dinner in Manhattan on Tuesday night so I left the beach around 2:30pm. Nana, Auntie and Dod Shuki stayed with the rest of the kids and wrapped up the day with ice cream. Then it was a sleepover at Nana and Papa’s house.

Wednesday it was back to the beach again for our last beach day of the trip. Auntie, Dod Shuki, Savta and Dalia all joined us.

Everyone in the ocean, including me!

Charlie and I are out in the waves while Steven looks on.

Amaya loved her wet suit all week long.

Steven lived it up on Wednesday. He created a little sand nest for himself and settled in, living his best life. Watching him relax in to the sand was one of my favorite moments of the trip.

After our last beach day, we headed to the Point Lookout Clam Bar. Aunt Sara, who has been working during the day, was able to join us! ❤ ❤ ❤

Thursday morning, again while I worked, Charlie, SSA, Dalia and the grandmothers spent time visiting with Savta at her house.

It was a rainy day and our NYC day! The adventure of the trip was a visit to Sloomoo – a “slime museum” in Soho. The museum was full of different slime experiences including a catapult, a “move slime with your mind” game, and a DIY bar.

Amaya, shooting slime at the rest of us.

So much slime! (With alcohol wipes between each station.)

The museum offers an opportunity to get slimed. We didn’t buy tickets to that part of the experience but, apparently, someone donated a ticket and Sammy was the lucky recipient! He was first to volunteer and off he went.

They covered him in a shower cap and smock and then rained down a ton of slime on him. I think he loved it!

Ready to go!

SLIME!

Glow-in-the-dark slime

We wrapped up the day with the DIY bar – we picked base, a scent, added a color and then selected some charms.

Mixing in our colors

Oomooyoo with her slime! (We got nametags that replaced vowels with “oo”. It was Choorloo, Stoovoon, Soommoo, Oomooyoo, Moommoo and Noonoo.)

On the way out, the kids ran through slime! (It says “no running”. There was lots of running.)

Such a fun experience!!

Before heading back to Long Island, Steven asked that we walk the few blocks to Chinatown. On the way, we saw this building in the background. It’s 56 Leonard St and the kids recognized it right away because we watched a show on how it was built. Very, very cool to see in person.

Starbucks, compliments of Nan

Sara came over for dinner (IHOP!) and then it was time to say goodbye to Charlie. It was a rough goodbye for the kids. Amaya cried when Charlie left and Sammy cried at bedtime. Nana came over to rub backs to help ease the kids into sleep.

Very early Friday morning we headed back to Detroit, where we were all so happy to see Jason!

Then, after a few hours at home, we jumped in the car to head to Sandusky for a weekend adventure with Grandma Sunshine, Aunt Annette, Aunt Ouize, Uncle Todd, Nancy and Abe. Another AirBnB for the Cline Kids!

Art contest, let by Steven. Grandma Sunshine was the winner.

Snuggly Sammy

We had a lazy Saturday morning while we waited for Nancy to arrive from the airport. The kids played cards with Grandma and then Steven led another art challenge.

Today we spent the day at Cedar Point – a first for the Cline Five? (Not for Jason, for a first for us as a family.) We were there from noon to 6pm and had a blast. Abe and Todd soldiered on even longer, leaving closer to 9pm.

Ready for the day!

Nancy and Amaya on the carousel.

Nancy and I adventured together on the pirate boat ride.

Steven found a jeep ride he wanted to try. I was his happy passenger.

Sweet little face.

Bumper cars were a huge hit for Sammy and Amaya. I think they went three times.

Amaya and Aunt Ouize!

Pilot Steven

Steven and I joined the crew for bumper cars.

Cedar Downs – a fast horse racing ride. Sammy was very nervous at first but loved it enough to ride three times. (2.5 times, really. Our 2nd ride was stopped and restarted because they had to remove a rider who wasn’t following the rules.)

While Sammy and I were riding, Ouize took Amaya and Steven to the arcade so Sammy wanted a chance to win tickets, too.

Meanwhile, Aunt Annette and Aunt Ouize took Amaya and Steven on one of those rides where you drive a car on track that runs down the middle of the vehicle.

Steven loves his maps.

