On Monday, I turned 46 and had a lovely birthday. I woke to texts and cuddles from Steven. Amaya made me some handmade gifts. Jason got me a much needed and appreciated gift certificate for massages. Sammy, Steven and Amaya threw me a wonderful on Steven’s Animal Crossing island. They all came to the party with wrapped gifts and Steven had a plan with poppers and glow sticks. It was so cute.

Sophia even made me a kosher for Passover cake! It was really good! (And not just “good for Passover”.)

Since January, Steven has been texting Jason pictures of Sally to print so he could make me a Sally picture book. So sweet. <3

This was on schoolwork that Amaya brought home. She had to write a sentence that uses at least two contractions. “I’m a triplet not a twin so don’t call me a twin.” She’s so funny! And it’s really interesting to step back sometimes and think about the kids’ experience as multiples from their perspective.

Animal Crossing fun times

My first two loves!

Amaya has one checkmark left in her Level 8 progress chart and then she’ll be an AquaTots graduate. I’m not 100% sure she’ll reach that milestone, though, because next Tuesday is her last day at swim for a while. In May, she’s going to do two days/week of gymnastics. Since she’s so close to completion, when or if Amaya does start swim again we’ll take lessons somewhere else where she can continue to progress.

The kids have been very into their chromebooks lately. They read books on Epic, work on powerpoint biography presentations (truth!) and play games on “Math Playground”. They like to tell me that Math Playground is “exercise for our brains” but it just looks like mindless games to me. But the site’s tagline is “Give Your Brain a Workout” so maybe they know more than I do.

Thursday morning I had the great pleasure of going to a breakfast event at the kids’ school. The students were broken into two days by last name and Thursday we were up! It was my first big school event in more than two years!

The school served donuts which we weren’t eating during Passover so we brought out own Passover treats to eat instead. You can see Sammy sneaking his bites from under the table. The kids were supportive of not eating the donuts, and excited to eat their Passover goodies from Nana, but at first also a little uncomfortable (I think) eating something different than the rest of the kids. Which I totally understand.

I loooooved being there.

The got past it quickly, though. Steven and Sammy saw their friends Jack and Subaru and very quickly headed over to their table to finish eating with no cares in the world.

Amaya met up with her friend Sara.

This funny kid kept trying to jump into his sister’s picture.

While we were in NY, Sophia made laminated check lists to use for the kids each afternoon. Steven loves adding his own items to the list.

You can see “Maybury Park” on Steven’s list. The boys were supposed to have their first baseball practice but it was canceled due to poor field condition. They were disappointed so instead, while Amaya was at gymnastics, Sophia took the boys to a baseball field to practice on their own. (Maybury Park didn’t work out so they went over by Novi High School.)

Spring is here!

Before bed, Sammy took this picture of me with Sally and his new stuffed cat, currently called “No Name”.

Earlier, I mentioned Powerpoint Biographies. The boys are working on biographies in their class and have ppt presentations to go with them. I think both boys are writing about Miguel Cabrera. Steven is also writing about Aaron Judge and Elon Musk.

Amaya was really interested in this idea so she’s doing her own bio on Ruby Bridges, just for fun. She’s reading about Ruby, taking notes, and then making her presentation. She’s loving it and, in Amaya fashion, is extraordinarily focused.

In the morning, I found Amaya in bed working on her presentation.

On Friday, Amaya’s friend Harper took the bus home with her. They played outside, played foosball, had dinner, and made Carrot/Banana smoothies.

I was working in the basement when they came down to play. I offered to leave them alone but Amaya said it was fine if I stayed down there. I’ll cherish these moments where Amaya is fine with me being around her friends lol.

We had a busy morning on Saturday. I took Amaya to a gymnastics make-up class while Jason took the boys to their first baseball practice. This year is machine pitch which is a big step up for them from coach pitch. I’m excited to see how it goes!

Sammy at bat, Steven in the field.

After lunch, Amaya gathered the family in the sitting room for a birthday party she planned for me. She had invitations, homemade gifts and a wonderful birthday crown for me. The highlight of the part was assigning each of us a room to visit where we had to find something we love. Then we shared the item with the rest of the family and explained why it was important to us.

