Its funny how winter break already feels like it was so long ago. The kids had a great week back at school and we were back in our routine easily, after Monday morning. I even went into the office twice this week.

At this time of year, 8am brings very pretty sunrises while we wait for the bus. The picture doesn’t do it justice. Though is is now also the time of year where mornings are too cold for this lady and I watch the kids get on the bus from a front window in our house. Thank goodness for the bus tracker app that lets me know when the bus is approaching so the kids don’t have to stand outside for too long. (Of course they’re also outside in this weather for two recesses/day.)

Into the cold….

Amaya had a make-up swim lesson Tuesday so she had back to back classes. Heaven for our girl.

I just love Steven in his As hat. I think it’s such a good look for him.

Swim for the boys on Wednesday. They’re slowly progressing through level 4. I love videos of them jumping into the water. They’re getting more and more confident. I know Sammy hopes to be able to pass the deep water swim test at the JCC this summer which will probably take progressing into level 5 but he’s got time.

While the boys were at swim, I finished up work the the day and Amaya read some of her Thea Stilton book. The kids love books, being read to, and sometimes reading to us, but aren’t yet very interested in a ton of solo reading time.

Back go gymnastics! The kids seem happy when their classes cross paths.

Steven reading his shark book to Daddy. He said he was the Hollywood sign on top of Mt. Daddy. 🙂

Early on Friday morning, Sammy and I headed to the airport for a weekend in NY! The last time he and I had a solo trip was June, for Chase’s Bar Mitzvah. Between then and now we’ve had two trips with all of the kids and solo trips for Steven and Amaya so I was really glad for this 1:1 time with Bubba.

I took advantage of a Sky Club pass to bring Sammy in with me – a rarity. Sammy, in particular among the kids, loves the fine life and was so happy. “I can eat as much as I want.” He was also thrilled with our Comfort+ upgrades on our flights.

Sa-tis-fied.

Ready! Between weather and the recent rash of flight cancelations we were worried we’d be delayed but we landed in NY a little early which gave us a full afternoon with family. Well, Sammy. I was working for the afternoon.

It worked out perfectly because the Goldbergs all had a snow day on Friday! Sammy didn’t even have to wait for Charlie or Chase to get out of school.

Making lemon cookies – one of Sammy’s favorites.

Uno and popcorn

Video games – a big theme of the weekend

Coveted Savta time during dinner

This trip, Sammy asked if we could stay at a hotel. For a variety of reasons, I agreed. While I missed out on the extra time with Sara, it was special to get even more 1:1 time with Sammy. On Friday night, we stayed at a hotel (motel?) not too far from Sara’s house.

Getting cozy and picking a sleep story to listen to…

Morning books & snuggles before heading over to the Goldberg’s house.

We got to Sara’s around 9:30am and everyone besides Sa was still asleep! To avoid waking everyone, we went to the basement where Sara, Sammy and played some Super Mario Kart together. That lasted until Chase & Charlie woke up and subbed in for the adults.

Back in the Land of Cheltenham, Jason shared this photo of a morning snack Amaya made. I heart that Steven loved it and asked for more! They’re wheat thin sandwiches of sliced pickles, crushed walnuts and cream cheese.

Late morning was bowling excursion that lasted through lunch. My shoulder is bothering me so I didn’t bowl but I had fun watching this foursome. Sammy (Puppy) took the first game and Charlie (Silly Monkey) took the second.

Sammy’s winning score.

The afternoon included time with Nana, Papa, Savta and Auntie. The kids spent time out in the snow and played more of Sammy’s video games. This time I think it was Super Mario Party.

Warming up by the fire after coming in from the cold. To be safe, we all masked inside when Nana, Papa and Savta were there.

It was very difficult for Sammy to say goodbye to Savta and Nana at the end of the night. This boy loves so hard. ❤️

Steven also loves hard. ❤️

The kids go to sleep to either sleep stories or mediations and it was uncomfortable for Steven to wear regular headphones so he got these adorable sleep headphones. Mr. Fox is comfy and wireless. Upside is comfort and we don’t have to remember to remove it at night like we do the kids’ wired headphones. Downside is it’s one more thing to charge.

Since we were staying at a hotel, Sammy and I picked a Hampton Inn right by LGA for our Saturday night stay. It saved us 30 minutes in the morning and, honestly, we probably could have taken an even later shuttle than we did. He wasn’t happy to be leaving though, which I can totally relate to.

Ready to go!

Amaya’s baby dolls were helping judge Steven’s hot wheels racing contest. Steven loooooves his car and Amaya loooooves her dolls.

Shortly after Sammy and I got home, we were sent upstairs for 2 hours while Steven and Amaya engaged in a bake-off. We couldn’t come down until it was done so we could judge fairly. Steven was the winner but it was close!

The aftermath!

That’s it for us! Have a great week!