Last year, Columbus Day weekend was the start of my one on one trips to NY with the kids and, once again, Amaya and I were off to NY together!

I was able to sneak into the nursery on Friday morning at 5:30am and wake Amaya without waking the boys. During her diaper change she kept saying, “Bubba. Bobo.” They’re definitely at an age where they’re aware of each other. It’s adorable.

And off we went!

Amaya did great. She convinced me to buy her a little stuffed tiger for the flight and reminded me to give her Benadryl so she wouldn’t puke everywhere. Some elements of the travel are more difficult (no one sleeps on the airplane) but most of it is much easier than it used to be. Amaya held my hand while we walked through the x-ray at security. We sat on the floor together and ate breakfast. Just the fact that she walks means that she can get out of her car seat in the airport. Plus, for me, the first trip traveling with one after a trip with three always feels relatively easy.

Feeding her tiger.

Two colleagues were on this same flight for business so they helped me get the car seat on the airplane which was great. The biggest challenge was trying to prevent Amaya from kicking the seat in front of her. She thought it was hysterical. I spent most of the flight doing anything I could to distract her. She also had some issues on the descent and cried for the last 20 minutes of the flight but we made it! Early, even!

Meanwhile, back in the Land of Cheltenham, Steven and Sammy (here, Sammy and Steven) might have been missing their sister (Sis Sis, as Sammy says), but they were going to soon find that they had a big treat waiting for them – Grandpa Homey and Grandma Betsy!

Amaya got right into the swing of things at Nana’s house. We’ve been watching videos of Chase and Charlie every day so she was very comfortable with them. Lots and lots of hugs and kisses for everyone!

Back in the Land of Cheltenham, perhaps in honor of their traveling sister, Steven and Sammy (here, Sammy and Steven) ate the PAPAYA that Amaya picked out last weekend. I hear it was a hit!

Then it was time for a walk with Megan and Grandma Betsy.

The boys wrapped up their day playing with their kinetic sand. I think we’re going to have hours and hours of fun with this stuff!

We also took advantage of the nice weather and went for a walk.

This morning, Amaya was excited to wear bracelets that had been Charlie’s. She looooooves her bracelets. More than breakfast, even!

More bracelets!

Mommy and Amaya. <3

Exactly one year ago today, Amaya and I were on the way to NY for our first girls weekend.

And with my best big guy, Chase.

Back in the Land of Cheltenham, the boys had fun times of their own! It was the fire station open house and Steven and Sammy got to check out the fire truck!! So, so cute.

It’s cool here, but we all also got outside.

After nap, we packed up and headed to Long Beach for their fall festival.

So lucky that Uncle Dave and Chase were able to meet us. We saw farm animals, pumpkins and wandered around for about an hour.

Amaya even pet a bearded dragon lizard. She loved it!! No fear at all. Even when it was crawling on her, she was totally captivated.

And that was our day!! A great family day in NY.

Back in the Land of Cheltenham, Jason was also having a great family day, first at home with Grandpa Homey and Grandma Betsy and then out with his dad to watch the Sparty game.

Saturday it was Lions for the boys. Sunday was the Giants. And I am about to be 3-2 in my first ever fantasy football league!

By 10am, we packed up, said our goodbyes, and made the trip back to MI.

I told some friends that traveling with kids is like childbirth. Once it’s over you forget the pain which is the only reason you do it again. 🙂 It’s doable, it’s just hard. Today’s flight was during nap time and I was hopeful that Amaya would nap but it’s seeming, more and more, that my kids are no longer going to sleep on airplanes. She did great, though, all things considered. My little frequent flier.

And, next thing we knew, we were back home and Amaya was feeding papaya to her daddy. I couldn’t have asked for more from our girls’ weekend. I love my Amaya. The best part of coming home, of course, was seeing all my boys!

Earlier in the week, the kids went to their early intervention class. The theme this week as “sensory” so there was a lot around to feel and touch.

Back at home, we got silly with our wacky headband!

Bobo and Megan had snuggles.

And we had coloring time.

Wednesday was music, where everyone is getting braver and venturing out on their own more and more.

This is the EXTREME roller coaster. What a trip! We’ll have to look into it for next summer.

Music class was so much fun that the kids napped HARD. What Amaya didn’t realize, though, was that she was about to have even more fun with a sleepover at Grandma Sunshine’s house! Like last time we did a grandma sleepover, she slept for about an hour at home before making the trip with Grandma.

Just as with Sammy, her Daddy’s Big Head was there waiting for her.

I always find myself eager to get home during one of the kids’ sleepovers because it’s so special to have time with just 2 of the kids. Three is the best, but two is some rest. Hahaha. It’s true, though!

This week, we tried out our new kinetic sand! I think it’s going to be a great activity during the long Michigan winter. Both boys liked it, but Sammy is a little more hesitant to touch the sand and prefers to use the tools.

Amaya settled in easily at Grandma Sunshine’s house and slept well.

Everyone had a relaxing morning, too!

The morning adventure for Amaya was a trip to Potter Park Zoo! There were lots of animals out and she had a blast.

The boys missed their sister but found ways to entertain themselves until she returned.

Next thing they knew, their sister was home safe and sound and happy after a great time with her grandmother.

We’re still taking advantage of every nice day and spending as much time outside as possible. It’s my long, sad countdown to winter. Fortunately, the kids don’t know what’s coming. They’re just having fun outside.

I think she’s ready for the runway.

Finally for the week, here’s a fun PJ photo shoot. We love our PJ’s and we love our cow Moo.

Have a great week!