While Ouize, Nancy and I rode the Iron Dragon roller coaster, Grandma Sunshine, Aunt Annette and SSA took a train ride.

We wrapped up the park with a tram ride to the entrance.

Back at home, there was time for Super Mario Party, dinner and then smores – compliments of supplies left by our AirBnB host.

Happy, happy kids <3

We spent today at Cedar Point’s water park. The kids got off to a slow start but ended up having so much fun. I love water parks and was really excited to have time for a fewer bigger slides, myself.

Sammy and I went on a big raft ride together. It was an (unexpected) hour long wait but he thought it was worth it. So much so, he wanted to do it again!

Mid-day lunch in the shade.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya probably spent 2 hours in a section of the water park with tons of slides for kids. It was exactly their speed. So many smiles.

All 3 kids also hit up the rapid river (slightly less tame version of the lazy rive) and the wave pool. Then ended the day with funnel cakes.

Somehow they still had enough energy post-showers to play catch with Uncle Todd and Steven hosted a final art challenge. The artists had to draw things Steven loves so Grandma Sunshine drew me. <3

And I did it! A blog tonight! It was a phenomenal week. We are so lucky to have our family.

Have a great week and happy 4th!

We started the week with a Monday morning eye doctor appointment for Steven. He needed dilation at this visit and did so well. I was really proud of him. It was a great check-in though his eye doctor suggested a (very) small change to the prescription in his right eye.

Look at this guy. More mid-day hugs for lucky, lucky me. I didn’t have any meetings right when we returned from the doctor so Sammy spent a good 30 or 40 minutes sharing my chair while I worked – just sitting quietly next to me the entire time.

It was an overcast, grey day so the kids spent a while doing art tutorials with Penni.

Amaya drew Appa, Aang and Katara from Avatar The Last Airbender.

Monday afternoon, Lindsay brought her table top ping pong set with her. The kids love it! (I’d love it, too! We need a rec room in our basement. Ping Pong. Foosball. Air Hockey.

Monday night was Steven & Sammy’s last ball game as A’s. They both did great with hits at all of their at-bats. It was a really fun season and, honestly, I’m sad it’s over.

Steven at bat

Talking with their friend Nora. Steven said he was most sad about baseball ending because he wouldn’t get to see Nora anymore. We’ll definitely have to arrange play dates.

Amaya tried to claim she was bored but I’ll challenge her on that!

After the game the boys got their trophies from Coach Greg who spoke to them about their growth through the season with such sincerity. It was really nice.

Now that school is out, Penni and the kids can have all sorts of adventures together. On Tuesday they hit up a new (to them) playground.

Back at home, Sammy had some downtime. This boy knows how to relax.

On Wednesday, Penni took SSA to the library to get some new books. They’re reading so well but haven’t really done much reading for fun, as far as I’ve seen. I was hopeful they’d find books they’re excited about to retain their skills over the summer. So far, it looks like I had nothing to worry about. All three kids went to bed on Wednesday night with books in their beds. <3 I started a summer reading long and, to add a book they read, they have to tell me about it. Hearing their recaps is so cute. (No pressure, though. I want them to have fun reading and do it because they’re motivated not because I’m pressuring them.)

Wednesday night was Amaya’s next tournament game. Sadly it was the end of the road for the Green Aliens. It was a great season! Amaya learned so much and I’m really proud of her for the way she put herself out there, practiced hard and persevered.

That’s Amaya in #4, untucked shirt, toward at the left of the photo.

• 

End of season celebration time!

Even snagged some cupcakes for her brothers!

Here we go! So eager to finish her book she read it on the way home. It’s about Tinkerbell finding her special talent. Turns out she’s a tinker fairy. 🙂

Someone liked his cupcake

Steven was struggling to fall asleep so I sat in his bunkbed and read on my phone while he drifted off. Jason snapped this pic when he came to check on Steven.

Thursday was the kids’ first lake day of the year! I’m not sure if I mentioned it but we decided that it made sense to keep Penni on as our full time nanny through the summer and she’s going to have all sorts of adventures with Steven, Sammy and Amaya between now and Labor Day.

