On Monday, Madison had a “make your own pizza” night with the kids. Sammy has been going through a phase of refusing to eat dinner and Madison had the good idea of letting him participate in the cooking. The week was up and down with Sammy’s meals. There were one or two nights this week when Sammy went to bed without eating at all. I’m hoping we turned a corner but tomorrow will tell. Fingers crossed.

This is Sammy’s fit on Tuesday morning because I touched his shirt and now it was dirty and he couldn’t wear it unless it was washed first.

Amaya, showing off her outfit. Earlier this week Steven commented that, “Amaya has some really nice styles.” <3

My company operates the iCare Foundation and, on Tuesday, we had a charity golf outing to raise money. I played foot golf!! Soccer balls and larger holes on the course. I’ve actually never been out on a golf course before and it was a lot of fun for a great cause.

The weather was crappy and fields were flooded so the kids’ soccer practice was canceled. Instead, they went hunting for puddles to jump in.

Wednesday afternoon was the annual Snack in the Sukkah event at school in honor of Sukkot.

Sammy was excited to get to hold (and shake) the lulav and etrog.

I have tap class on Wednesday nights and getting out of the house is challenging. My mornings often look something like this, too. Amaya, of course, can’t be bothered. 🙂

Kids – your mommy plays with legos!

Steven decided that this tissue box is Morminer’s bed. Tight fit but Morminer seems happy.

Madison wanted to mix things up a bit for lunch on Thursday so she made a deck fort for the kids!

I mentioned that Steven has been resistant to soccer. On Thursday he refused to get into his dance clothes. In fact, when everyone was getting in the car, he took his backpack with all of his stuff and hung it back up in the hallway. I spoke to him about it and he said he really didn’t want to dance. I explained that he’d still have to go with Amaya and Sammy and the only thing to do would be sit and wait, which is pretty boring. But no one would force him to dance. Ultimately, he decided that he didn’t want to do tap anymore because “it’s too loud” but he still wants to do jazz. The teacher was nice and let him participate on Thursday barefoot in his street clothes. We’ll take it week by week for now and see how it plays out.

Sammy looooooves tap. He told us that he did “dig, brush, stomp.” Sounds right to me!

Steven, back in the mix!

The excitement for Friday was a weekend visit from Papa and Uncle Austin. While the kids waited for them to arrive, they did this fun scarecrow craft with Madison.

Sammy, waiting eagerly.

I tend to bring home sushi when we have out of home guests on a Friday night which makes Sammy very, very happy.

Uncle Austin drew some snakes and Amaya wanted to try to copy them. Madison patiently gave her step by step guidance to try to draw them on her own.

Success!!

More help from Uncle Austin.

Uncle Austin was also an excellent story book reader on Friday night.

Saturday was the final game for the Airtime Tweeters and it was our best! Steven, who asked me not to sign him up for soccer again, went onto the field every time he was called in by coach. Sammy made a great block! And Amaya was set up for the chance to score a goal.

Sammy’s block! Keep in mind, every other time he tended goal the opposing team went right by him to score. This was HUGE!!

Post game huddle with the coach.

Wearing his medal, making a quintessential Steven face.

As always, we hit up the playground afterward and the kids roped Uncle Austin and Papa into pushing them on the swings.

Amaya got some real height!

After the game we unlocked our flu shot achievement – kids and mom. Our pediatrician’s office lets parents get them at the same time. It was pretty brutal. I had to hold down three sets of arms to get the job done and there were many, many tears but, afterward, everyone agreed that it didn’t actually hurt. Plus, there were lollipops and stickers as prizes. And, hopefully, no flu.

Nervous, pre-poke face.

We all had lunch at Garage and then added Yogurtpalooza to the list of post-poke treats. It’s perfect for Steven because he can fill his cup with all the toppings, no fro-yo.

Checking out Uncle Austin’s pipe.

This morning Papa was up early and watched Coco with the kids.

This morning, Amaya was SO proud to have put her hair in a bun by herself. She’s been very into doing her own hair lately which has it’s plusses and minuses. 😉

Who likes lemons???

The last time we went to Bricks, the kids went to the bar to ask for lemons. When we arrived, Steven mentioned that and the hostess heard. When our waitress arrived with our drinks she was carrying a whole bunch of lemons for the kids.

This afternoon we went to Maybury farm and took our first trip to their corn maze!

Petting a friendly cow.

Heading to the corn maze in the wagon.

9 acres! We spent about 30 minutes in the maze. We made it through the pig to the pumpkin up through the words to the corn and back own around to the pumpkin and out the pig. We were lucky I took this picture before entering or we’d have been in the maze for a lot longer.

