This week was our Thanksgiving trip to NY! Hooray!! Jason had to work on Friday so he stayed home in MI while Steven, Sammy, Amaya and I made the big trip. I was lucky that our sitter, Anna, was able to travel with us because it’s going to be a long time before I can travel with all 3 kids on my own. Anna came to meet us at 5:45am and, by 6:45am, we were off to the airport!

This is how we travel. Two in our double umbrella stroller, a single stroller to hold 2 car seats and one in the third car seat. It’s a bear of an operation but it works really well.

As one does, we stopped for PF Changs at 8am. It was open and empty and they had 3 high chairs. Besides, who doesn’t want beef & broccoli and chicken fried rice to start a travel day? The big deal was that we used actual plates in the restaurant. Such big kids!

On the airplane, Steven was soooooooo exited to see all of the planes out his window. “Plane! Plane! Plane! Plane! Car! Plane! Plane!” The plane was entirely quiet except for his little voice. He had a lot of people giggling. “Plane! Plane!” That boy loooooooves his vehicles.

Overall we had a smooth flight. Much better than last year when we had to turn around and go back to Detroit midway. Anna is an awesome travel partner, too. Totally unflappable and cool as a cucumber.

Everyone was beyond excited to see Nana, Papa and Savta. Look at those smiles!

The kids were equally excited to see Aunt Sa, Chase and Charlie.

Happy Thanksgiving! Steven, Sammy and Amaya were ready for a feast and looking like such big kids!

For what might be the last time, we headed to Aunt Dale and Uncle Arnie’s for Thanksgiving afternoon.

Steven stealing Uncle Arnie’s nose.

Glori, Aunt Sara and Amaya

Sailor and Steven

Charlie, Amaya and Sailor

Aunt Sara, Amaya and Spencer

Savta and Steven. A rare moment when Savta and Sammy weren’t side by side.

Sammy and Uncle Bob

Savta and Sammy. These two were rarely apart all day.

Amaya and Mommy. These two were rarely apart all day.

Steven and Nana. These two were rarely apart all day!

It was gorgeous outside so we took advantage of the great weather.

Perhaps my favorite photo of the day. Nana and Savta spent a ton of time just running around the deck with the kids. They had so much fun!

A Thanksgiving feast!

I’m not kidding when I say that Amaya ate about a cup of hollandaise sauce. She demanded I serve it to her by the spoonful. That girl loves her dip dip.

As always, we took advantage of the time together to exchange Hannukah gifts. For the first time, Steven, Sammy and Amaya really seemed to get the idea of opening presents and getting new stuff to play with.

Sammy was very methodical in his unwrapping process.

Steven got some help from Aunt Dale.

A vehicle puzzle for Steven. Perfect!

With the exception of missing Daddy, it was a perfect Thanksgiving Day.

On Friday morning, my friend Liz came over with her trio, Jack, Ryan and Allison. We saw them at Liz’s house in August so it was fun to get together again. Chaotic, but fun.

We also had a lunchtime visit from our good friend Nate. Here the three boys are dining together while lucky Amaya got to eat on my lap.

Fierce Amaya

Chef Steven

Giggly Sammy

Friday afternoon the fun continued with a visit from my college best friend, Rachel. The Friday after Thanksgiving is our tradition.

Uncle Dave and Steven.

Sammy in his usual spot on Savta’s lap.

Friday night was a sleep over with Chase and Charlie! A first for all of us with all 5 grandkids sleeping at Nana & Papa’s house.

We commemorated the sleepover with a Saturday morning photo in Nana and Papa’s bed. It took some of kids a minute or two to get into the spirit of it but you can see how happy Nana is to have her 5 grandchildren all together.

Amaya wanted to wear Chase’s sock. So cute.

Mommy and Amaya.

We were so lucky with the weather. I never expected to spend so much time outside in late November.

Cousin Mike came for lunch with Naomi and Jake.

We rounded out the trip with an evening at Aunt Sara and Uncle Dave’s house. Chaos and fun!

And then, suddenly, it was time to go. It’s hard to leave NY but Steven, Sammy and Amaya were very, very excited to go home to Dada. “Dada. Home. Back. Dada”

Anna and Steven at the airport.

Anna napping with her buddy Amaya.

Eventually, sleeping boys.

The trip was perfect. We’re so lucky to have the opportunities to make these trips to visit so many people we love.

Here are some photos from the rest of the week.

The hug fests continue!

Steven got his new bigger boy orthotics. These have vehicles! His favorite!

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday week, group classes were canceled for the week. Instead, everyone met at the Funtastic Fun Zone for play time. So much fun! This is where Steven, Sammy and Amaya are having their 2nd birthday party.

The kids love to clean!

So Daddy got them brooms and dust pans of their own!

And, finally, kisses. <3

Have a great week! Happy Thanksgiving!