one on one

The best part is always the weekend, so I’m going to start there. Especially because this weekend Steven and I were in NY together! This age is so much fun because the kids are old enough to start anticipating event and Steven had been anticipating this trip all week long. (They can all also tell you that next them they all get to go, including Daddy, who will have to duck his head when he gets on the airplane.)

New Steven-sized headphones!

He did not stop talking for the full 45 minutes we were at the gate. There was a ton of activity outside the window and Steven narrated it all, punctuated by announcements every time the airport tram went by. “Look now mommy! You don’t want to miss it!”

I know I’m biased but other passengers confirmed just how cute Steven is as they walked past him in the aisle.

We got to Nana and Papa’s house around 11pm but that didn’t stop Steven from waking by 6:30am, just like normal. Right away, he was busy playing.

Back in NY, Amaya and Sammy had adventures of their own.

First up, Megan came to pick up Amaya and she spent the morning “babysitting” Taco. She was very excited. In fact, when she’s grown up she says she’s going to be Taco’s mommy.

During the week, Amaya told us she’d push Baby Taco’s stroller to the park. Her “stro-yer”, in Amaya speak.

Lunch time! What a lucky, lucky girl. Thank you Megan!!

In NY, Steven, Charlie, Aunt Sara and I made a morning visit to Savta’s house. There’s always so much to see.

And, in MI, Rosie and Sammy headed to Maybury Farm! Three trips for Sammy by June 10th. Not too shabby!

Out for lunch with Roise. 🙂

After nap, we had plans to go to the beach for Chase’s 9th birthday party. (NINE!) Steven has been struggling with the transition from pants to shorts this year. The only way I could get him in his bathing suit was by putting Nana’s socks on him and pulling them up to his knees. Eventually I got him to take the socks off but it’s a daily challenge right now.

Steven had a great time at the beach! So much fun! He’s at the perfect age for fun in the sand.

The party was down closer to the ocean so Steven made the long, long walk from the cabana. I was so proud of how far he walked.

He loved looking at the ocean but wasn’t quite ready to put his fit in the water. Maybe in August.

There was pizza and subs and brownies for dinner but Steven was most excited about the bag of blueberries I brought for him.

It was an awesome day. I can’t wait until Steven, Sammy and Amaya are all back at the beach in August.

Amaya and Sammy, mesmerized by something on tv on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday morning, Steven and I were able to attend SunriseWALKS to benefit Sunrise Day Camp. It was amazing! I couldn’t believe how many people were there and how extensive the event was.

Someone got tired of the stroller…

Steven insisted on playing the balloon pop game.

After the walk, Steven and I took a special trip to the “park” to look at the stones with names on them. My dad’s marker was pretty dirty so Steven had fun washing it with me. (We’re going to get it power washed. There’s only so much we could do with bottled water and diapers.)

While we were enjoying the walk, Sammy, Amaya and Rosie were at a park festival which included a picnic lunch and some amazing ice cream.

At that was our weekend! Here are a few quick highlights from the rest of the week.

Park time on Monday. I hate sand (when it’s not the beach) but I think I’m the only one so I’m glad there are other people to take the kids to sandboxes.

Steven’s backhoe.

Another Tuesday in Amaya fashion.

Sammy refused to swim on Tuesday. Eventually, Miss Lena told him that he had to get himself dressed if he didn’t want to swim. She said she’s never seen him dress himself that fast. I’ve never seen him dress himself at all!!

Sammy is usually pretty tired by lunch time on school days which results in semi-frequent meltdowns. Poor Bubba.

On Wednesday, Steven and I went to the Kellogg Eye Center at U of M for an eye exam. He’d been there in April 2014, too, which I was reminded of from his patient paperwork. He was only 9lbs at the time! We were there because his physical therapist thought he was having tracking issues. A 2 hr appointment, one dilation and three doctors later we learned his tracking is just fine. He does have a moderate astigmatism in his right eye that they want us to watch yearly but, overall, it was clean bill of health for the Bobes. He did so well at the appointment. He cried a bit after the dilating drops but was super cooperative during the exams.

While we were at the eye doctor, Sammy, Amaya and Megan went to the farm!

The kids got some outside time with Ashley.

Steven loves lawn mowers from a distance but not always close up. When he heard one, he scrambled on Ashley’s lap. Later on, he asked if they could take a picture together.

It’s also getting warm enough for more regular use of the “pool”.

It’s no surprise that Amaya loves the slide.

Last but DEFINITELY not least, Friday was Steven, Sammy and Amaya’s last day of preschool! Their first year! It was only 2 mornings/week but it was a start and it was their start. We couldn’t have asked for more from the JCC Child Development Center. The programming and support is amazing for little people and their parents, too.

Last day smiles!