We’ve entered the age of devices in the Land of Cheltenham. In the mornings, Sammy has his Switch. Amaya or Steven ask for one of my phones for messenger kids or minecraft and, whoever doesn’t have my phone, generally asks to use my Switch. (“Switch Lite, mom”, say SSA.)

Here, Sammy and I are playing 2-player Super Mario Odyssey. <3 (photo credit: Steven)

Our housekeeper came on Monday so the return to normal also came with a day of school in the basement.

Movement break!

We’ve entered month 4 of our outdoor hours tracking. December definitely got a boost from our trip to FL. (November is a bit short because we didn’t start until 11/8 and the early part of November was beautiful.) So far, I’m not bothered by the cold weather but that could be because I don’t go anywhere. No freezing car to drive at the end of a work day. 🙂

The kids all made New Year’s resolutions at school. Amaya’s is to eat an apple everyday. Sammy’s is to play two board games every Saturday. Steven’s is to play with magnatiles every weekend.

When Amaya’s stuffie Slothie talks to Jason, she calls him “Papa”. Amaya drew this picture of Slothy free hand. Just the sweetest.

While I was working on Monday afternoon, the kids came rushing in. “Mommy! Quick! Sammy is showing Sally to our class!” It was so cute and, fortunately, I wasn’t in a meeting at the time.

The kids got thank you cards from their teacher and I loved hearing Steven read his. Reading opens up a whole new world.

On Tuesday SSA had show and tell. Sammy brought puppy, Steven brought his big inflatable shark and Amaya brought Slothy.

Now that the playroom is clean and clear, the kids can actually play in there! A 20201 miracle.

Oh, this picture. I’m including this in the spirit of recording real life with the kids because maybe, someday, they’ll like having a picture of their mom with a shirt on her head. (Plopping my curls.) Steven was scared to go to sleep so he settled in with me and fell asleep while I drank wine and watched TV.

In Wednesday’s early hours, Amaya lost her 2nd tooth! Two in the course of a week. She said she likes losing them but doesn’t like how it looks. Steven’s big tooth is already almost fully in. Sammy’s too. I forgot that the gaps don’t last that long.

Another parent night for Steven. This time the tv was on while he was still awake so a big pillow blocked his view and gave him the perfect propping spot for his printed picture book so he could see his mommy’s face as he drifted off. <3

Some art! This week we have Forky, from Toy Story. First is Sammy’s followed by Amaya’s drawing.

Sally has, remarkably, turned into a very patient cat. She sat for a good while on Friday night while the kids had their lovies and stuffies pet her.

Steven has been interested in building a Lego pirate ship for some time – not from a set, but on our own – so, on Saturday morning, we spent about an hour and a half building together.

Lots and lots of Legos.

My pirate ship building buddy.

On Saturday afternoon, while Sammy watched Master Chef with Jason and Amaya played Link’s Awakening, Steven played Minecraft with four school friends. It’s very interesting for me to observe the chaos of 5 six year old boys trying to play a video game together, remotely.

We were back to the fort playground on both Saturday and Sunday. I’ve noticed that almost all of the families at this particular playground are in masks. It’s such routine for SSA at this point that I think they’d feel odd without a mask on when they’re out of the house.

More master chef and Nintendo time.

My two girls.

When you’re a Cline kid, you eat sushi for breakfast. 🙂

It’s Sunday, not Saturday, but we fulfilled Sammy’s resolution with two board games today – Catan Jr. and Ticket to Ride. Amaya was the Catan Jr. winner. I was the overall Ticket to Ride winner and Steven was our kid winner.

Back to the playground for another hour of fun.

Tonight Amaya and I made a dinner recipe she picked out from her cookbook and then Jason and Sammy made us a delicious dessert.

“Send this to Penni and ask if she made this because she has the same cookbook.”

Amaya was annoyed at me at this point in the process. We don’t remember why.

That’s it for us for the week!