It was an exciting week in the Land of Cheltenham. Baby Taco came to visit!! My heart was near to bursting watching my babies with Megan’s baby. They were great with her. Everyone was totally enthralled when they arrived and then wanted to take Megan off to play which gave me lots of baby holding time. Steven surprised me by showing the most interest in feeding Taco and all of the kids showed a touch of jealousy. This is it! The closest we’ll get to a new baby in our house!
On Thursday, Rosie brought Steven, Sammy and Amaya to a holiday part at my office. It was so much fun and much more relaxing than the Halloween party. Even with more people in the office, the activity was spread out instead of masses of kids walking through the building in a pack.
Taking it in.
There were tables set up for dinner but it was crowded and impossible to find 5 seats together so we made our own picnic on the floor.
Show me your cookies!
Story time!
On Friday, Nana and Savta came to visit. Savta always knows how to entertain the kids. She’s so creative, just like she was when I was a kid.
We spent the morning at home, working on construction projects. We always have helpers!
Amaya played a game where her play doh was a boo boo and Nana had to call Dr. Anna (from Daniel Tiger) for medical advice.
Sammy got in on it, too. His hammer was “stuck in his ear.”
Last night we went to the kids’ Hannukah party at school. Jason and I had movie tickets because I forgot the date and I’d only paid for 5 of us, because I forgot the date, so Jason kept the movie plans and Savta, Nana and I took the kids so we were only a +1 our reservation.
Before the party started, we were invited to the art gallery at the JCC to see displays of artwork from all of the classes. It was a lovely, lovely presentation. Such a clever idea!
The center director wanted a photo of the children in attendance but mine wouldn’t get in the photo without me so we sat it out. I do not have joiners!
The party itself had a dance floor & dj, dinner, and Hanukkah crafts. So many of the kids ran right to the dance floor but Steven, Sammy and Amaya really hung back. I’m not sure what it is but they’ve never been dancers. Even when we play music in the house, they’ll sing but they’re not busting out dance moves.
With a little coaxing we did get them out to dance for a few minutes.
Can you see the pink sock Amaya is wearing on her right leg? It’s one of my fuzzy “home” socks that she insisted on wearing with her boots.
At dinner, everyone got their first taste of latkes! They were a hit. I mean, who wouldn’t want fried potato pancakes?
Decorating cookies
Show me your cookies, Steven! (True to form, he did not want to frost his. A) To messy B) To sweet.)
And backing it up all the way to the beginning of the week, Monday (which feels like a lifetime ago), Amaya and I traveled back from NY. She did well but definitely had her Threes on. I was the mom carrying her daughter on the plane like a potato sack. There’s no “later” or “not now” when it’s time to board.
Steven this week!
He was using the book basket to make patterns in the carpet.
Help from Sammy!
Swinging at PT
Savta showed the kids how their ribbons will float above the vent when the air is on.
Savta is also great a making costumes out of everyday items in the houses.
Brushing Daddy’s hair. Don’t worry! It won’t hurt.
Sammy this week!
“I have two pieces!”
Play doh creations
I think it’s a bedtime stalling tactic, but someone is asking to use the potty.
Super Sammy, in a Savta original cape!
Amaya this week!
Little miss independent.
Amaya was wearing ALL the clothing she could find. And mismatched boots.
Then she found more clothes!
Bat girl.
Cooking and throwing me pretend food.
And finally, bath time portraits!
Have a great week!