Bubba, post lake 🙂

Lindsay has been a great fit for us this summer. She student taught in a first grade classroom last semester and its totally in the right headspace to engage with 7 year olds. She’s the 7-year-old whisperer.

On Friday afternoon, Steven, Sammy, Amaya and I headed to NY for our annual beach week. It’s a bit earlier than we’ve done in the past but works really well with everyone’s summer schedules. The beach is open, the pool is ready and we are here!

So glad DTW opened up the airport tram again!

Ready to board!

We had a new flight configuration. Friendly Stranger-Sammy-Mommy —- Amaya-Steven-Friendly Stranger. Usually I try to do three of us in one row and one across the aisle. But we’re so used to flying together, and our routine, that it makes adapting to small changes pretty easy.

Hi Nana!!!

On Saturday, Papa came over early before we all headed out to Spencer & Jamie’s house in Westchester for a Goldstein cousin pool party.

First, since we were in the area, we stopped by my friend Rachel’s house for a short visit.

We had a phenomenal day at Spencer and Jamie’s. The kids got to play with Cooper, Jordan and Tess and, of course, Chase and Charlie were there. Isobel and Miles are older but it was great to see them, too. Cousin time is the best time, even for adults. 🙂

When we got back, Nana, Papa and Savta came to the rental house for sushi dinner. <3

Today we spent about 7 hours at the beach. It was a wonderful day. I was telling Jason that we’ve been coming here since the kids were 7 months old so I get to watch them grow up here in a way that feels meaningful because they change so much between each summer visit. Every year they’re more independent and more confident. In fact, I was telling Sammy about the summer he was 18 months old and we had to put a sheet down in the sand because he wouldn’t touch it.

It’s late and I’m tired so this is basically just a photo dump of all the fun we had.

The long walk to the ocean.

Lots of cousin time!

Hunting for shells with Nana

<3 <3 <3

So. Much. Sand. in Amaya’s hair.

Ice cream, compliments of Nana

Dinner at the beach. It looks as quiet here in the evening as it did when we first arrived at 11am.

Wrapped up the day with a swim.

That’s it for us! Have a great week!

Three and a half days of school this week and that was it for our first graders. Incredible.

On Monday, the boys were twining in their baseball shirts. This is the only shirt they have in common, unlike their infant & toddler days, so it’s a fun for me to see them pick it on the same day.

On Monday I managed some great cuddle time with all 3 kids. Sammy, in particular, needed some extra mommy love as he was missing NY something fierce. Penni asked me to let her know when I had a break in meetings so he could come for some hugs. ❤️

We’re winding down baseball season, which is hard to believe. When the season starts, it feels like it will be so much to juggle and then, just when it seems like we’re in a great routine, it’s over. I’ll have to make sure the kids see their friends through the summer.

Both boys got hits at both of their at bats at Monday’s game. You can see Sammy at bat and Steven rounding third, making his way home.

Amaya occupier herself with slime – a gift from Nana – while The Brothers played ball.

We didn’t notice a storm on Monday night but, somehow, a tree fell in our yard this week. The kids were hoping we’d leave it there all summer. (Jason’s already attacked it with the saw.) It made for a few fun days in the yard, though.

Steven and Sammy had their second to last game on Wednesday night. I stepped in as dugout coach.

The kids were excited to play the game but maybe even more excited to play with this big rock they found.

Sammy at bat

Steven, checking out the lineup

The game highlight was a visit from Megan, Mikey, Taco and Eden!! The kids were so excited to see them all. Amaya really liked getting to be the “big girl” with Taco and Eden.

With our kids!! ❤️❤️

And, with that, on Thursday Steven, Sammy and Amaya completed first grade!

I had no idea what to expect coming into this year and was very, very worried about the choice we made to keep the kids home. It turns out I had nothing to worry about.

Steven, Sammy & Amaya crushed first grade – from our house.

*They had an amazing nanny supporting them all day.
*They had an absolutely incredible first grade teacher who literally worked miracles this year.
*They made so many new friends through class and Saturday playground meet-ups.
*And I had a huge bonus of working in the same space as my kids for a year. (Made possible by that amazing nanny.)

All of that said, we are ready for second grade IN PERSON.

First and last days of first grade

Amaya was excited to be done for the year! Sammy said he was happy and sad. Steven said he already missed Mrs. O’Neil.

