Monday we welcomed in the Jewish New Year. I can’t get over how many people are at the family service at Temple Israel. They have two adult services, one family service and one children’s service. It’s such a thriving community! Being there was emotional. Last year, Nana joined the live stream from NY so she could be there with us and there are so many parts of Jewish life that will always make me think of her. But we did it!

My boys really have no nice clothing. In fact, the day my mom died, my cousin Mike took me to target to get something they could wear to the funeral bc we had nothing at home.

Afternoon cuddles with Daddy

Sophia helped the kids go through fall clothes and to the seasonal change-out. That’s always an opportunity for Amaya to find surprises from Charlie, like these shoes.

Did I mention that I joined an 8-week grief workshop? It’s good self care and, as a result, Sophia takes Amaya to gymnastics each week. We’re really lucky to have the help!

Tuesday was picture day and, as always, the kids can wear whatever they want. Sammy chose his one collared shirt which I love. He also did his hair with gel before school.

After school art started again! This year they’re in the grade 3- 5 program, though most of the kids are in 3rd. The first week was Van Gogh inspired art. In order, it’s Steven, Sammy and Amaya. I love when I get to see how they interpret the same project differently.

This is baby Sammy in Amaya’s backpack straps. She uses it as a carrier. Sammy calls our Sammy “Uncle Sammy” and Steven is “Uncle Meanie.” Apparently all the kids were voting on which dessert to make and Steven said that Baby Sammy can’t have a vote bc he’s not real so our Sammy gave Baby Sammy his vote. 🙂

The kids are getting stronger and stronger at Ninja.

Amaya has been writing a fiction story every night. She’s so committed. She gets ready for bed quickly and then asks if she can write in bed. I love it.

Fall ball! Steven was catcher again. He hit the ball twice but, both times, was out at first. Jason said he’s been doing a great job fielding.

Amaya had a fun Saturday. She had a birthday party at Pump It Up (bounce house place) and we picked up two friends on the way. It’s really nice to be in the age of carpooling. After the part, she and her friend Claire convinced us that Amaya should stay at Claire’s for a while so she got a play date out of it, too.

The kids and I ate dinner outside while the Sparty game was on. I’m clinging to the last nice days!

Steven’s hair is getting so long. I convinced him to let me pull it back and I think he looks so cute. Steven said that, one day at school, he pulled his hair off his face and his teacher, Mr. Connelly, said, “Oh look! Steven has eyes!”

Last night the kids slept in forts and Sammy took these pictures especially for the blog.

He also got a haircut! Handsome dude.

Finally, this isn’t about the Cline kids exactly, but Chase has had a stopwatch running on an iPad for a while. Steven asked me to find out how long it’s been and the answer was over 23,000 hours!

That’s it for this week. Have a good one!

*Amaya named this blog update after the meal she wants to eat.