Jason got an assortment of sashimi sushi and it came with some kind of tentacled fish. Sammy was the only person in the house willing to try it. He is our brave, adventurous eater.

This day! It was beautiful!! I’m so happy the warm weather is arriving. We sat on the deck, Steven (and later Sammy) practiced batting, Amaya & Sammy rode bikes.

Steven started on the tee. Later, the boys transitioned to Jason pitching.

Amaya and Sammy are ready to ditch those training wheels. Amaya already took them off but needs help to get the hang of riding. Sammy will be right with her.

Sammy has unlocked his love of reading with a Legend of Korra graphic novel. I am so happy he’s found joy in reading.

Saturday night, Jason fell asleep on the couch and Sally stood watch over her Papa.

Big milestone for the Cline kids! No more backs on their boosters in my car. They all loved it. Feels like just yesterday we were trying to figure out how to get three infant bucket seats across in a row in this car.

Hebrew school is winding down for the year. I’m not sure we’ll make it next weekend so today might be their last day until 3rd grade. (I can’t believe I just said “3rd grade”.)

Before I drove to OH for work, I got to enjoy some absolutely gorgeous weather with Jason and the kids.

Steven made a path for the scooter kids to ride through. Amaya and Sammy were thick as thieves this afternoon, with their scooter and biking adventures.

Amaya was absolutely determined to learn to ride a two-wheeler and when that girl has the will, she finds the way (with her Daddy’s help)! So proud of her!

Jason said she got even better after this video – riding it perfectly and for sustained time periods. Hooray!

And that’s all for us for this week! Have a great one.

It’s been a wonderful week.

It started off with an opportunity for me to help out at Amaya’s Girl Scout meeting. Our troop leader is my friend Laura and my hat’s off to her for the effort and energy she puts in for these girls.

It’s SO nice to be able to get inside of Thornton Creek again. I definitely feel the loss of the all the time that wasn’t possible and I’m going to try to make the most of opportunities when I can, now that restrictions are lifted.

The meeting was from 3:45- 5pm and it included snacks, learning about being fair, a vote on whether or not to play a game outside or do a craft (the game won) and some girl scout friendship circle type stuff. It’s a really nice group of girls and I loved seeing them all together.

Sara and Amaya – relaxing after a hard day at school.

This girl will do the splits anywhere she can.

A wonderful group of girls.

All of the kids had a great week at swim. The boys are moving through level 5 really nicely. It seems like it’s all starting to click for them. And Amaya is probably one, maybe two, weeks away from graduating from the final level (8) at Aquatots. I found somewhere she can transition to but they’re so full that they’re not even taking new names for the waitlist so we’ll call regularly to try to get on the list and maybe look for alternatives in the meantime. I think I’ve mentioned that Amaya loves to swim, but doesn’t want to compete, so it’s just about finding her somewhere that she can keep developing her skills.

Ready for school! Amaya was “on the phone” during this picture lol.

The checklists are still working really well for the kids – especially Steven. I just love how he edits them and, even more, I love how they motivate him.

On Thursday morning, Steven, Sammy, Amaya and I headed to the airport for a Passover trip to NY! Sun in their eyes and smiles on their faces. <3

After all these years flying together, it is so easy to fly with these three. I just love it and I’m so happy that they do, too.

When I told Amaya we were on a smaller plane for the flight to NY she said, “Uh oh. Those usually don’t have TVs.” Girl knows her Delta planes.

Hello New York!

We landed around noon and got a wonderful welcome at JFK from Aunt Sara and Charlie.

We spent the afternoon at the Goldbergs’. It was a gorgeous day and we got a ton of sunshine. Such a nice day.

Savta and her Sammy

Of course Chelsy made the trip to NY. She now has a chair of her own – a gift from Sophia from her own American Girl doll days.

IHOP for dinner. (Kids still think it’s funny to call it “ear jump”.)

We’re staying at a hotel this trip and everyone was ALL SMILES this morning on the way to pick up Charlie, Chase and Aunt Sara before heading to Nana and Papa’s house.