Penni and the kids went out for “last day of school” ice cream.

Friday was a rainy day, for most of the day, so the kids hung out at home until it was time for Amaya’s first tournament game. Unfortunately they lost, so there’s a long road for the Green Aliens to the championship.

Sammy was hot and tired by the end of the game, after running around with the other siblings for 2 hours.

I thought Saturday would be nice so the kids got ready for a pool day, only to be thwarted by rain again.

Game time, instead. This was called Guess 10. It is a “20 questions” type game and animal themed. I was pretty impressed with the kids’ animal knowledge.

The rain cleared up in times for Amaya’s next tournament game – and this one they won!

The rain cleared up in times for Amaya’s next tournament game – and this one they won!

If you ever want to see sportsmanship, it’s listening to Amaya’s softball team, the Green Aliens, cheer for her foul ball.

She is the youngest on the team with the least experience and has struggled to hit the ball. Tonight, in a tournament game, she finally made contact and you’d think she’d hit a game winning home run. I’m so grateful to this amazing team that’s rallied around her. Hopefully she sticks with the game and can do that for younger players some day. ❤️

Hugs from Steven after the game

A happy girl!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya were very excited about Father’s Day. As they do, they “surprised” Jason with breakfast in bed. All sorts of delicious creations with as much added sugar as they could muster.

They also set up the usual stations. Steven’s involved a game of “Secret Code 13+4”. Jason & Sammy teamed up and came out victorious.

Steven’s card for Jason.

Amaya’s card for Jason.

For “what he always says”, Amaya is referencing Jason blaming his farts on other people. The thing that makes Jason laugh is when Steven falls and says, in a funny voice, “I’m okay!”

Sammy has one for Jason, too, but it’s hidden deep under the couch to be recovered some day in the future.

It was a hot, sunny day so we spent about 2.5 hours at a local splash pad and then neighboring playground. It will be a great summer spot. All right there are the splash pad, two playgrounds, bathrooms and pavilions with picnic tables. The kids made new friends and I got to sit in the shade and read. The water was really cold so the wet suits worked out very well. Too warm for the long pants versions but perfect for the short pants option.

We wrapped up Father’s Day with a nice dinner for Daddy – chicken and pineapple teriyaki with coleslaw.

One more story before I wrap up. Earlier in the week Amaya and Sammy were talking about preparing for Father’s Day and Steven said, “Well really, one of the biggest things Daddy cares about is a clean house.” That boy knows his dad. 🙂

Have a great week and Happy Father’s Day to the dads!

It was a busy and exciting week! The kids had their last full week of first grade, we’re winding down baseball/softball season and Sammy and I traveled to NY for Chase’s Bar Mitzvah!

We started off Monday with ball games for all of the Cline Kids. I took the boys to their game and Lindsay took Amaya to hers, where Jason met them. I though the weather was going to do us in but, by miraculously, these dark storm clouds passed overhead without a drop of rain.

Steven and Sammy both had great games. Sammy even made a play at first to get the batter out!

Steven, Sammy and Ruxin talking Minecraft during an inning when they weren’t batting.

Amaya, doing her thing. Her swing has improved so much! (Lindsay said that, when Amaya was practicing batting, her coaches and teammates were being so supportive cheering her on.)

We’ve entered this new phase of childhood where I can come downstairs in the morning and find Sammy having already eating breakfast, quietly watching videos on his iPod. It’s also a phase of childhood where he’s not interested in pausing his video to talk to his mother. 🙂

No ballgames on Tuesday so the kids played another game – Monopoly! It’s so special that these kids have each other.

All June the kids have a theme for school each day. On Wednesday, it was “Zoom lunch day” and the kids got to each lunch on Zoom with their class. We’re winding down the days of Zoom!

Practice makes better so Jason spent time this week outside with the kids after work, practicing batting. He even got some whiffle balls for these sessions – white baseball size for the boys and yellow softball size for Amaya. No broken windows!

Thursday was “Zoom From a Fort” day! It was a cute idea and I think SSA really liked the novelty of it.

