taco and rainbows

Hard to believe that on Monday morning we were still in NY. Since SSA were off from school Monday & Tuesday we were able to fly home early Monday and I still managed a half day of work.

After a lot of negotiation, Amaya sat next to the Friendly Stranger with the caveat that one of the brothers would swap seats if the person next to her had a dog.

I asked Jason if he could get an organization system for stuff the kids need to bring to school. Everything sat in one pile and I mentally remembered what went back when but that’s not efficient, particularly when I travel for work. He had this set up in our mud room when I got back from NY. A spot for each child with a pull out tray for each school day. Perfection. <3

Steven started piano lessons on Monday! He’s very excited and I think Anthony will work well with him.

Anthony suggested we get these piano key stickers to help with early piano learning.

Jason and I had work on Tuesday and the kids were still off from school for mid-winter break but, luckily, we were able to send them to break camp at the JCC for the day. It’s a great option for the kids. Each day is themed and they ‘re happy to go because it’s somewhere they’re comfortable. They even got to swim!

These huge lego bricks immediately got Steven and Sammy’s attention at “before care” drop-off.

Tuesday’s theme was Rock & Roll and the kids came home with these big guitars. Steven loved it.

On Wednesday it was back to school and another Reading Workshop volunteer day for me. When I arrived Mrs. Shuart was about to read the class a story and she let me sit on the carpet with Amaya on my lap. My girl was so happy. (So was I.)

Getting reading to “write the room”.

Seen in the hallway…

Steven needed to get a rash checked out by his pediatrician so Jason surprised him at school at 2:30pm and took him to his doctor appointment. “I didn’t expect to see Daddy!”

Meet Olivia Netwon Cline, clad in new dance clothes from Charlie.

It was a busy Wednesday for the Clines. I had a whirlwind trip to Denver via a late night flight and, as is starting to be tradition, when I travel Steven, Sammy and Amaya get a sleepover with their daddy.

Steven’s writing.

Third down is “Family” [famule] and 6th down is “I love Morminer” [I love Mrmunr].

Steven has coined a phrase for coloring that does not use realistic colors – Color Creative. He had a great time with his Color Creative lion. Amaya, however, has rejected Color Creative and said she prefers realistic colors.

I’m trying to get Amaya to let me style her hair more often so I’m also offering new hair styles. I think she was a big fan of the side bun.

For Hanukkah, Uncle Austin got Amaya this bracelet making kit. A good part of the weekend was spent making bracelets, rings and key chains for everyone in our family and May May’s family.

Special Delivery for Baby Rainbow Heart

Amaya got all dolled up for her visit from May May & family who were coming to visit today. Megan and I had been talking about getting together this weekend but hadn’t locked anything down. Yesterday, Amaya said she really wanted to see Megan so she called her up and invited her to come over today. It was definitely time!

May May!

Baby Rainbow Heart (Eden) is getting so big! She’s even taking her first steps.

Taco is three, and the most comfortable she’s been around Steven, Sammy and Amaya for some time. She worked with Amaya to make another bracelet and had fun in a PJ Masks Catboy cape.

The kids and I made a delicious dinner together and they got to take the cutting gloves for a test drive. The gloves are definitely helpful as they start to use sharper knives to cut tougher foods. Sammy also tried out the knew kids’ knives I got. They work well for some foods but we did end up switching to steak knives to cut the carrots.