The week started with Memorial Day and, for the first time in a long time, Monday feels like a long time ago. It’s a nice change.

We had a really nice day at home in the sun. The kids manage to make games out of everything and chalk + buckets + water + soap can easily become potion making.

I think Amaya looks a lot like her cousin Nancy in this picture.

At times I think Amaya’s hair is getting darker and then I see pictures like this and think, nope, still quite blonde. My little sorceress.

Scoping out a shady spot to do some art. This child can sit and draw anywhere.

I think Amaya spent 2 or 3 hours on the slip ‘n slide on Monday. The boys like it, but she loves it. She just loves water, in general. I hope we reach a point where pools are open and safe this summer. It was going to be the summer to really learn to swim and, while that might be off the table, I know she’s so eager to swim.

Searching for robots with Daddy. The kids have had a chance to earn and save money and, with that, is an interest in spending money. Steven, in his true fashion, seemed to explore every possible option before making a decision on a remote control car that turns into a robot.

We’re still hard at work at school. Last day is Thursday, 6/11 which will be so bitter sweet. It’s still hard to believe this is where we’re at.

Steven wrote to Sloane this week. That first page says, “Sloane be careful about me on the school playground.” Apparently, little boys do chase the girls they like.

Sammy wrote about bees.

Amaya wrote about her needs and wants. I hate to break the news to her about her “wants”. Maybe some extra ice cream will help. 🙂

Amaya drew Evie and Mal from Descendants.

My handsome viking.

On Friday morning, the boys’ purchases came. Their very first! Steven got his remote control car and Sammy got this very cool robot that he can program and also command with hand gestures.

Steven and Sammy spent about 30 minutes transfixed by the work our landscapers were doing.

After dinner on Friday night, Steven really wanted to go back outside and play in the front of the house. It turned out I was able to make that happen for him. It was such a nice night. I loved summer nights as a kid. I hope SSA grow up with that same feeling.

While Sammy, Amaya and I stayed in bed on Saturday morning, Steven and Jason got to work putting together a new staying in bed prize.

We found them eventually…

After months and months and months, Steven agreed to let Jason cut his hair. He wanted it short in front and the back with curls on the top. It was a much needed cut. He looks so much older now. I can’t believe it. Then he opens his mouth and he’s the same silly 6 year old.

Big, big difference. He wants it a little curlier on top so he’s counting the days he doesn’t think it’s curly. 🙂

I offered to take Steven on a drive through the neighborhood so he could get even more use out of the car from Grandma Sunshine. Amaya came along on his tricycle and, of course, halfway through our 40 minute walk she decided she wanted to ride as his passenger. I got a nice little workout dragging that trike.

How she rolls…

Of course Queen Amaya wanted her own turn to drive. The entire time Steven was driving, there was near total peace between Steven and Amaya. The minute Amaya was driving – chaos. He just can’t keep his body still in the passenger seat. Can not do it.

Queen Mommy

Like much of America, we all watched the space launch on Saturday afternoon. Absolutely amazing. Amazing. It was so cool to watch a new rocket launch and especially so to watch with the kids. They’re totally enthralled, as they should be.

Sammy got a haircut, too. He has always said he doesn’t want any bangs on his forehead so he went for a buzz cut. (A buzz cut plus.)

He slays me. <3

Amaya wanted me to dye her hair with some rainbow colors which I did, but it didn’t turn out quite the way I expected. A day later, it’s pretty much too subtle to see. But it was a solid try.

She’s got the routine down pat.

“Take a picture of me and make it black and white.”

This morning, the kids and I settled in to watch SpaceX Crew Dragon dock with the ISS. The views we can get, live, are really incredible. What a time for space flight.

Photo credit: Amaya

“In black and white, mom.”

Photo credit: Jason 🙂

The way she loves her dad. <3

We wrapped up the weekend with a family canoeing adventure at Kensington Metro Park. It was a gorgeous day and the kids are finally old enough to do activities like this. I had Steve and Amaya (Team Sparkle) and Jason and Sammy were together (Team Bridge).

We were out on the water for about 2.5 hours. I am sure my arms will feel it tomorrow, especially since my crew mates eventually decided to forego paddling in favor of grabbing lily pads of the side of the canoe.

Toward the end of the afternoon, we were rowing toward a bridge and Team Sparkle really struggled. When we finally got there, we lifted our oars in the air and cheered, “We did it!” Team Sparkle does not quit. But, if you talk to Sammy, Team Bridge wins the race.

Such a nice day.