Early Thursday afternoon, Sammy and I set off for New York! He got so many compliments on his luggage set – from men and women of all ages. <3

Perhaps it was for the shock factor but this guy skipped McDonald’s in favor of a salad.

Momma and Bubba!

Channeling Steven, reading the safety card.

I don’t think it will surprise anyone who reads this blog to learn that I landed to a stream of wonderful texts from Steven. And audio messages from Amaya checking in to be sure I saw Steven’s texts.

Amaya had a great last regular season game with the Green Aliens and they clinched 2nd place in the league. Playoffs start next Saturday.

Jason let me know that, when trophies were handed out, the girls each got a trophy and a popsicle. Amaya asked for a popsicle for her brother and was so happy to give it to him. She cared more about getting a popsicle for her brother than her own trophy. I’m so proud of her big heart.

In New York, Charlie surprised Sammy at Nana’s house when we arrived.

Sammy, giving Papa grief about being a “horrible driver.” (You’re not a horrible driver, Papa!!)

Our after dinner treat was a walk to Carvel for ice cream. It is still amazing to me to be able to walk to the same ice cream place I walked to when I was a kid. Really incredible to still be able to connect to my own childhood this way.

Apparently, this morning, Steven pinned Sammy on their zoom meeting so he could watch his brother in class. He also asked Penni to have me send photos of Sammy hard at work.

Bubs at school at Nana and Papa’s house

In Michigan, Steven and Amaya had a big day. School ended a little early so they could have a playground meetup with Mrs. O’Neil and the rest of their class – the first official in-person gathering of the school year. So hard to believe! Penni said that Amaya was a little nervous but Steven’s enthusiasm got her over the hump.

After the picnic it was quick dinner and then off to Steven’s game where he got two hits!

Sammy and Charlie spent the whole afternoon together and it sounds look / looked like they had a great time together. Lots of outdoor time, dinner together, and then nearly an hour playing with slime.

Back in the Land of Cheltenham, Steven and Amaya settled in for Sleep with Parent night. Thick as thieves.

It definitely seems insufficient to just say, “Saturday was Chase’s Bar Mitzvah”. It’s an amazing milestone, he did a phenomenal job, and we’re all so proud of him.

Besides Sammy and I, and of course the Goldbergs and both sets of Chase’s grandparents, also in attendance were Savta, Uncle Dave’s brother Mike and his family, Uncle Austin & Krissy, Aunt Anita, and Aunt Dale & Uncle Arnie. Poppy Steven was represented, too, because Chase wore his tallit for the ceremony. The rabbi even talked about it, which was a very special moment in a very special day.

Sammy got as dressed up as he ever does for the occasion and looked so handsome. He did an amazing job staying patient through the 2.5 hr ceremony.

I don’t have any pictures of the ceremony (no photos allowed on Shabbat at a Conservative temple) but Steven sent me this picture from his live stream viewing of the ceremony with Jason and Amaya! I love that they were able to celebrate with Chase, too, from Michigan. <3

Back at Sara & Dave’s house after the ceremony.

Mom and her girls.

Savta and her girls.

We all went back to Sara and Dave’s house for lunch and Sammy stayed and played outside for hours and hours afterward. Trampoline and foosball and basketball and lots and lots of food.

In the evening, the real party started. Sara and Dave had a great wonton truck come to the house, along with a ton of other catered food. All of Chase’s friends came (so many!) along with many of their parents and other family friends. There was a nice group of younger siblings that Sammy was able to hang out with. He had so much fun. I swear he was living his best life. (And he even made time to play with me, though it would have been just fine if he wanted to be off with the kids instead.)

This kid was psyched for the ice cream truck that Sara and Dave arranged.

Happy guy!

It was an amazing day! Sammy and I got back to Nana and Papa’s house and crashed hard.

Back in MI, Daddy, Amaya and Steven had a full day which included baseball practice for Steven. There were only 4 kids at practice so Amaya was able to step in and play catcher.

TV snuggles 💗💗💗

Jason picked E.T. for movie night with Steven and Amaya. He said that Steven was really into it and got it all.

This morning was our first NY beach day of the season with Nana, Papa, Charlie, Uncle Austin and Krissy. We headed over to the Goldberg’s around 10:30am to pick up Charlie which gave us a chance to see the rest of the family again and for Sammy to play another game of foosball.