Always need lego time.

We all picked up some McDonald’s for lunch and ate at Savta’s house.

They match!

It was another beautiful day. We got so lucky with the weather.

We had a wonderful, wonderful first Passover Seder.

Lots of family photos to kick things off…

The photo above was a recreation of this one from 2018.

I think this is my favorite. ❤️

Fun with Savta

A “reclining” Seder

Charlie did an amazing job reading Hebrew and Amaya was excited to read the Four Questions in English.

Four Questions + Splits

Chelsy loves matzah

Friday night was not just a sleepover at Nana and Papa’s but a literal sleepover IN Nana’s room with her.

A little Survivor to wind down before bed…

Four kids, asleep on Nana’s floor. Love this so much.

By 7am, the kids and Nana were set up downstairs and watching this past week’s survivor. They’re doing the best to keep me spoiler free because I haven’t watched it yet.

Eye color twins! We never noticed this before!

We had another lovely Seder with participation from almost everyone! This time Steven did the English rendition of the four questions. Notice Jason in the background? He arrived on Friday night. ❤️

Amaya and Steven, handing out the parsley and salt water.

Forever, the kids will talk about the Afikoman fire on the 2nd night of Passover, 2022. Uncle Dave hid the afikoman, and a $1 bill, in a light fixture. Unaware, someone turned on the light fixture. Ooops!

We had a wonderful afternoon back at Aunt Sara and Uncle Dave’s house. Antie joined us as well as the rest of the Zargaris (Harts, Menageds) – Joe, Nicole, Eli, Dalie, Mike, Rachel, Jake and Naomi. Dave’s parents – Allen and Syvia came, too. The kids had an amazing time playing together. Plus, I got a birthday cake. 🙂

Amaya’s crutches game was strong all weekend. She even convineced Mike that she really needed them.

Jason, the kids and I stayed at a hotel by LGA and headed back to MI early this morning so we could have a relaxing afternoon – which we did!

And that’s all for us this week! We’re ready for a week of Passover and doing our best to avoid bread, pasta, etc. We can do it!

Have a great week!

*Blog title by Steven

This is my typical morning view as these three kids get on the school bus. Their long time, wonderful bus driver, Mr. Ed, has been out for a few weeks. We’re not sure if he’s coming back but this week’s bus driver won the kids’ affection by giving them raisins and granola bars. He was also clear that he had to give the food to a parent so I got to meet him when I trusted the kids and went to the bus stop because “the new bus driver is brining raisins for us and you have to get them from him. He might come to our door if you’re not at the bus stop.”

The boys had swim on Tuesday afternoon and Sophia said that Steven is so happy with his current coach. He volunteers to try things first and said he loves swim. He even volunteers to got to extra make-up classes. I’m really proud of how far he’s come.

This week’s after school art class was mask making. The kids did a draft of these designs and then put them on the masks. Really cool and creepy.

Steven

Sammy

Amaya

Sophia started making check lists for the kids for each day’s responsibility. Steven really loves them and even adds his own items to the list. The check lists motivate him to get everything done and also seem to spark a little competition in his brother and sister. I hope they keep working this well. It feels like a game changer, to be honest.

Two bags of stuff from his playroom cubbies that he’s will to retire to the basement for now.

For the first time in two years I was able to volunteer in school during the school day! Hooray!! I was the parent volunteer for the boys’ library class. It’s right after Amaya’s class so I got to see all of the kids. Amaya was excited to see me which made my mom heart very happy. I was excited to get to see her, too. <3

The boys wanted far less to do with me lol. Steven said it was fun and weird to have me there because he’s not used to it. I totally get that.

The Book with No Pictures! These kids still laugh and laugh and laugh when I read it.

We had a fun Friday evening. We went to their friend Clarie & Elly’s house for a pizza dinner which started with lots of fun in the girls’ basement. After pizza, both families went to the Novi Civic center for a youth performance of High School Musical Jr. All of the kids loved it. Amaya even said she’d like to try out for one of the performances next year but she also says she has stage fright and can’t sing in front of people so we’ll see how she feels when audition time comes around.