We had a lazy evening at home watching the Giants and wrapped up an awesome weekend with Papa and Uncle A!

Here, Sammy and Daddy are building jewelry together.

The day ended with bedtime stories from Uncle Austin. <3

Before bed, Steven told me, “If my eyes are shut when you come to check on me, that just means I like dreaming. Even if my eyes are shut, you can still kiss me.” Sweet boy.

Have a great week! Amaya and I are off to CA together on Thursday so we certainly hope to have one for the story books.

We’re trying to make the most of the warm weather while we still have it. I hate the end of summer because it means winter’s getting closer. I’m not ready for coats and hats and gloves and rushing in and out of the car to stay as warm as possible. I will hang on to summer and the early days of fall for as long as possible.

That said, Madison’s got the kids doing some great fall artwork as the leaves start to change colors.

This picture is so representative of the kids. From L to R, Steven, Sammy, Amaya.

Steven took great care to represent the diversity of colors in the fall leaves. Sammy moved through it as fast as possible, not concerned about the boundaries imposed by the lines. Amaya focused on precision in her art.

On Tuesday night we had an evening soccer game. It was a gorgeous night. Steven and Sammy seemed to find their niche goal tending, though it would be even better if they were focused on stopping the ball before it entered the net lol. Sammy did get into the game on and off and Amaya was right in there, chasing the ball every time she was on the field but never getting too close to the fray.

I was off on Wednesday for Yom Kippur and, with kids services scheduled for the afternoon, we took the morning to meet up with Megan and Taco for a trip to Three Cedars Farm. SSA have all been to the play area there but it was my first trip! It’s a really great space and I’m hoping we can get back one more time before it’s too cold – maybe even go on a hay ride.

Train rides! Steven said, “Amaya and I went on the train with Rosie when you were in New York with Sammy. We’ll show Sammy how it works.” He’s right! I think it was last fall that Rosie took Steven and Amaya to Three Cedars.

“Hi May May! Hi Taco!”

Made me smile. 🙂

Put $1 in the machine – get a Country Jamboree.

“Milking” a cow. When they pull on the udders, water comes out and fills a bucket.

We wrapped up the morning picking mini pumpkins.

Amaya got mail from our triplet friend Hadley! You can’t tell but the picture also says, “Amaya” on it. She was thrilled!

Steven decided to make a chart with his super hero & villain stickers He wanted to see how many he had of his favorites.

We worked together to write the numbers. Steven told me what came next and I dotted it for him to trace. That “Steven” is all his own!

Amaya wanted to do the same thing but by herself so Madison wrote out the numbers on a different piece of paper as a reference point. Not bad work! And a reminder that we spend a lot more time practicing writing letters than numbers.

On Thursday afternoon, Steven, Sammy, Amaya & Madison picked up Nana at the airport and Nana had a chance to watch the kids at dance class! She took a ton of pictures for us, and an almost equal number of videos. Steven had a bit of trouble focusing and staying with the class in tap but rallied well for jazz.

Heel walking.

Thursday night, Nana read their bedtime stories. Here, she’s reading poems in a book from Grandpa Homey.

As she always does when she flies in on Thursday, Nana took the kids to school on Friday and went to Shabbat with them. Sammy was quick to tell me that he spent the most time with Nana at Shabbat. 🙂

Quiet time. I’m so curious about what’s going through their minds while they “read.”

Friday afternoon the kids collected leaves for a new project.

Leaf monsters! Here’s Sammys, “Leafy the leaf monster.” Steven had “Witch the leaf monster” and Amaya’s was “Ghost the leaf monster.”

Wrapping up the day in the Cline Bros Salon.

Saturday morning was soccer picture day. We got there bright and early to shell out $$$ for photos of the kids in the first sports uniforms. The boys immediately cuddled up to Amaya (which wasn’t quite look the photographer was going for).

The Airtime Tweeters! (As a side note, their coach – Coach G – is great. He does an awesome job engaging all the kids and never, ever showing frustration.)

In addition to Nana, we had Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette at our game! The boys were eager to help. (Sammy took of running to his Grandma. <3 )

Me, standing by Steven, who was adamant he was cold and didn’t want to play and needed to wipe his nose on my shirt and, and, and, and… It was a tough one. Eventually I had to just leave him in the capable hands of his father and watch from the other side of the field. He legitimately seems uninterested in soccer but he’s also working the (mommy) system.

Post game snacks!

