This week was our Thanksgiving trip to NY! Hooray!! Jason had to work on Friday so he stayed home in MI while Steven, Sammy, Amaya and I made the big trip. I was lucky that our sitter, Anna, was able to travel with us because it’s going to be a long time before I can travel with all 3 kids on my own. Anna came to meet us at 5:45am and, by 6:45am, we were off to the airport!

This is how we travel. Two in our double umbrella stroller, a single stroller to hold 2 car seats and one in the third car seat. It’s a bear of an operation but it works really well.

As one does, we stopped for PF Changs at 8am. It was open and empty and they had 3 high chairs. Besides, who doesn’t want beef & broccoli and chicken fried rice to start a travel day? The big deal was that we used actual plates in the restaurant. Such big kids!

On the airplane, Steven was soooooooo exited to see all of the planes out his window. “Plane! Plane! Plane! Plane! Car! Plane! Plane!” The plane was entirely quiet except for his little voice. He had a lot of people giggling. “Plane! Plane!” That boy loooooooves his vehicles.

Overall we had a smooth flight. Much better than last year when we had to turn around and go back to Detroit midway. Anna is an awesome travel partner, too. Totally unflappable and cool as a cucumber.

Everyone was beyond excited to see Nana, Papa and Savta. Look at those smiles!

The kids were equally excited to see Aunt Sa, Chase and Charlie.

Happy Thanksgiving! Steven, Sammy and Amaya were ready for a feast and looking like such big kids!

For what might be the last time, we headed to Aunt Dale and Uncle Arnie’s for Thanksgiving afternoon.

Steven stealing Uncle Arnie’s nose.

Glori, Aunt Sara and Amaya

Sailor and Steven

Charlie, Amaya and Sailor

Aunt Sara, Amaya and Spencer

Savta and Steven. A rare moment when Savta and Sammy weren’t side by side.

Sammy and Uncle Bob

Savta and Sammy. These two were rarely apart all day.

Amaya and Mommy. These two were rarely apart all day.

Steven and Nana. These two were rarely apart all day!

It was gorgeous outside so we took advantage of the great weather.

Perhaps my favorite photo of the day. Nana and Savta spent a ton of time just running around the deck with the kids. They had so much fun!

A Thanksgiving feast!

I’m not kidding when I say that Amaya ate about a cup of hollandaise sauce. She demanded I serve it to her by the spoonful. That girl loves her dip dip.

As always, we took advantage of the time together to exchange Hannukah gifts. For the first time, Steven, Sammy and Amaya really seemed to get the idea of opening presents and getting new stuff to play with.

Sammy was very methodical in his unwrapping process.

Steven got some help from Aunt Dale.

A vehicle puzzle for Steven. Perfect!

With the exception of missing Daddy, it was a perfect Thanksgiving Day.

On Friday morning, my friend Liz came over with her trio, Jack, Ryan and Allison. We saw them at Liz’s house in August so it was fun to get together again. Chaotic, but fun.

We also had a lunchtime visit from our good friend Nate. Here the three boys are dining together while lucky Amaya got to eat on my lap.

Fierce Amaya

Chef Steven

Giggly Sammy

Friday afternoon the fun continued with a visit from my college best friend, Rachel. The Friday after Thanksgiving is our tradition.

Uncle Dave and Steven.

Sammy in his usual spot on Savta’s lap.

Friday night was a sleep over with Chase and Charlie! A first for all of us with all 5 grandkids sleeping at Nana & Papa’s house.

We commemorated the sleepover with a Saturday morning photo in Nana and Papa’s bed. It took some of kids a minute or two to get into the spirit of it but you can see how happy Nana is to have her 5 grandchildren all together.

Amaya wanted to wear Chase’s sock. So cute.

Mommy and Amaya.

We were so lucky with the weather. I never expected to spend so much time outside in late November.

Cousin Mike came for lunch with Naomi and Jake.

We rounded out the trip with an evening at Aunt Sara and Uncle Dave’s house. Chaos and fun!

And then, suddenly, it was time to go. It’s hard to leave NY but Steven, Sammy and Amaya were very, very excited to go home to Dada. “Dada. Home. Back. Dada”

Anna and Steven at the airport.

Anna napping with her buddy Amaya.

Eventually, sleeping boys.

The trip was perfect. We’re so lucky to have the opportunities to make these trips to visit so many people we love.

Here are some photos from the rest of the week.