Chelsy has had a very busy week. She got a new outfit. Every girl needs some cute PJs, right?

She helped Sophia with cooking & tidying and kept me company while I worked.

Chelsy and Daddy got some bonding time while the kids and I were at the musical.

Amaya got this beginner crochet kit which is significantly more difficult than either or us anticipated. There was frustration and some tears but we (think we) finally figured it out.

On Saturday all of the kids had birthday parties. The boys had Nolan’s bowling birthday party and Amaya had Hannah’s birthday party at Hannah’s house. We refreshed Amaya’s hair color to celebrate.

Milan and Amaya

Daddy and the boys went to Menards while I was taking Amaya to the party. Steven loves these stores (and wood). 🙂

It was a quite Sunday. Hebrew school for the kids in the am and then, after reading some books on epic, watched High School Musical the movie for the very first time. I think they liked it even more than the youth musical version they saw on Friday night. Not surprising. It was the first time I saw it, too. And probably not surprising.

That’s it for us! Have a great week!

Another week where Monday feels like a lifetime ago. Nana came to visit on Sunday and stayed through Tuesday evening so her Saturday morning Starbucks tradition moved to Monday morning instead. <3

Amaya got some new face paint so Amaya and Sophia got busy with this wonderful face art.

Sophia and the kids helped Nana with Passover prep by making tahini cookies. It was a 2-day process to bake and cook the cookies, which made it home safely with Nana.

The kids got in lots of puzzle time and even started watching Survivor with Nana. We’re definitely hooked.

Sometimes, when you come upstairs during a work break, you find a Sammy in a box.

In preparation for Spring, Sophia went through some new(ish) clothes from Charlie. This “Love” sweatshirt was in the mix and it’s a hit.

I honestly can’t believe how old Amaya looks in these pictures. I feel like I can see her as a 20 year old.

On Wednesday, Sophia took the kids roller skating. It was their very first time. Thank goodness for these little roller walker things. They had fun, though. We’ll have to go more often so they can get good and ditch the walkers.

Oh, April Fool’s Day. These kids got up early to “fool” me into eating breakfast treats like chocolate covered peas. Their laughter and squeals while they yelled “PRANK!” was worth the nonsense I ate.

Building a Mochi home

Chelsea’s new do.

On Friday, Steven wore a patch for the very last time! He did so well with the patches and Jason and I are really proud of him. We’re so glad he can put patches in the rearview mirror.

Baseball practice starts for the boys in mid-April so Sammy spent some time outside trying out his new cleats. He’s sure they help him run faster!

Friday night sleep with parent night! Still a favorite. <3

It is amazing to see Amaya reading Ramona books. I don’t think they hold up as well as some other kids’ books from my childhood but I love that she loves them.

On Saturday morning we celebrated Chelsy’s birthday! She’s three.

Amaya made invitations, which were required for entry, and a party schedule.

1. Sing Happy Birthday
2. Open presents
3. Art tutorial
4. Pizza

The birthday girl and her mama, who wore a Happy Birthday shirt for the occasion.

Amaya’s art tutorial where she taught us to draw Chelsy and Chelsy’s dog, Charlie, step by step. Jason, Steven, Amaya and I participated.

The finished works. (Chelsy broke her leg and is in a wheelchair which is why she’s sitting in the pictures.)

Matching unicorn hair was Chelsy’s gift from Nana Joanna and Papa D.

We had pizza for Chelsy’s part as part of lunch. Sammy’s friend Nolan joined us. (He’s friends with both boys but closer with Sammy.)

While the boys played, Amaya whooped her Daddy at Othello.

My Sally girl is so happy on my lap.

Most of us had a wonderfully lazy Sunday. Early in the day, while Jason was a the office, Amaya, Steven and I watched and loved Turning Red.

Amaya asked to see a picture of the Ukranian flag and then made this. Sweet girl.

Last day of Spring Break and we finally sat down for the student-led confernces. The kids walked us through samples of their work. It was wonderful!

Two kitchen helpers making a delicious dinner.

Finally, when I nap my sweet Sally watches ove me.

Have a great week!