Beach! After a COVID year-off, we’re back at Nickerson Beach and the cabana. Being back there, it seems impossible that it’s been almost 2 years since we visited. I’ve spent summers at this beach for decades and it’s really good to be back.

Digging big holes, as they do.

Playground time

We made the very long walk to the ocean where it was a little colder that we expected, so we’ll have to spend more time there – and brave the water – when we’re back in 2 weeks.

Rest break

Lunchtime for Nana and Sammy

Back in MI, Steven planned a full agenda for the crew. Apparently it included his continued attempt to draw each of the MLB logos. <3

Organizing, like his Daddy

Our for an early meal before Amaya’s softball practice.

And now Sammy and I are headed back to MI! It was an amazing long weekend in NY.

Wrapping up, these digital illustrations are all the rage on Facebook so I couldn’t resist doing them for Steven, Sammy and Amaya.

Have a great week!

This is one of those weeks where Monday feels like a very long time ago. Memorial Day rounded out a beautiful weekend in MI. When we were at Amerman Elementary for batting practice on Sunday, the kids were disappointed that they didn’t have time to play on the school playground so we went back on Monday. Sammy wasn’t feeling quite right so Jason came to pick him up and I stayed out with Amaya and Steven and the three of us headed to a 2nd playground when they got tired of the first.

It was another “moving past COVID” milestone for me on our way home. We stopped at Kroger to get food to grill and I was able to shop inside without a mask. It’s a new day! I was proud of Amaya and Steven for 100% understanding why they still needed masks. (In fact, I think I may have mentioned that the longer conversations are when they don’t have to wear masks anymore – but I think we’re moving past that quickly. Kids really are so adaptable.)

By the time we got home, Amaya wasn’t feeling well so Steven and I decided to make an adventure out of getting cold medicine and walked the mile, together, to CVS. He called this part of Beck Road “Forest Path” and told me the walk was such an “interesting experience”.

Gathering pinecones on Forest Path.

You can see that Amaya just doesn’t feel well. 🙁 (I’m happy to report, though, that she’s nearly 100% now. And we did have the kids COVID tested just to be safe.)

I still love taking photos of these sleeping children.

Steven was having a hard time falling asleep one night this week so I told him to sit with me for 5 minutes. Five minutes later he was fast asleep! He’s too big for me to easily carry around the house these days so we relied on Jason to get him back to bed. <3

It’s June and school is winding down. The 17th is the last day of 1st grade. Every school day has a theme and Tuesday’s was “Pajama Day”. Amaya really rocked that “fresh out of bed” look.

And, on Tuesday, Charlie turned TEN! 💗💗💗

Staying focused through the last few weeks of school. It’s going to be so weird, an exciting, to send SSA off on the bus on September 7th. I hope the teachers understand that a meaningful % of the kids in their class haven’t been in a school environment for 18 months. I know kids are adaptable but it’s definitely going to be an adjustment.

Hat Day

I am not the only one who gets heart-melting texts from Steven.

Over the weekend Amaya picked out a recipe to bake but I wanted to wait until she was healthier before letting her get to work. By Thursday, she was ready to roll. These knives from Nana and Papa have been great. The blades are sharp but the short handles make them easy for the kids to handle.

Using her cutting skills – pressing down from the top of the knife.

Every other Friday our housekeeper comes so the kids do school in the basement. It’s actually worked out just fine. Here, Elsa is reading her current favorite book, “The Book with No Pictures.” Boo boo butt!!

Amaya missed her Monday game bc she was sick but was back at it by Friday. (The boys had one game during the week that was rained out.) While the girls practiced hitting, Steven and Sammy chased down the balls they hit.

The coaches spent a lot of time working with Amaya on her swing and it’s getting better and better!

MY GIRL

Sammy is taking a break here, but it’s been great that the boys have had other siblings to play with during Amaya’s games

After the game, Steven told me that he needed to talk to “Adam’s mom” about something. He didn’t want to tell me what it was and waited patiently until she was free. I love that Steven knows how to use his voice. I really don’t think I had that courage at seven.

