This is one of those weeks where Monday feels like it was a lifetime ago. This was our last week of camp (wow!!) and this blog is coming to you from NY!

On Monday morning I got in the car to take the kids to camp and my car wouldn’t start. I got lucky because the kids hustled into the van and we made it to the bus on time. Gabby also generously agreed to trade cars with me at my office so she could use the van to pick up the kids and I could get home from work.

This week, we started some lessons on cutting strawberries.

I did some “surgery” on a stuffed animal of Amaya’s. I’m still surprised at how much I enjoy mending their stuff.

I had to all a tow truck for my car and it arrived at 8pm – after Sammy and Amaya fell asleep but while Steven was still awake. I knew Steven would love seeing the car towed so I brought him outside with me and we watched together on our front lawn.

Tuesday goofballs!

Wednesday was field trip day – another trip to the water park! This time Steven seemed to enjoy himself a bit more and found activities he was willing to try.

Friday was the last day of camp. The kids had such a great summer and were so sad to say goodbye. I’m glad they loved it enough to be sad it was ending, though! Here’s Steven’s sad face.

Amaya was obsessed with one of her counselors, CC. She drew this picture during the week. It’s an “Amaya and CC making machine.” She says things like “CC is in my heart” and brings CC into conversations constantly. Hopefully CC will be able to babysit when she’s home from college for winter break.

The famous CC!

Gabby picked the kids up a little early on Friday so we could hightail it to the airport for our flight to NY for Beach Week! Yay!! This time we had a bonus because Jason met us on the plane (literally) to join us for the first two nights of the trip.

Sammy sat next to Jason and I got to sit with Captain America and Captain Marvel. (We’ve moved away from the Cares harnesses but Steven is just shy of 40 pounds – FAA approved weight for lap belts – and feels more comfortable with the extra security so he’s still using it to fly. Sammy, conversely, is thrilled to just use his lap belt.)

Charlie skipped a sleepover to come with Nana to pick us up at the airport. <3

Before bed, the kids had their Friday-night-with-Nana Shabbat tradition. (And, this time, Papa too!)

We had a quiet Saturday morning at home and then at the the playground at Hall’s Pond. It was horribly humid but still nice to get outside. I love having a playground we can walk to.

I love my childhood memories of this pond. It’s really cool to see my kids there.

Steven struggles with decisions. At CVS, both Sara and Jason went to bat supporting him in his decision over which chapstick flavor to pick. Jason tells me he was the same way as a little guy so at least one of us can relate. <3

The walk home…

Love.

Savta joined us for lunch, to the delight of all of the kids. Savta!

The big event of the day was a birthday party for Nana who’s birthday is on the 28th. My cousins Mike & Joe came with their family. Uncle Austin and Krissy flew in from Pittsburgh. Auntie and Savta were there. Uncle Dave’s parents, Allan and Syvia. Family friends Joyce & Steve Bloom and Laney and Steve Honig came, too.

[Photo credit to Jason for most of these.]

Steven spent close to 45 minutes talking to Allan and Syvia. He just sat out there talking and talking and talking. They were so patient and wonderful with him.

Savta and the great grands! Sammy, Steven, Charlie, Chase, Amaya, Jake, Eli, Dalia and Naomi.

Today was our first beach day of the week. Whoo hoo!

The kids got right back into the swing of it.

Amaya was so happy to be in the pool. She even got me to come in. “It’s cold when you first get in but it gets better once you start swimming.”

Charlie, Papa, Chase, Amaya, Uncle Austin and Krissy.

The boys were happy to spend a while in the kiddie pool.

Until Sammy realized he can stand in the big pool! Hurdle conquered!

Uncle Dave was a champ and sat there for ages while Steven played by himself in the kiddie pool. (Thank you, Uncle Dave!)

Until Steven realized Sammy can stand and wanted to try it, too. I practically had to pry him out of the pool.

I’m so excited that all 3 Cline kids have graduated to the big pool.

This girl loves to pose.

Off to the ocean! Since last summer, the walkway to the ocean was built up and extended.

The BIG change this year is that SSA are all finally comfortable in the ocean. They looooooved it, especially Steven who pretended he was surfing the whole time. There’s lots of hand holding where the waves do more than roll in which means I’m getting my fair share of ocean time, too.

Sammy and his Savta. 🙂 When we were in the water, Sammy kept asking me, “Am I in the ocean!?!?!”

Digging big holes is a favorite past time.

Amaya and Nana went shell hunting together.

And that was our week! Jason is back home in MI and I was able to get the kids to bed tonight at reasonable hour. Tomorrow the plan is another beach day but with a clam shack lunch to start and a pizza dinner at the beach. Tonight Amaya was already asking me if I’d go in the pool with her. Of course I will, little mama!

Have a great week!