This weekend, Steven and I had a special Mommy/Bobo trip to New York. It was joyous from start to finish. Steven was a champ when I woke him early to head to the airport. We arrived at 6:30am for our 8:30am flight which gave us enough time to check in and stop for breakfast in the terminal.

Steven is so aware of everything around him. I swapped seat with him because he noticed the tram over his shoulder and kept watching for it. “Train. Train. Train back. Train.”

I forgot to bring a bib and a bib is a must with Steven so we improvised. I wore one, too, in solidarity.

Meanwhile, back at home Sammy and Amaya were ready for a quiet(er) day at home. These kids don’t skip a beat!

Steven was nearly apoplectic when we arrived at the gate and he could get a good look at the airplanes. Everyone around was enjoying his narrative. “Plane. Big plane. Big Plane.  Little plane. Truck. Man. Bus. Man in truck. Big plane. Truck. Little plane.”

This age is so much easier for plane travel. Steven was able to sit in a seat, occupied by the seat belt, while I installed his car seat. It helps that he’s independent enough to stay put and let me do my thing. The flight itself was a breeze. We ate the rest of our breakfast, played with our toys and drew on my iPad. Easy peasy!

We arrived at Nana and Papa’s houses in time for lunch and naps, followed by visits from Auntie, Team Goldberg and Savta. (Fa Faf!)

Back at home, Megan started to introduce these cool 10- 15 minute phonics videos to the Sammy and Amaya. Thank you, YouTube!

Sammy was excited to wear Megan’s hat!

At bedtime, I was the lucky one. Chase and Charlie slept over and we had some time to snuggle before everyone went to bed. I wasn’t far behind them and had the travel treat of sleeping in the same room as Steven. I love early morning when he’s awake talking to himself. “Fireman. Policeman. Policeman car. Dust pan.” lol It’s delightfully random and a great way to (sort of) get into his head.

Saturday morning was playtime in NY and MI. Savta, Auntie and the Goldbergs all came by to visit with us. In MI, Anna was there to give Daddy a break.

Steven is strong.

All weekend, Steven was obsessed with these kitchen gloves. Obsessed. He was so darn cute wearing them.

Hugs with Nana

Playtime with Nana

Hanging with Uncle Dave, Aunt Sara and Charlie

Gloves! Steven would run to this side of the house and show us his gloves. Then he’d say “Other side!” and run to the other side of the living room, through the dining room, and show us his gloves again.

“Other side!”

Fun with Papa!

Fun with Savta!

This is about as cute as it gets. Anna sent me these photos of Amaya and Sammy walking around the house holding hands. HOLDING HANDS. Be still my heart.

Helping Daddy with the groceries

Someone is ready for a nap!

Saturday afternoon we had a special treat and were able to meet up with my cousin Mike and his duo – Jake & Naomi. We went to ride the carousel at The Source and then out for dinner. Steven loved the carousel. He had to ride it twice!

In Michigan, Daddy had his own adventure! He took Sammy and Amaya to visit Grandma Sunshine who was recuperating for surgery at Aunt Annette’s house, with a bonus visit from Aunt Ouize.

On Sunday morning we had a few hours to play before I had to head to the airport with Steven.

At home, Amaya and Sammy were ready for us to return. Every time I go away, Anna finds these amazing outfits I didn’t even realize I had. This one, courtesy of cousin Charlie, was a perfect fit for Valentine’s Day.

Again, in the “awwwwww” category, Sammy had to poop and was struggling so Amaya comforted him. If my heart hadn’t already exploded, it would now.

Steven and I arrived at the airport at 10:30am and, once again, he was a champ. We had Shake Shack for lunch and Steven very carefully wiped down his table before he ate.

See that sticker? Steven was deputized by the TSA. Deputy Steven!

On the plane, Steven narrated the entire trip. He had his vehicles from Aunt Sara to keep him occupied and I’m pretty sure he talked non-stop. I dozed a bit and, every time I woke up, he was still at it.

Next thing we knew, we were HOME! It was a perfect visit to NY. I’m so grateful for the one on one time I’m able to spend with my kids.

Here are a few more pictures of Steven from the week.

Sam Man

Amaya

Watching Megan arrive in the morning.

Headbands!

Waiting for Daddy to come home

Daddy’s home!

Have a great week!