Monday was a bit of a rough entry for everyone. Amaya, in particular, had a hard time when I left for work in the morning. Of all the kids, she’s least likely to tear up saying goodbye to me. There were lots and lots of extra hugs. Wearing this new unicorn JoJo bow from Charlie also helped.

After school, Madison took the kids to Michael’s to get some supplies for a surprise for Jason’s birthday.

Back together again after work. <3 We spent some time in NY talking about being deaf and being blind, and the kids remembered the story of Louis Braille, so they were excited to revisit the story when we were back in MI. It led to so many interesting questions. “What does someone’s eyes look like when they’re blind?” (In the book, the children at the School for the Blind all had their eyes closed.) “Do blind people need to sleep if their eyes are always closed?” We also talked about how Louis Braille went blind and how medicine today would help stop an infection like that from spreading. (Which went a bit sideways when Amaya got worked up about eye drops.)

Amaya colored this using a reference photo the entire time. Admittedly, I’ll be a little bit sad when she rights her “J”s. (Same for when the kids correct “aminal” and “hostibal”.)

Tuesday was the dentist which the kids and Madison rocked. It was their first time for x-rays and Amaya and Sammy breezed through. Steven had a really rough go of them but he toughed though and then mostly recovered for his exam.

Not much has changed. Sammy has perfect spacing for toddler teeth. Amaya’s mouth may be a little crowded but it’s too soon to tell. She may start losing teeth in a few months. Steven’s mouth is very, very crowded – same as we’ve been hearing since his first dentist appointment at 2 years old.

BIG NEWS for Sammy on Wednesday. He took a swim lesson in the big pool and he loved it!! Hopefully all of the swimming at camp will officially crack the code for him. And, on Tuesday, Amaya dove into the pool with help from the swim teacher. She’s definitely going to love pool time this summer. Steven is still hesitant but he’ll have his moment.

After school on Wednesday, the kids got to work on Jason’s gift.

Before I had my dance class, the Cline kids had a dance party. I love this picture of Amaya. She knows who she is.

SSA all had rough days at school on Thursday. Just so much energy. So Madison took them to the school playground for a bit, afterward, to help burn off energy. Slides have finally clicked for Sammy! One Cline kid may actually use the slide on the playset we ordered. 🙂

Dance class! We’re getting close to recital time.

This week, our landscapers got the ground ready for our new playset. If all goes well it will be delivered on 5/8 and installed on 5/16. I think I’m as excited as the kids are.

These faces. <3 It was the post dance party / super hero battle pile of Clines.

Steven was sad, sad, sad at bedtime that he couldn’t keep playing his superhero game so he picked up a book titled, “What Makes Steven Happy” and read to me from his book. (1. Give him his Mommy. 2. Being with his daddy. 3. Talk to his whole family. 4. You have to guess his favorite game.)

I asked this child to put on his pull-up and he complied. And then forgot the exact way in which he complied which ended just as you’d expect.

We had a milestone on Thursday night! Amaya came down after bedtime for help with something while Sally was sitting quietly on my lap. After 5 years, she got up the nerve to pet Sally and Sally got up the nerve to let her. My best girls.

You can tell Amaya still kept her distance.

Friday! Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Steven, Sammy and Amaya were so excited to give Jason the cards they made for him.

Our birthday morning adventure was the kids’ first t-ball game! Amaya came to terms with her uniform by wearing a pink shirt underneath her uniform shirt and by striking a sassy pose.

After our soccer experience I wasn’t sure how this would go. In advance, Jason talked to the kids about listening to the coach and being part of a team but they’re still five and who knows, you know? But it was great! The kids dove right into practice, they listened well, and they had FUN.

Amaya is the only girl on the team. You can see her in the purple sweatshirt, practicing with her partner.

Getting instructions from coach.

We played two innings. In each inning, all players got to bat and all players fielded. All players also got to advance a base with each successive batter. Important, it seems, because they definitely don’t know when to run. Yet.

Steven’s first at-bat.

Sammy’s first at-bat.

Amaya’s first at-bat.

Sammy, coming home.

If you look carefully, you can see the bases loaded with Clines. Steven on third, Sammy on second and Amaya on first. (The field we were supposed to use was wet and muddy so our coach improvised for this first game.)

Madison joined us for the game!

During the week, Madison convinced Steven to try Sammy’s “big” bike and he loved it! After t-ball, Jason took Steven to buy his own two wheeler. A nice 14″ Lightening McQueen bike. Sammy and Amaya have 16 inchers but this one is perfect for Steven.

At first, he wanted to ride with me holding onto the front of the bike. After about 15 minutes, I was able to show him that I wasn’t really holding on and off he went! Goodbye little red tricycle! Hello big red bike!

The CBG – Cline Biker Gang

We had big plans for the evening – dinner for 21 at Michigan Beer Company to celebrate Jason’s 50th. Four of his oldest friends and their families were able to join us along with Grandma Sunshine, Aunt Annette and Aunt Ouize – in all the way from DC.

In case the kids ever ask, that’s Penske, Pughsy, Kotre, Daddy and Doog. (Though Amaya has dubbed him Doug Doug.)

Amaya loves Doug Doug. So much, in fact, that she turned to him and said, “You’re a beautiful man.”

Sammy and his Aunt Ouize. <3

Happy Birthday, honey! I know you feel that we only celebrate 50 as a milestonet because we have 10 fingers and count in base ten, but I was still so glad to celebrate with you.

This morning, as early as 8am, Steven was begging to go ride his bike again. It was a perfect day so “yes” was the only option. Amaya and Sammy brought their Razor scooters (but pretty quickly wished they also had their bikes – which I had offered, but the the suggestion was resolutely turned down so note to myself and others – always pack those bikes).

Amaya and Sammy really did get the hang of those scooters, though. All three Cline kids are making some big connections with gross motor skills.

We wrapped up our weekend with a birthday party at Pump It Up. Again, progress! Last time we were around bounce houses, SSA were all very hesitant to try any of the bigger bounce houses and slides. This time, Amaya and Steven both went in some smaller bounce houses and Sammy went down every. single. slide. He loved it!!

Steven’s friend Ethen wanted to sit next to him but he insisted on sitting next to his brother. I love the loyalty and, at the same time, it also makes me glad we’re starting to do 1:1 play dates for the kids.

That was our week! On Tuesday, Sammy and I are off our big Mommy-Sammy adventure to Disneyland. We can’t wait!!*