Jason got the new iPhone and the camera is fantastic. I’m jealous!

As always, we hit up the playground after the game.

In defense of my 4 year olds in the baby swings, the big swings sit up so high its hard for even me to get on them.

TV time with Daddy.

Saturday afternoon, Nana and I went with the kids to see Hansel & Gretel at the kids’ theater in Northville. It looks empty but that’s only because they block off the back part of the theater. I’d estimate about 100 people in the audience. Everyone was a fan! Steven came home and told Jason, “I loved the play!” When Jason asked his favorite part he said, “A witch turned a lady into a cookie and then she got turned back into a lady.”

Tooling around Northville before dinner. I love this dress. 🙂

Can’t go wrong with Garage! Sammy abandoned noodles in favor of calamari for dinner.

Last night Nana fulfilled SSA’s wish and slept in the princess guest room. (I think she actually set her alarm for 6am and then went into the princess guest room but the effect was the same for the kids.) Since she was there at wake-up time, I got to sleep in. To make it even better, Nana took them to Starbucks for breakfast. Win for everyone! Steven, Sammy and Amaya love going to Starbucks with Nana and Jason & I loved a quiet morning at home.

After breakfast we hit up Brickfest at Suburban Showplace. We saw an ad when we were at the State Fair and, after seeing the way Steven obsessed over the Lego city, we knew we had to check it out. It’s really convenient living so close.

Reviewing the rules…

For most of the time, Sammy was my buddy, Steven was Jason’s buddy and Amaya was Nana’s buddy. There were some pretty impressive constructions including a massive Rube Goldberg machine.

Steven could barely contain his excitement. This was right up his alley!

Sammy made this tower (with a base) and was excited to leave it on the table as an example for other people who came to build after him. Sweet boy.

Steven was in his element. You can spy Amaya in the background (and me! sitting next to Nana).

Lego robot cars!

I’m obsessed with Bubba in this red Lego bow tie.

Each of the kids got to pick out a treat at the event. Sammy and Steven picked Lego sets. Amaya picked a necklace with a pink yellow heart. We also got the kids a big set of bricks for more building. And I got myself a treat, too! The Women of NASA set! I had so much fun putting it together that I ordered myself a 2000+ piece Voltron to put together.

Aside from Sammy’s trip to Kroger for groceries and treats, the kids spent the rest of the day outside in the beautiful weather. I want to hang on to it as long as possible!

I’ll leave you for the week with Chocolate Face Sammy.

Have a great one!

Monday was a vacation day for me so I could celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It was also Madison’s first full day with our family. We had a quiet morning at home and then went to an afternoon children’s service at The Birmingham Temple. There were about 30 kids there and it was perfectly paced. 20 minutes of “service” and 25 minutes of associated activities. Two of the activities focused on bees. Bees give us the honey we eat with our apples on Rosh Hashanah and they’re in danger so, in the spirit of Tikkun Olam, we built bee habitats and then did a bee craft.

Ready to celebrate!

Making our bee habitats with string, pvc pipe and hollow bamboo sticks.

Our bee craft. Steven didn’t want to dip his thumb in the paint to make his bees so he tried doing it with a popsicle stick. When that wasn’t effective, he recruited my thumb.

Amaya’s bees

Steven’s bees

Sammy’s bees

The kiddie pool was set up for tashlich. We talked about things we want to focus on in the new Jewish year (rather than transgressions from the prior year). Sammy wants to focus on doing a better job pouring his own cereal from the box. Steven and Amaya want to focus on staying in bed in the morning to earn more prizes. All worthy efforts.

Tuesday, the kids didn’t have school but I returned to work. But not before putting together this then &  now of Steven and Morminer. Best buds forever.

On Tuesday, Steven finally got his 6th star and earned a lego set. He was so excited! (Since Tuesday Steven’s earned just one more star. It’s a work in progress.)

Madison did some Rosh Hashanah art with everyone.

Steven’s art was immediately obvious to me from the worm set parallel to the words.

Sammy made it through the painting before he was on to other things. Also obvious to me which was his.

And Amaya’s. It’s interesting to me that both Steven and Amaya are writing their S backwards, though Steven did write it correctly later in the week.

Tuesday night was soccer practice. We had our own little warm up when we first arrvied.

Can you see Steven sitting on the ball? He spent most of practice there. He just wasn’t interested in playing. There was whistle blowing and cheers of “go sis!” and “go brother!” and Coach G said it was fine as long as he was watching to learn while he sat.

Blowing his “whistle”.

