Hello! We did a LOT this week. We may have even learned the limits of programming these kiddos. But we had FUN!

Monday was Nana and Savta’s last day visiting so they went to the farm at Kensington Metropark. I think the kids had more fun running around the grounds than actually visiting with animals.

Sammy also had one last chance to help Nana cook.

That’s Sammy’s “smelling” face.

Tuesday was crazy hair day at school for spirit week!

On Wednesday morning you can still see the remnants of Amaya’s crazy hair. I still needed to shower after the kids got up which is rare, so they entertained themselves in my bathroom while I got ready. (Also rare.) They tried hard to be very helpful.

This was Sammy’s turn to wear mommy’s funny legging.

Megan took Steven, Sammy and Amaya to the mall play place to meet up with Steffie.

Sammy was watching the “mans” on the escalator.

SSA were in rare form at the mall, just totally loving on each other. I’m noticing that they’re starting to actually play together instead of just parallel play. They’re more aware of each other than ever and, when they’re not fighting, they show genuine concern for one another. I love it.

Sammy & Steffie

Wednesday, after the mall, Grandma Sunshine came to visit! You can see how happy Sammy was to see her. Big hugs!

Thursday was off to a great start with a music morning. We’ve got the makings of a great family music trio.

On Thursday morning I met Megan and Steven at the orthotist. Steven has been wearing his SMOs for 16 months to help with ankle pronation and it doesn’t seem like he’s made much progress. He technically didn’t need to be seen for another 3 months but I didn’t want to wait that long if there’s something else we can be doing. Steven is great about visits to “Mr. Robert” and, as always, was a champ. Robert said that he has a lot of laxity in all of his joints so it’s not just an ankle issue and, as we’ve known since he was itty bitty, he’s a low tone kid. Robert recommended we get him some PT to help with the overall issue so we’re working on that now.

Showing Mr. Robert how he walks.

Getting checked out.

Friday night the kids’ pre-school had a back to school picnic/pizza party. It was at 6pm which is a late night out for the kids but we decided to check it out. There was a small shabbat service to kick it off and then pizza! Jason arrived after I did and I had made the mistake of asking SSA if they wanted to eat in the grass or at the table. Of course it wasn’t unanimous. Steven wanted to eat at the table. He waited patiently for 20 minutes until Jason arrived and then made a beeline for a table. These kids don’t forget anything.

Playing before dinner.

I absolutely love this picture of Steven. You’d never know that, 10 minutes prior, he was absolutely hysterical because Megan wasn’t coming to the pizza party with us.

Amaya always has model posture.

Sammy, on the other hand, has mastered the slouch.

Daddy’s here!

After we ate we made time to play on the playground. It was a late night for the kids but nice to break routine for once.

Saturday morning, these cook cats grabbed their instruments and shade for Playroom Pancakes. (No seated breakfast on Saturdays. Just pancakes in the playroom.)

Playing with Daddy.

We had a morning play date with Liam, Kayla and Mackenzie. It’s so much fun to see how these play dates evolve as our kids get older.

Saturday afternoon we kept up the pace and went to an Oktoberfest party hosted by a former Borders colleague. On the way there Sammy was talking about the playground that was going to be at the party so I was very relieved to see a swing set. 🙂

The hit of the party was the sand box. Or dirt box. Maybe sandy dirt. Steven and Amaya hopped right in and started playing with the trucks.

Sammy had a lot more trepidation. I think it was a combination of the dirt/sand and the other kids playing. Fortunately, everyone but our trio abandoned the sand box for the big pinata event which left Steven, Sammy and Amaya alone to rule the roost. Once he got comfortable he loved it.

Amaya saying hi to a baby.

Before it was time to leave the Cline Five played a wild game of “capture”. Lots of running and capturing and lots of laughing.

Here I am at the same event back in September 2014 with Ames.

After so much programming, we had a much needed lazy day at home. Of course no one slept today so bedtime was still a hot mess but SSA were all asleep in 10 minutes which never happens at bedtime.

Checking out a grasshopper.

We love chalk on the deck!

Amaya, making herself comfortable.

Steven this week!

He’s showing you the bicycle in the book.

Someone needed a nap. These kids have not been napping well lately and it means a lot of late evening melt downs.

Steven is still anxious about going to school. He’s fine on the drive there and ok when Megan leaves but the anticipation is tough.

Smiling for the camera!

Sammy this week!

Pleased with himself because Nana is holding his milk cup for him.

Look at this kid.

Sammy rocked Amaya’s purple carousel horse shirt.

Amaya this week!

Here’s a story as relayed by Megan:
Steven: (crying and yelling)
Amaya: “I didn’t mean too” (as she runs to the other side of the house)
Me: “Amaya, what did you not mean to do?”
Amaya: “Hit Steven”, “I did say sorry already”
Me: “No, you didn’t. Go tell him again”
Amaya: “I can pretend”
Me: “No, you should apologize even if you didn’t mean too. Hitting hurts.”
Amaya: ” Sorry, Steven”

These kids!

The crossed arms, lol.

My sassy girl.

Have a great week!