Friday night is still “Sleep with Parent Night” and this Friday night was my turn with Sammy. One of Sammy’s favorite things about sleeping with me is talking to me for an hour or two when we wake up. It’s one of my favorite things, too.

On Saturday, we got back to the JCC for the first pool day of the season. The JCC didn’t fare well through COVID. Between the decline in membership and the way that use of their fitness center changed, the JCC board made a decision to dramatically reduce the space they use and to permanently close the fitness center. I’m so happy, though, that they made the decision to keep the pool operating. And, now that we’re past the height of COVID, they also opened up the concession stand!

The JCC pool isn’t heated and is coooooold even on hot, hot days so the kids decided to try wet suits to see if they kept them warmer in the water. The answer is “yes” but they asked for full body options, too.

Looking like he’s 14…

A fry shaped like a “J”!

We got beach towels on our 2nd trip to Naples and were all excited to use them

Steve’s very first ice cream cone

First bite of the cone – which he says he likes even more than the ice cream

We had a nice quiet Sunday morning before heading to Ruxin’s birthday party. It is so nice that the kids are at an age where we can have quiet mornings again. I’m really appreciating it.

Lego Masters is back, and we’re watching as a family on weekends. Steven said he was glad he has an iPod this year so he can take pictures of the cool Lego creations.

Our builders are at it.

Amaya happily joined her dad on a trip to Home Depot.

This afternoon the kids had their friend Ruxin’s birthday party. It was a Dragons and Unicorns theme so they made crowns and wands and had foam swords for sword fights. The kids also did a hunt for dragon eggs that were full of treats inside. They had a great time.

The day wrapped up with late afternoon softball practice for Amaya, with Jason, and a quiet evening at home for me with Steven and Sammy.

And that’s our week! Have a great one!

*Blog title by Amaya

Happy Sunday, all! It’s been a great week and I think we’re all excited for another day off tomorrow.

I’m really not sure what these are about but I found them on our coffee table. I think there might have been versions for everyone in the family but these were the ones remaining. From Steven, if you can’t already tell.

More than a year in and a bonus of working from home is quick visits from the kids during my work day. Look at those summer waves on my girl.

The kids have live PE classes in the house and, sometimes, they do them together. I appreciate the effort on behalf of the school but, honestly, on a nice day I’d prefer to just push the kids outdoors.

More baseball and softball this week, starting with Amaya’s softball game. Our new afterschool nanny, Lindsey, has been doing a great job getting the kids to and from activities. She started on the 13th but I feel very unusually superstitious about her so I haven’t mentioned much and probably won’t until the summer ends and she returns to school in Ohio.

Amaya – always focused on her own fashion vision.

I mean, why can’t a tank top be worn upside down with your legs through the arm holes?

On Wednesday I missed the boys’ game so I could stay home and get some work done. I was sorry to miss it but Amaya and I were glad to have the extra time at home and Jason was there to cheer on Steven and Sammy.

Hard at work at math testing. Just three more weeks of school and then we’ll have three kids on their way back to Thornton Creek. Whoo hoo!! This year has been better than I imagined. Steven, Sammy and Amaya really thrived despite the crazy circumstances and they certainly learned, but it will be amazing for them to return to their school after what will be 18 month away.

These shapes came home from school and were part of geometry lessons. (Amaya says, “it was actually just math so say ‘math'”.)

Steven sent me a picture of his.

I took Amaya to her game on Thursday evening on my own. The game was 20 minutes away and it was COLD out. So cold! The coaches even called the game after 5 innings because the players were shivering. Do. Not. Like.

Some private batting practice.

The cold was worth it, though, because Megan came to the game! Amaya absolutely lit up with shock and joy when she saw May May. It was so sweet.

In case you’re curious about what the cheers sound like, all through the game, check out the short video below.

I saw a few of the kids’ assignments this week.

This was Steven’s digital birthday card for his baseball teammate, Quinn. 🙂

I’m not sure what this is related to but I thought it was interesting that all 3 kids had the same assignment and executed it so differently.

Amaya

Sammy

Steven (Steven said it says, “First there was no funny jokes. Then “some funny jokes” and finally, “Really funny jokes.”)