Amaya stayed focused (and eventually took of her skirt) for the chance to ride home in the coveted 3rd row seat in my car. It had been Sammy’s turn but Sammy completely lost focus and ran off so Sammy’s consequence was Amaya’s gain.

On Wednesday, I returned to dance class after a 24 year break! I signed up for adult tap class at the same studio where SSA dance. I even have my tap shoes from high school. I love seeing my name written on them from all those years ago. The class was challenging but within reach and I’m excited to go back next week. It worked an entirely different part of my brain and it was fun to see what my body remembers. Though there was no finesse. At this first class, all I could focus on was my feet.

On Thursday, Steven, Sammy and Amaya returned to their dance classes. This year it’s tap and jazz! The kids are SO excited for tap. They’ve been talking about it since last fall. After class Amaya told me, “They taught us to shuffle but I already knew how because you taught us.”

Stretches! Amaya is in the 2nd row with the black jazz shoes.

It’s nice to see Amaya willing to partner up with someone besides Steven or Sammy. That’s been an issue doing partner work during soccer practice.

To continue a busy week, after dance class Madison brought the kids to my office so I could bring them to their back to school picnic. These pictures are a series of shots Jason took as the kids realized he’d arrived. Such joy!

Sammy continued developing his ability to secure food on his own. Like a big kid, he walked up to the pizza table and got his own food to bring back to his picnic blanket. It’s such a far cry from a kid who’d hold on to my pants at these type of events. It’s a testament to both how old he’s getting and how comfortable he is at the JCC.

Ms Shannon! Oh, how the kids love Ms Shannon, the center director. Especially Sammy. He literally vibrates with excitement when he sees her. It’s so sweet.

Sammy got a little creative early on Friday morning when he asked me to take a picture of him holding his camera displaying a picture he took of me.

Sam-Man also got the thrill of helping his Daddy shave!

On Wednesday night I got home from dance class and mentioned, to Jason, that a colleague bought me sushi for lunch. Amaya, tucked in bed, yelled downstairs, “Did I hear you say sushi!?!?” 🙂 I promised to bring some home later in the week and Friday was the night, as a post-dinner treat. The exciting news was that even Steven tried some this time and professed to like sashimi tuna. We’ll see if he eats it again. Amaya then also wanted to try some, when she usually just eats rolls, so Sammy shoved all he had right in his mouth as fast as possible so I couldn’t give any to Amaya.

Saturday morning was game #2 for the Airtime Tweeters. Steven insisted on jersey #3, instead of #2, and I agreed because I’m also someone who gravitates toward specific numbers. I understand his need.

This week’s game was better than last week’s in that Steven went in to play 5 or 6 times but it was still a bit of a struggle each time and he generally only went in for one play at a time. Sammy went in (mostly) willingly but spent his time primarily wandering around the field. He seemed to have very little interest in getting in the mix. Steven did run after the ball but complained that he wasn’t fast enough. Amaya probably got the most game time of the three and is still a little hesitant to get in the fray but I think she did kick the ball once or twice. Everyone was excited that Megan and Taco came to watch the kids’ game!

We all hit up the park after the game. Amaya got a kick out of pushing her brother in the swing.

Last week I connected with a new mom friend. We met via my work and then bumped into each other in the park last weekend. Her son will be in kindergarten with SSA and she’s relatively new to the area. After we saw each other, she sent me an email inviting us all to Owen’s 5th birthday party at their house. I was excited to go because I don’t yet know any other Thornton Creek school moms of kids who are the same school year as my kids.

We knew there would be bounce houses and, luckily, there were two. 🙂

The absolute hit of the party was a battery powered dune buggy that Steven, Sammy and Amaya took turns driving almost the entire time they were there. Steven, in particular, was beside himself!

The other hit of the party was the pinata and all the candy that came pouring out. All three kids were beside themselves. Everyone indulged a little and then their bags full of candy conveniently disappeared.

Sunday started with hours of painting. Steven had me up in the middle of the night for way too long so the morning also included a very long nap for me. I woke up just in time to rush off to another birthday party – this one for a pre-k classmate.

Ready to party!

This time the bounce houses were more our speed. One was just for jumping and one had a slide that Sammy and Amaya were thrilled with. Steven even tried it, too, which is a big step but he thought it was too fast and was “never going on that slide again.”

Who doesn’t love a “tree house”? Steven said, “there’s even a balcony!”

Steven’s first twisty slide. I love seeing that Steven, Sammy and Amaya are becoming less hesitant on play structures. He loved this one!

 

This afternoon it was time for pink!

