The kids have been sleeping with us a bit more frequently than they had been, which we can chock up to any number of things – but there’s more fear at bedtime than there had been for a while. We’re working on a reset but, honestly, kid snuggles at night aren’t something we take for granted.

Amaya’s with her Nana dog and a pillow of Nana & the kids that I got for my mom back when she had back surgery in 2015 or 2016.

(The Nana dog is vestige of our Disney trip. While we were there, Nana saw these cute stuffed animals of the dog, Nana, from Peter Pan. She got one for each of her 5 grandkids as a reminder that Nana will always be with them. Nana was able to personally give them to Chase and Charlie but I had to deliver them, on her behalf, to Steven, Sammy and Amaya.)

Also, on the topic of Nana, which is my main topic of interest these days, below is a text I got from Sophia. These are some smart girls and we made the best memories.

It was a week with sick boys! Sammy came home early from school on Monday and, by Tuesday, had a fever. Into Tuesday night, Steven was up with a really bad ear ache. Honestly, I think it was the most uncomfortable I’ve seen him, poor kid. So he also stayed home from school on Tuesday. Sophia got the boys to urgent care and both were prescribed antibiotics for ear infections. By Thursday they were back at school but it’s been a cold-filled start to this school year.

Sammy, sleeping on in the car while Amaya was at gymnastics

Sweet, sick Bubba

Sick Bobes. Ear aches are the pits

Amaya got a new school backpack and made no fuss when she went off to school on her own two says in a row

Such pretty mornings in the Land of Cheltenham

An urgent care visit – still have to wait in the car for your turn

The kids love reading in bed before they go to sleep at night

Amaya is getting in some bike rides before the weather turns

I can still pick up my Steven and hold him for hugs. Probably not for much longer.

Steven’s team won their game 9-0 on Friday night! The Yumbas won! Steven had a chance to play catcher.

On Saturday afternoon, Sammy had his friend Owen’s birthday party. (Steven just saw this and said, “I’m so jealous. Bowling is my favorite thing.”)

While Sammy was at the party, Steven had a play date with his friend Brady. (Amaya wants you all to know that she was bored.)

Steven, waiting for Brady to arrive.

Later in the day, all the kids and Brady playing video games.

Amaya wrote a constitution for her bedroom: We the sleepers will not fight, be respectful of all living things, and no fighting.

It’s Erev Rosh Hashanah tonight. Amaya and I made Nana’s Honey Cake and I’m excited to try it (if everyone eats the dinner and gets their act together in time which is looking doubtful so it may be tomorrow).

Amaya did an excellent job peeling and grating.

Tomorrow we’ll got to family services at Temple Israel and ring in a new year. L’Shana Tova to anyone celebrating with us.