The hug fests continue!

Steven got his new bigger boy orthotics. These have vehicles! His favorite!

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday week, group classes were canceled for the week. Instead, everyone met at the Funtastic Fun Zone for play time. So much fun! This is where Steven, Sammy and Amaya are having their 2nd birthday party.

The kids love to clean!

So Daddy got them brooms and dust pans of their own!

And, finally, kisses. <3

Have a great week! Happy Thanksgiving!

This week’s blog kicks off with “school” photos that can join the annals of Worst School Photos Ever. Which also puts them in the category of BEST School Photos Ever.

First we have 70’s swinger Steven.

Next up is stoned Amaya. Maybe hungover, too.

And then there’s Sammy. Poor Sammy. That face.

Many thanks to Megan for suffering through that process. And apologies in advance to my kids for showing these photos to everyone forever.

In happier news, Steven, Sammy and Amaya love Ring Around the Rosie. Sammy and Amaya keep saying, “All fall down.” It’s so cute.

We’re giving each other lots and lots of hugs and cuddles these days. Everyone is also learning to say, “all done,” when they’re ready for the hugs to stop.

This morning Amaya piled on Sammy for hugs and Steven had to join in on the fun.

This morning I got a text message from my friend Bethany to say that she and her trio and husband were going to the Novi Pet Show. I hadn’t heard about it but it was around the corner from our house so I made quick plans to check it out while Jason was in the office.

Checking out a snake.

Double the triplet fun!

Pony rides!! I didn’t expect to find pony rides but I couldn’t resist giving the kids a shot. Pony rides!!

Steven went first. He was totally unfazed by the whole thing. He calmly did his rounds with the handler.

I didn’t think Amaya would want to ride the pony because she’s pretty nervous around animals but she kept saying “pony! pony!” so Amaya got a turn, too. She did great, also!

Poor Sam Man wanted no part of it. In fact, this photo was when I was taking Amaya for her ride. When Amaya was finished Sammy said, “all done. car.” So he got his wish, too, and we went home.

As a side note, it’s definitely more difficult to get out and about in the cold. It was 28 degrees when we left the house this morning. I’ll be very happy if it doesn’t get any colder this winter.

Gearing up for Thanksgiving, the kids made some hand print art with their EI teachers. You can tell which is Sammy’s even without the names because he’s least likely to want paint on his hand. But he still makes a cute turkey!

We had a BIG family adventure this weekend! SNOW! I don’t like the snow and I don’t like the cold but getting to share a new experience with Steven, Sammy and Amaya almost makes up for the amount of snow that fell on Saturday.

In preparation, Jason picked up snow bibs and boots for everyone on Friday night. Good thing because we needed them!

Checking it out.

Miss Amaya didn’t let us put her down the entire time we were outside.

Daddy building a snowman with help from his boys!

We may just survive winter after all!

Today, because I couldn’t imagine getting everyone dressed for outside, I brought some snow inside. We tried this last winter, too, only now everyone knows it’s snow. “Snow. Snow.”

Grandma Sunshine came to visit on Tuesday and spent the night so she could join SSA at music class on Wednesday. We still love music class and, even if it doesn’t always look like it in the photos, there’s a nice amount of music time.

We were busy as always at school on Thursday.

Everyone still loves to color. Amaya remains the ring leader but, lately, crayons are out for our entire weekend.

When in doubt, pull out a big box. Endless entertainment!

For all of us!

Our big milestone of the week is the introduction of bowls. Everyone is, for sure, ready but I was looking for bowls I liked that were silicone, small and adhesive. We had chili on the menu which was the perfect food to start with.

Steven this week!

Pulling the laundry basket around the house.

Eating a chocolate chip muffin.

Sammy!

Puzzle piece on his head. 🙂

Loving his color craft popsicle.

Sleep Sammy.

Chocolate muffin!

Amaya!

Getting dressed.

Covered in chocolate.

Opening a package.

Mastering Daddy’s belt.

Amaya loves the laundry basket.

And she loves a big box.

Finally, for this week, bath time!

We’re off to NY on Wednesday and can’t wait to celebrate Thanksgiving with everyone in NY!

The kids are so cute with each other these days. They hug and kiss. They rub each other’s back. The other morning Steven didn’t want to wake up in the morning and he was lying on the floor in the nursery. I was rubbing his back and Amaya and Sammy came over to rub his back, too. Another time Amaya was crying in her crib and Sammy said, “Sis Sis Sad.” They’re showing so much affection for each other. It’s amazing.