“Post for a photo of your new hair color.”

Amaya said, “Take a picture of all of us with our carrots.”

And we wrapped up the day with selfies.

Aunt Sara nicknamed Steven “cuddle bug” and I think it’s spot on.

That’s a wrap! Have a great week!

It seems fitting that this blog is at the start of Rosh Hashana – the Jewish New Year. This time of year is about new beginnings in the Jewish calendar and it’s also about new beginnings in our family. We’re making the transition from Megan to Madison. Steven, Sammy and Amaya started pre-k this past week. They had their first soccer game on Saturday. Next Thursday starts the new dance season – tap and jazz, this year. Even I’m getting in the game. I signed up for adult tap classes! It’s been 24 years since I’ve tapped but I still have my tap shoes from high school and and I’m ready to go.

SSA were all ready for school on Tuesday. Knowing they have Ms. Bri as their teacher was definitely a motivator.

This year, Steven said he wants to be a firefighter. Amaya wants to be a princess. Sammy wants to be a popcorn seller. 🙂

The progression from 2016 to 2017 to 2018 is really incredible to see.

I tried to do pictures of the kids individually but Steven insisted on a photo with “my sister”. He told Sammy to “go stand somewhere else”. 🙁 I let Sammy know he didn’t have to leave the photo but he said, “it doesn’t matter” and wandered off. Of course I worried that it did matter. It’s so hard to know and I feel like there are two lessons that need to happen in those moments. 1. Don’t exclude people. 2. People will exclude you sometimes, so how can you persevere without letting them get to you.

It’s hard to navigate because Steven has a right to a photo just with his sister but he needs to be taught how to articulate that differently. In hindsight, instead of bringing Sammy back into the photo after taking one of Steven and Amaya, I think I would have suggested he have his own photo with Amaya afterward and immediately coached Steven on how to make his request more kindly. Or maybe I overthink it too much. We’re all learning together.

But Sammy was excited to jump back in and link arms with Amaya for this next picture and didn’t seem particularly phased.

The chaos of taking pictures.

Heading in like pros.

Two years ago it took us foreeeeever to get up and down these stairs. The Cline Kids were always at the back of the pack on stairs. No more!

Amaya and Steven dove right in to their new room but Sammy was a little nervous about me leaving. As soon as Ms. Bri took his hand, though, he was totally fine. No tears!

Funny faces for Madison at the end of a great first day. Yay!!

Me: “Why do your signs say 20?”
Steven: “Because that’s our birthday day.”

Tuesday night was the 2nd soccer practice and this time I was able to stay the whole time. Madison dropped the kids off and I met them there.

Steven is both the first to want to sit and the most competitive. There was a game where you kick the ball at the coach and, if the ball touches him, he’ll make any animal sound you want. Steven was determined to catch coach. (He picked a monkey. Sammy picked a lion. Amaya picked a unicorn.) In the second part of the game, you had to catch the other kids with the ball. Amaya was the last one standing! Steven was determined to get her and he finally did.

It was HOT. Steven spent about 1/3 of practice just sitting down.

Sammy spent about 1/3 of practice picking flowers. 🙂

This big kid was in it from start to finish. I’m absolutely shocked at how old Amaya looks in this photo. Bye bye, my baby!

Madison has learned that the way to Sammy’s heart is letting him help prepare food. 🙂

Amaya showing off her new sneakers, and her crazy pattering mixing lol.

Afternoon playtime on Thursday

We had a slow start to mornings as everyone got used to the new routine. The mornings are longer, because we leave at 8:15am instead of 8:20am, and Madison’s taking the kids instead of Mommy & Daddy. It’s been particularly tough for Sammy who was going through a rough patch at drop off as it was. By Friday, though, he was all smiles and ready to roll when it was time to head off to school. Whoo hoo!!

Friday was officially Megan’s last day. It’s really hard to believe. I can’t help but replaying the last 4.5 years over and over again in my mind. Megan’s been with us from the beginning so this transition feels as much about their care as it does about a recognition that we no longer have babies. I’m remembering our first walk with the babies. How I’d make us stop at the gas station on the way to those early, early dr appointments to be sure they were still breathing in their car seats. Putting the kids on a schedule. Starting solids. Early intervention. The first year of preschool.

Megan was part of navigating so much of Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s early years and, with the start of pre-k, I can’t help but think about all we shared together and how far these kids have come from little 33 weekers.

Here’s Megan’s first photo holding all three babies and one taken on Friday afternoon. <3

Sillies. 🙂

]

Steven and May May, a portrait by Steven.

