The big highlight of this week was Steven’s trip to NY with Nana! Monday, Nana was still with us in MI and had a great day with Steven, Sammy and Amaya.
Riding the bus together…
Reading stories…
When Megan took Steven to PT, Nana took Sammy and Amaya out for a walk.
As always, everyone loved helping Nana cook dinner.
It was a great end to the visit and it was capped off on Tuesday when Daddy came home from Vegas!
Tuesday afternoon was adventure time! Steven left with Nana and, together, they flew to NY! Nana and Steven are both traveling champs but it still felt like a BIG deal to send Steven off to NY without his mommy or daddy. Fortunately, he didn’t skip a beat.
New York! Made it!!
I will admit I spent their entire flight refreshing Delta’s flight tracker.
Wednesday morning Steven got some time with his big cousins when they came to Nana’s house before school.
Watching them drive away with Papa.
Like I said, he didn’t skip a beat. He’s been to Nana & Papa’s house often enough that breakfast was just another fun part of his daily routine. I loved getting this picture and knowing he was doing so well.
It was cooler than expected but the crew (Nana, Papa and Savta) took Steven to walk on the boardwalk in Long Beach and to a playground.
Look who we bumped into on the boardwalk! Auntie!
I love this picture. Pure toddler joy. If I’m ever having a bad day, a picture like this will turn it all around.
Back at home, Amaya and Sammy seemed to enjoy the calm that comes with one fewer sibling to share toys with. This was also a big week for the family because Rosie joined us! Megan currently works 11 hour days but, when Baby Taco comes, she’s cutting back to an 8 hour day. That means we’ll need someone to cover a shift from 3:30pm – 6:30pm. Enter Rosie! She’s starting now so we know we have coverage before Megan goes out on maternity leave on 12/19. It also frees up some mental energy to find a maternity leave nanny. So far, the kids seem to like Rosie and I think she likes us, too!
That’s Rosie drawing with Amaya and Sammy.
Wednesday afternoon was still a gorgeous day so Steven had some time to play outside at Aunt Sara and Uncle Dave’s house.
He colored while Charlie did homework.
Ate a great dinner!
He even cooked for Uncle Dave, Chase and Charlie. 🙂
These pictures are just about the best thing ever. Throw in Sammy and Amaya and the would top the list.
Back in Michigan, on Thursday morning Sammy woke up and said he wanted to play with sand. Amaya wanted to play with blue play doh. They weren’t kidding. After breakfast Megan reported that they sat and played for an hour and a half. That’s pretty much unheard of.
Steven had a quiet Thursday morning with Nana and Papa before heading out.
At the car wash.
Cooking at the library.
Taking a train to Aunt Sara’s house.
His first library book!
Visiting with Auntie.
Thursday afternoon in MI, Sammy and Amaya went to school for a Sukkot party. It was raining so it was held inside but, by all accounts, they had a lot of fun and it was good for Rosie to get out with the kids. (Learn about Sukkot.)
It was too late in the day to take Sammy and Amaya home for dinner so Megan and Rosie took them out to eat instead.
Friday, Steven started his day with Chase & Charlie before they went to school and then a review of all of the family photos on Nana and Papa’s fridge.
Then it was off to the grocery store where he got to use the “zapper”.
Back in Michigan, I came home at lunch to see Sammy and Amaya before my own trip to NY. I got to see these awesome Sukkot crafts the kids did in school. Lulavs and etrog!
Friday was a milestone for the Cline Family. Amaya went to spend the night at Grandma Sunshine’s house which meant that all 3 kids were on their own for one on one time. First time ever! How cool is that?
Off goes Amaya!
Dinner out with Grandma and Aunt Annette.
Back at home, BatSam got all the toys to himself.
Playing with Rosie!
Before I arrived, Steven enjoyed another fun afternoon with the Goldbergs.
And here he was when I got to my mom’s house! Safe and sound in NY. My Bobo. <3
Amaya had a great time at Grandma’s on Saturday before coming home to Daddy and Sammy.
Sammy had his own great time with Daddy!
Playroom pancakes!
BatSam and the grocery store.
Lunch out!
A local bookstore. Sammy and Daddy had a morning chock full of jam. I love it.
Saturday morning at Nana’s house was controlled chaos.
In the afternoon we went to B&N to buy some books. That train set is always a winner. Jason and I know what SSA need for Hanukkah this year!
Before dinner, we made a stop at Savta’s house. It was so special for me to have one of my kids in this home where I spent so much of my childhood. Around every corner is something new to explore and Steven saw it all.
His favorite part of the visit was using the spray bottle to spray water in the bathroom.
Finally it was Sunday! I got good morning greetings from Sammy and Amaya. I can’t wait to squeeze them tomorrow.
Nana and I spent the early part of the morning at the Goldberg’s house.
Building!
And look who was building in the Land of Cheltenham!
(Quick interlude to show of Sammy’s eyelashes. Amaya will be very jealous some day. This kid’s eyes are insane.)
Crafts.
Making pizza.
We wrapped up the morning with brunch at the diner. Grandma Sunshine’s photo of Amaya from Friday night made me realize that the kids can use booster seats in restaurants now instead of high chairs! I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!
Our final afternoon in NY. <3
Looking for pancakes under the couch.
Finally, Daniel Tiger before bed. It’s a school night but Chase and Charlie have a special treat and are sleeping here so they had a little bit of extra time with Steven.
I’m so proud of my Bobsies for being such a good traveler and, honestly, I’m proud that Jason and I were willing to let him go. These kids are growing up so fast.
Have a great week!