We had a lazy Saturday morning at home. I stayed in bed for a long long time. Jason and the kids spent time doing yard work and Sammy & Amaya took advantage of the power washing to stay nearby and get wet, wet, wet.

I know the weather isn’t great in the northeast this weekend but we are having beautiful weather here in MI. Our Saturday activity was a trip to Comerica Park to see the Yankees play the Tigers. NOT a good end to the game from my perspective but a great time out at the ballpark with Team Cline.

Amaya didn’t pick a team to score for so she wore a Yankees/Tigers hat from the Opening Day game Jason and I went to at Yankee Stadium in 2011.

Sammy was firmly on Team Yankees.

Steven was scoring for the Tigers. He really likes Willie Castro.

Can you spot Sammy and Jason between numbers 5 and 2, checking out the statues?

I tried to convicce the kids to get vegetables but their hearts were set on cotton candy. 😝

Chill Clines, enjoying the sun and the game.

Today was another beautiful day. After a quiet morning, we headed over to Ammerman Elementary and the kids practiced batting for a bit. Then we went to downtown Northville and got some fresh squeezed lemonade. It’s definitely (finally) feeling like summer!

That’s it for us! Have a great week!

Before I dive into the week, here are some of our new family photos. <3 We always did these around the kids’ birthday in January to mark the passing the year but I really wanted to start getting some outdoor shots and, now that the kids don’t change so much over a few months, it seemed like the perfect time to push out photos to spring.

Can’t have family photos without the couch pictures, though!

It wasn’t as warm as I hoped which made barefoot pictures unbearable for the kids. Steven, in particular, wasn’t having it.

Amaya looks so old in so many photos.

My absolute favorite of Sammy

We had time to get a few pictures of the kids playing on their playset.

I’ve been trying to work outside, or at least step outside, during the day now that it’s so nice out. That means impromptu visits with and snuggles from the kids.

Sammy lol

Lots of baseball and softball this week – games Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat plus a practice on Saturday.

Steven and Sammy play with some of the other brothers at Amaya’s softball games. Somehow a small basketball he brought when home with another kid. Steven was very sad about it so he made this tribute to his ball, Baske (pronounced Baskee). Such a sweet boy.

Steven and Sammy play coach pitch so they don’t formally keep score yet and not all games play outs. This was the first game of the season with outs and Steven was so excited to let me know.

Sammy, on his way to first.

When the watching gets tough, the tough play catch.

I don’t know exactly what this was about, bc I was working, but the kids were playing rock, paper, scissors to make some kind of game decision. It was pretty cute.

Amaya got all styled for the boys’ Friday night game – an extra special one because Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette came to watch! (And spent the night so they could see Amaya play, too.)

Perfect view while I helped out as first base coach.

In art class on Friday, the kids made inventions from recycled materials. Amaya made a purse and Steven made a device that will feed him.

Steven, recording Jason working on our new garbage disposale.

We had a lazy Saturday morning, into the early afternoon. Lots of together time and, while I worked, everyone else played a game of monopoly where Jason came out victorious.

On Saturday afternoon, while the boys and the rest of the crew were at baseball practice, I took Amaya to her friend Claire’s house for a preview to today’s birthday. Consider it a girl’s only pre-party.

It was H-O-T.

A little me time! Between events I got to join a zoom with Jonathan Frakes from Star Trek as part of a fundraising effort for Pancreatic Cancer.

Amaya’s game was at 7:45pm on Saturday night. Ended up under the lights, too! It was a late night for the kids – too late – but the Green Aliens did great winning 25- 11.

Amazing cuddles with my boys during the game.

Today we headed back to Clarie’s house for her “real” birthday party. The kids did crafts, decorated cookies and bounced in a bounce house for hours. It was hot, too. I think these kids are going to sleep very well tonight.

It felt so normal. Most of the kids are in their virtual class and the parents are all vaccinated so we skipped masks for this outdoor party. It was like the before-times!

Steven was explaining to Claire’s grandfather that Dancing Queen, by Abba, is his favorite song and all about how he heard it in the elevator at Legoland.

Two last pics from the week.

Here, Steven and Amaya were co-reading. Amaya was Piggy and Steven was Gerald. I love it!

Finally, sweet sweet Sal.

Have a great week everyone!