Megan, the kids and I went out for dinner at Garage together on Friday night. Not for a “last” hurrah, because there will be more, but for a “new beginnings” celebration.

A last selfie after our tears.

As a parting gift, Megan took the kids to make me this keepsake. It’s an amazing compliment to the footprint piece she made for my first Mother’s Day. It’s perfect, and I love it.

Saturday was our first soccer game!! Steven powered up by recreating the pancakes on the pancake box. 🙂

Ready for our first game. Go Airtime Tweeters, Go!!

Amaya and Sammy, out huddling with the coach and two teammates.

Sammy, ready at the line.

Halftime powwow.

“Amaya, are you doing a great job?”
“Yeah, I am!”

Amaya and Sammy went right in to play. Amaya chased the ball but seemed nervous to actually get in the mix when everyone was was kicking and getting aggressive. Sammy runs like the cutest little guy every but needs to remember to run to where the ball is. Steven absolutely refused to play for the first three quarters of the game. We finally got him to go in with a promise of visiting the on-site playground after the game. That was all it too, after three quarters of whining! In he went and, when asked, said he had a great time! Of the three kids, he was probably the most aggressive about going after the ball.

The Cline Trio. Coach G was great and let them all go in together during Steven’s first turn out of the field.

Numbers 2, 3 and 4 – ready to play!

Amaya, throwing in the ball.

Made it to the playground! Next week we’ll think to bring sneakers. Cleats aren’t great for running on wood.

Amaya can actually do monkey bars!

Under her jersey is an inside out, silver and black sparkly cardigan, paired with her Frozen leggings. As you do.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya have a new freedom as of this weekend. We now let them play in the backyard while we’re in the house. Previously, we’d only let them on the deck if we were inside. It’s a flight of stairs down to the grass and sight lines aren’t great. Also, it’s not a fenced in yard. But SSA seem to clearly understand the boundaries of where they can go and we can hear them easily with the back door cracked. On my watch, I checked in every once in a while and so far, so good!

I’m taking Amaya to CA the first weekend of October and we were talking about how we’d bring presents back for the Cline men. I told Amaya she’d get a souvenir from the trip and she burst into tears. “What’s a souvenir?!? A souvenir isn’t a present!!! I want a present!!” Poor kid, thinking all she’d get is a trip to CA with her mom. 😉

SSA made Rosh Hashana cards at school and Steven wrote his in Hebrew! שנה טובה means “good year”. He did a great job!

This morning, the kids made hammocks and got comfy to listen to music. Steven started it all with a fort but, once Amaya made a hammock, the boys wanted in on that fun.

For lunch, it was a Daddy/Sammy adventure to Benihana! Sammy even dressed just like Daddy for their lunch date.

 

This guy loves his Daddy.

“Don’t leave me, brother!”

Steven’s still really into the Statue of Liberty lol.

For Rosh Hashana eve, we were invited to the home of one of the kids’ classmates. They’ve been in class with Shoshana all three years they’ve been at the JCC and her parents generously invited us to dinner with her family.

Amaya decided she should wear her “wedding dress”, a bun and a tiara. Then she suggested we tell Shoshana’s family that Amaya is in the “hostipal” and so we had to bring Princess Aurora with us, instead.

I asked if she wanted to pose for a photo and this is what I got lolol.

<3 <3 <3 At dinner, Amaya said she wanted to tell me a secret. The secret was “I love you the most”. That is quite a gift from my daughter who is very careful to keep her emotions guarded. Steven is the child who tells me he loves me with practically every other passing breath, while Amaya shares those feelings with me much less frequently.

Steven and Amaya were quick to play when they saw all the new toys. Steven, in particular, dove right into to pretend play with Shoshana. Sammy was more hesitant, which wasn’t surprising. For a good part of the evening, he wanted to stick close to Jason or to me.

After a while, we did convince Sammy to open up the chair next to him and convince Steven to sit with the kids. I think it was their first real “kids table” that included people they don’t know.

Amaya and Shoshana put on fancy shoes. I asked if they were dancing and Shoshana said, “no, we’re rock stars.” 🙂

They even got up on “stage” for a performance. Steven was insistent that the overhead lighting be turned off with just the fireplace lights on to shine down on the stage. He had a very strong sense of how everything should be, which isn’t surprising.

I’m off from work tomorrow for the holiday and will take the kids to an afternoon family service – our first together, and I’m looking forward to it!

For all of those celebrating, Shana Tova. And to everyone reading, have a great week!