In this photo, Sammy was still asleep at the end of nap time and Amaya was rubbing his back to wake him up.

Steven is officially released from physical therapy! Yay Steven!! He’ll need his ankle support braces for another 4 to 6 months but that’s separate from any more general needs for PT. These photos are from his last PT session with the wonderful Jeanette. She was teaching him to walk backwards by pulling on a weighted string, hand over hand.

We had fun at a special afternoon “school” session last Tuesday.

More fun, as always, at music. Once again, Amaya spent part of the class on the instructor’s lap.

Rub a dub dub, three Clines in a tub.

It was a big week for me, too. As follow-up to the New York Times article on the rape kit backlog in Detroit, I was invited to join MSNBC Live with Tamron Hall. It was an amazing experience and Megan was thoughtful enough to both have the kids watch and capture photos of it. I saw these right when I finished and they made me tear up.

There were teacher meetings last week so, instead of group on Thursday, everyone met at the Westland mall play area on Friday. We’ll take on every adventure that comes our way!

When we were getting ready for daylight savings time we pushed their bedtime out half an hour for a few days. During that time, Jason would eat dinner while the kids were still up. They got used to it and now, if we’re downstairs when Jason gets home, Sammy says “eat. eat”. Here everyone is gathered around begging for scraps.

And here is a post-begging-for-scraps mommy pile-on!

We LOVE to color. Especially Amaya. Sammy and Steven have waxing/waning interest but I’m not kidding when I say that Amaya spent at least 3 hours of her Saturday coloring. She’s so focused and interested. I love it.

We got lucky, lucky on Sunday with amazing weather that pushed 60 degrees. High 50’s in November! It’s almost unthinkable.

We were able to go outside twice in one day. In November! What a treat! In the morning we thought we might need our hats. We didn’t but everyone liked them so much that we kept them on after Sammy and Amaya traded. “Trade! Trade!”

In the afternoon we ended up down at the end of the block cul-de-sac with two other families. I hit the jackpot with fun families who have kids about the same age.

This is Logan. He and Amaya shared a first kiss in that hummer. No joke. They puckered up and went for it, totally unprompted. Logan’s mom and I were very sad to miss the photo op!

Steven this week!

That belly. I can’t take it, it’s so cute.

Mommy and Sam Man

Sammy likes to eat with a variety of utensils, including serving spoons.

Hand in the pocket.

Amaya this week!

Amaya and Megan’s husband, Mike.

Riding Fudgie the Whale, Amaya spied herself in the mirror

Loving a head massage from daddy!

Finally, for the week, some Thanksgiving artwork. Turkeys!

Have a great week!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya have been busy, as always.

Last Sunday I planned to take the boys for haircuts at the mall but I couldn’t get a walk-in appointment so we spent some time in the play area instead. It was right at opening so it was still quiet enough that I felt comfortable letting SSA play without another adult for backup.

Amaya has finally mastered the big slide! She loves to “Wheeeee!” It’s so much fun watching her learn to get comfortable on the slide.

After a bit of playtime, I took the kids for pizza at the mall. We’ve come so far! I pulled the wagon in the line with me and was able to get everything to our table. The kids stayed in the wagon while I got the high chairs set up. We used paper plates and plastic silverware and everyone did great. It was almost easy!

This week was, likely, the last of nice fall weather. Sunday afternoon we took advantage and went outside for a fall walk. It was so pretty.

We wandered down the block to a neighbor’s house. They have pumpkins on their porch and have been nice about the kids coming to the door to see the pumpkins. The family has 3 boys and, while we were there, everyone came outside for a bit. Steven, Sammy and Amaya had their first opportunity to play in leaves. They loved it! I wasn’t sure Sammy would be comfortable but he dove right in! The kids continue to surprise me.

During the week, Megan took advantage of the great weather and everyone had time to play outside. Backyard – we’ll miss you this winter!!

Since we are BIG kids, we’re trying out BIG waffles.

We had lots of fun at music this week. Amaya is very, very focused on the directions from the instructor, Miss Marie. She watches and waits for each next step. This week Sammy learned how to walk backwards! It’s part of one of the songs and he’s been practicing at home.

More fun with the extreme coaster. Now Amaya can push the car up the coaster and climb in herself. This may have to make an appearance in our backyard next summer.