This week started a big transition period for our family. After 4.5 years, we’re getting ready to say goodbye to Megan as our nanny and welcome Madison. This has been in the works for 6 months but it’s hard to believe the time has come. Megan has helped care for Steven, Sammy and Amaya since they were two weeks old. She has spent more waking hours with them than I have, and she and I have spoken every weekday, at length, about the kids and our lives. Megan’s been a tremendous partner for us in the kids’ care and will, hopefully, always be a part of SSA’s lives.

And if this week is anything to go by, we hit the jackpot with our transition to Madison as our new nanny. She’s caring, she’s insightful and the kids are already comfortable with her, in part because she was able to spend time with them throughout the summer. This coming week is one last week of overlap between Megan and Madison and then the transition is official.

The kids didn’t have school this week so Madison took on the first half of the day. We started off washing the myriad of shells that came back with us from New York. (And how was that only a week ago!?!)

It’s not specifically dresses that Sammy likes. It’s twirling. 🙂

One year ago, a triplet mom friend told me about an app called Artkive. You can upload your kids’ artwork and then have it made into books (or gifts). I started saving Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s art in the app last September and, at the end of camp, I had one year’s worth of art turned into books. They are spectacular. The process to create the books was simple within the app and the quality is even better than I hoped. They’re amazing keepsakes and it’s allowed me to avoid holding on to waaaaaaaay too much artwork through the year. I’m so excited to start their pre-k collection!

By Tuesday morning, Sammy was ready to help Madison make oatmeal.

Madison also got fancy with Amaya’s hair!

This year, SSA are taking tap and jazz class. We transitioned from ballet to jazz because they really want to take tap and it’s back to back with jazz. To get ready, Megan and Madison took them to buy tap shoes, jazz shoes and new clothes. Amaya was so excited to pick this new leotard.

The boys, trying on their new tap shoes. So cool.

Tuesday was also the first soccer practice! I had an Ele’s Place event that night so Penni took them to practice, I met up with everyone there, and then headed out to the event just before practiced ended. It takes a village…

The coach (Coach G, the kids will tell you) had the patience of a saint. He’s really good with little kids and seems to expect the (low) skill level and poor concentration. Steven was into it right away. Amaya played it cool in the beginning but then got into it. Sammy was hot and cold – sometimes right in the mix and other times wanting to stand by my side. Overall, it was a great start!

I love this picture that Penni took. Beyond the field, across Grand River Ave., you can see the circus tent set up for the state fair.

Go team!!

Another new hairstyle by Madison.

Steven did his own hair, and was very proud of his effort.

On Wednesday, SSA got outside and painted their newly cleaned shells.

Thursday night cuddles with Samscicle.

After bed on Thursday, I went to a goodbye party for a regular at my sushi place. Sammy and Amaya asked that I please bring them sushi for breakfast. Their wish is my command. California rolls plus sashimi tuna and salmon for Sammy. I just ordered them some training chop sticks so I can stop rigging them with rubber bands every time.

Thursday afternoon was a special one. As our thank you gift to Megan, we got her a photo shoot with Steven, Sammy and Amaya. She and the kids met the photographer at a local playground for their photos.

They got in some play time beforehand…

I love this dress on Amaya. I’m glad she’s finally wearing it because it will likely be too small by spring.

Bedtime shenanigans with Daddy

Friday morning I finally got my act together and set up Pandora on my tv. Dance Party time!

Steven the Shape Bandit, supporting St. Baldrick’s.

Reference point – the Shape Bandit is a “bad guy” in an episode of Team Umizoomi. Steven’s always careful to have his sock-gloves on when he’s the Shape Bandit.

Both boys earned these walking, oinking pigs for staying in bed so of course they needed leashes.

I was able to leave work early on Friday so Megan and I decided to take the kids for a picnic dinner at Maybury Farm. It was a gorgeous night and a fun, unusual dinnertime adventure.

This little face.

This is what Amaya looks like when she’s proud of herself. She was explaining that she did something on her own. I said, by yourself? “Yes, really!!”

Amaya wanted to pet the bunnies. We’ve come a long way.

We wrapped up our afternoon in the play area. Boy these kids know how to have fun with wooden vehicles. It’s fun to look back on h

On last stop to pet some horses before we left for the night.

I thought the kids’ first soccer game was on Saturday but it’s next week. The good news is that I realized before we left the house. It mean that everyone was up and raring to go by 8am. Amaya got out some energy climbing.

Sammy: I needed to get to the end of the roll so I could make a telescope.

Jason had to go into the office on Saturday so I decided to try a solo trip with the kids to the JCC pool. We left the house a little after 10am and had a full day, getting home around 3:30pm. It was quiet when we arrived but got more crowded as the day went on which was nice for SSA. They seemed to like it even more when they had school friends to play with.

Amaya was in the water immediately. In fact, she probably spent a good three hours in the pool. She loooooooved getting to wear her puddle jumper and showing me how she can “swim”.

The pool has a nice concession stand with a grill and it opens at 11am. Immediately, upon our arrival, Sammy announced that he was hungry. We had to wait a bit but he was eyeing the window and, as soon as he saw it open, he came to tell me that he thought he could get food now. I told him to go and ask if they’re open. “I don’t know how.” “Go up and say, ‘Excuse me. Are you open?'”

And he did! It was so cute to hear his little voice up at the counter. This is the face of a cute boy running back to tell me about his accomplishment. I know he was nervous but he was also determined.

This was the start of food runs for all three kids. They had a blast taking my credit card up to the window to order food on their own. <3

Playing in the big chair! (Or my kids shrunk.)

Can’t go to the pool without the pigs. (When their friend Shoshanna arrived, Sammy ran over to give her a hug and then immediately showed her his pig. 🙂 )

It took a while for Steven and Sammy to warm up to going in the water. Sammy got there first, with the help of two pool noodles to supplement his puddle jumper. Once he was sure he felt secure, he was fine. Steven took longer. Eventually I offered to hold him and then pushed the issue to show him that he could stand easily and also float. At first he didn’t want me to let go but, within 5 minutes of getting him fully immersed in the pool, he was asking me not to touch him.

Having so much fun!

It was another great day at the pool. I can’t believe I waited until August to start going. Next summer we’ll get there as soon as it’s warm enough. Hopefully we’re also able to get the kids (really) swimming by then, too.

Saturday was State Fair day!!

Amaya was excited to wear a new Charlie hand-me-down and messy bun. 🙂

It was another amazing day. We spent almost 5 hours at the fair. No wagon. No stroller. No diapers. No sippy cup. No nap schedule. No meltdowns. All I brought for them was extra sunscreen. Amazing.

After the success at the July 4th festival (“festibal”), we got the kids ultimate wristbands so they could go on as many rides as they wanted to. Similar to last time, Sammy and Amaya were comfortable on a wider variety of rides but Steven was able to find 6 that he liked, including ones I’m not sure he’d have tried in July (tea cups). Sammy even went on a “grown up” ride. He needed an adult to join him and I was the sacrificial lamb to spin every which way for what felt like forever. But, in the middle of the ride, he yelled, “This is amazing!” Amaya and Sammy went on ride after ride after ride. Twice they had to stop to take Amaya off (roller coaster & honey bear) but they kids all did great!

Amaya and Sammy went on the ferris wheel with Daddy.

“Whoooooooah”

Jason took a lot of great video at the fair but this 5 second clip is my favorite.

There was also a ton to see inside the venue including more rides and lots and lots of animals. Steven was obsessed with a Lego training going around the track – so much so, that we’ll likely take the kids to the Lego event there later in September.

We wrapped up our day with facepaining and airbrush tattoos for Steven, Sammy and Amaya.

First we had two unicorns.

Steven had a very difficult time deciding but eventually settled on R2D2.

After a busy Saturday and Sunday, we took today easy and had a pajama day. As Sammy keeps saying, “It’s a holiday!”

“Look at my Js!”

There was a lot of art time in the morning. I drew pirate ships, R2D2 and C-3PO for the kids. When I wasn’t sure I could draw C-3PO, Steven told me not to worry if it wasn’t exactly like the picture. Taking the advice I give to him, I went for it and surprised myself.

My C-3PO

There was a mommy-led tap class in the basement. Only Amaya was really into it but she was super focused on our “routine”. Steven did join in to choreograph. “How about this? You try ‘tap, tap, tap and spin’.” And so we did!

Between music, tv and movies we also tried a little play doh outside. (Turns out they needed tin foil to roll it on instead of paper.)

I’ll wrap it up with this last photo of Steven. He popped into the living room and said, “I’m the Statue of Liberty!” 🙂

Tomorrow is the first day of pre-k. Incredible!! So much anticipation and so much potential as we start a new school year. Steven, Sammy and Amaya are excited to have Ms Bri as one of their teachers this year. Sammy’s also excited to see Ms Shannon again. He told me that, every Friday at Shabbat, he runs to give her a hug. As I was for the past two years, I’ll take them to school on their first day. I can’t wait!

Have a great week!