The boys and our music helper, Stephanie. “Fef fef,” as Sammy calls her. And “sister” as Megan calls her. 🙂

The toddler room at EI class definitely seems to be the right place for the kids. Amaya made friends with twin girls who are about the same age. Not surprisingly, Steven is happy to take off and explore on his own. Sammy hangs close to Megan but he still has a good time.

Our napping kiddos. Including Miss Amaya, who stayed up for her entire nap until the very end when she fell asleep on Megan. We love you, Megan.

Bath fun!

Sometimes we need our friends to sit with us at breakfast.

On Friday, I went to work late to take Steven in for a check in with his orthotist for his ankle braces. Before Steven and I left, we were hanging out and noticed an Asian lady beetle in the house. The kids were totally fascinated. Sammy kept his distance but Steven and Amaya took turns picking it up.

Steven and his insect friend.

Steven did great at his appointment. Robert, his orthotist, commented that he’s always so friendly and easy to work with. My Bobo is a people person.

Steven did outgrow his SMOs and is going to need a new pair. He’s made improvement but still has a fair amount of ankle pronation. Hopefully this is his last pair and then we can “free the feetsies!”

Lately, Sammy is having a lot of trouble with separation. He does not like it when his mama leaves, and it was even worse on Friday when Bobo got to go in the car with me. “Go. Go. Go. Car. Mama.” He eventually recovered but Megan reported that he cried for a looooooong time. Poor kid. And poor mama! It’s really difficult for me to leave for work these days. I hate to hear how sad he is.

All better!

Saturday morning we divided and conquered. Jason and Amaya went grocery shopping while the boys and I went to get them some overdue haircuts.

Steven and Sammy were super patient during the half hour wait.

Steven cried at first but then calmed down. Sammy had a tougher time and ended up getting his hair cut sitting on my lap. “All done! All done!” was his cry through the hair cut. But 2 minutes after it was done he was just fine.

Meanwhile, Amaya was Daddy’s super helper!

Jason and I had plans on Saturday night so Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette came to babysit. When you have this many adults in the house, you might as well have a flying party.

It was another tough goodbye everyone settled down quickly and had a great night.

Sammy is almost always the one who’s still asleep in the morning or after naps. This morning he was asleep when I went into the nursery and didn’t even want me to put the light on. He was practically falling asleep in my arms when I took him out of his crib. I’ve never really seen him like that and didn’t want to push it so I brought Sammy to Jason who slept with him in our bed for about an hour. Eventually he woke up ravenous, ate 12 mini pancakes and was back to himself.

Before Sammy woke up, Steven and Amaya were busy coloring. During breakfast we were FaceTiming with Charlie who was coloring and I told Amaya she could color after breakfast. The minute she finished she was off and running to the craft table. Oh! And the only reason Amaya let me brush her teeth this morning is because big cousin Charlie said she should. Thank you for the help, Charlie!

It didn’t take long for Sammy to join in.

The work I’ve been doing for the rape kits in Detroit was highlighted in the business section of the New York Times. We took a family trip to Barnes & Noble to pick up some copies of the paper. The kid’s department was a nice place to hang out for a little while.

Somehow, no one left empty handed!

The article.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya are so funny at meals these days. They want a ton of silverware and it’s not uncommon for them to have a toddler fork, regular fork and a spoon at a meal. Today we had chicken parm and Amaya sat and ate the sauce by the spoonful.

Just a few more photos from the week.

Steven! Steven is saying more and more. A lot of it isn’t enunciated well but he has a ton of words. I’m so happy with his progress. I thought he’d certainly need speech intervention but I don’t feel so sure anymore.

Sammy! The other night, after he was in his crib at bedtime, Sammy sat in his crib just talking, talking, talking.

“Coat. On. Coat. Off. Off.”
“Mike. Mike. Mike. Mike.” (That’s Megan’s husband.)
“Fef fef. Home.” (That’s Megan’s sister, Stephanie, who goes to music class with the kids.)
“Tush. Tush. Big. Huge.” (You can tell the kinds of things we say when he poops.)

It was so interesting to listen to him!

Amaya! Amaya is our little singer. She loves to sing the songs she learns through early intervention. I could listen to her little singing voice forever.

Lined up at the gate. When it’s dark out, we love to watch the lights on the trees outside. Steven particularly loves it. “La-ight! La-ight!”

Have a great week!