This update will be heavy on pictures, medium on words, but I don’t want to skip it.

Once again, for the 10th summer, we spent a week in New York enjoying the beach and the city and each other.

Arriving in NY on Friday!

Chase and Amaya <3

Saturday morning we went to Savta’s house for a few hours before heading into the city. Auntie came by, too.

We spent the afternoon in the city down in the village and then over by Little Island, a human made island in the Hudson River over by the meatpacking district.

The kids saw this place on YouTube and were really excited to check it out, which we were able to do because it was in the neighborhood.

Sisters!

Steven, in Washington Square Park.

We met up with Joe, Nicole, Eli, Dalia, Mike, Naomi and Jake.

Everyone! Cousins are the best.

Sunday was a gorgeous beach day. Another year at the cabanas.

As we always do, we had dinner at the clam bar one night. I was definitely missing Nana while we were there but I love keeping up traditions.

On Monday we went to Coney Island — my first time! It was amazing. The amusement park was so much fun and it’s right on the boardwalk. We will definitely be back.

We mix and matched all day. Steven stayed on milder rides. Amaya was on terrifying rides. (Same for Chase and Charlie.) Sammy split the difference.

See that ride behind Amaya, middle right of the photo, that looks like it drops straight down? It does, and she rode it.

I love rides like this. So did Sammy and Amaay.

Sisters!

Sammy, Chase, Charlie, Amaya and Steven

Back to the beach on Tuesday. Gotta dig big holes!

We had dinner at the Goldberg’s house with Savta and Papa

Back to the beach on Wednesday! Savta even made it down to the ocean… all that way. To help, she borrowed a sand wheelchair from the first aid cabana and had support from Auntie and Amaya on the way down, and Steven and Auntie on the way back.

Amaya and Savta, walking to the ocean

Savta and Steven at the ocean

Amaya slept over with Charlie on Tuesday night and on Wednesday night it was Sammy’s turn with Chase. (Steven didn’t want a turn.)

Thursday we had lunch with Papa and then I took the kids to Dave & Busters

Friday morning the Goldbergs came over through lunch and then Sara and I took all the boys to a driving range.

Photo credit for these next two pics goes to Sammy

Amaya stayed back with Charlie

And that was our week! We flew home on Saturday and had a lazy weekend at home before we dive into our week.

Have a great one!

I started a longer blog post but decided to just leave this week at remembering Nana one year later. It’s been a very difficult year but we’ve tried to live the way we know she’d want us to–appreciating the time we have and each other.

On Monday, 8/7, Jason, the kids, and I meet for dinner at a restaurant on Walled Lake that we’d been to with Nana a few times. We ate crab and lobster and mac & cheese and chicken tenders and toasted Nana and told some stories. Then we went to the dock and recreated this photo Nana took with the kids in August 2021.

<3

The weekend of 8/4, the Cline 5 took to Iowa for a Cline/Landy family reunion in Mason City. We stayed at the Historic Park Inn Hotel which is a Frank Lloyd Wright building. Pretty cool.

We got in late on Friday but, before bed, stayed up to meet with everyone in the hotel lounge where we toasted to Aunt Bonnie (Grandpa Homey’s amazing sister) and to my mom. <3

Happy Sammy with Grandma Betsy

By 9 or 9:30pm CST, Steven was asleep in my laps. I carried him all the way to bed.

The whole Friday night crew, minus Jason, who took the picture.

We spent Saturday morning, through lunch, at Grandpa Homey and Grandma Betsy’s house.

Playing cornhole with Grandma Betsy

Steven, using Aunt Ouize’s bird call app

Steven and Grandpa Homey looking at ball cards

We spent a few hours in the afternoon at the lake. The kids had a blast in the water with their big cousins.

Dinner was a walk away, back at cousin Alana and Brian’s house

Amaya and Ella – Amaya was thrilled to meet Ella who was on an episode of American Ninja Warrior!

Big cousins are the best

Sunday morning we all had brunch and then the Cline 5 headed back to Minneapolis to head home to MI.

Cecily, Amaya, Sullivan, Steven and Sammy

The whole gang!

Delayed, but happy.

Bubba and I synced up to watch Top Gun Maverick on the flight home.

It was a wonderful weekend. <3

Kicking off this week with a message from Amaya:

I learned a new dance to cotton eyed joe!!! it is an Irish dance it’s made of 3 different steps slide slide front slide slide back, right right right left left spin, left left left right right spin.

Amaya also leveled up in Ninja and is now in the “Masters” level classes which she absolutely loves. Her goal is to be on American Ninja Warrior Jr one day.

It’s pool season! Yesterday Amaya, Sammy and I went to the pool while Steven and Jason went to the ball card store and out to eat.

Steven told Jason (and he was right), that Amaya, Sammy and I were by the water tower in the distance.

Today Jason and the boys went to the Tigers/Padres game. Manny Machado is a Padres player that Steven likes.

And Amaya and I went for a 4.5 mile bike ride at Maybury Park.

Another adventure, and a reason I’ve been behind on blogs (again), is I went to Nice with my friend Erica from 6/30- 7/8. We spent days on the beach in Nice, went wine tasting in Provence, and spent a day in Monaco. It was amazing.

View of Nice from our hotel balcony.

Another balcony view.

We ate outside every night, usually with a view of the promenade. They have bikes that can be rented with tons of pickup/drop off spots so we spent a lot of time biking between the central part of Nice and our hotel which was about 1.5 miles from the main area.

No filter. The water was incredible. (Though we didn’t know that it’s a rock beach!)

Drinks in Monaco before I left my $ at the Monte Carlo Casino. So much fun playing blackjack there, though.

We did an afternoon of wine tasting in Provence and it included a stop in Saint Paul de Vence, an old walled town.

At the winery.

This is not us, but it’s the spot where we went parasailing. It was so much fun! I’ve wanted to try for a while and you can’t beat this setting.

Amaya sent me this collage while I was away lol. I couldn’t bring escargot home for her, but it did motivate me to give them a try.

My escargot, at a Hotel Negresco restaurant.

Our last night was in Paris and we treated ourselves to the tourist of tourist destinations – dinner inside the Eiffel Tower.

Phenomenal vacation.

I will try to update more regularly (and with more photos of the kids)! Have a great week!

Hi! It’s been a minute. I don’t want to stop with the blog, though, so I’m back with a catch-up.

If we go back a little over a month, Amaya and I went to NY for Charlie’s Bat Mitzvah. Nana worked with Charlie on her Hebrew and had so been looking forward to this day but her presence was absolutely felt and Charlie was amazing – and a year younger than most kids, too!

Breakfast selfie with Papa

While we were away, Sammy had a turn to have his art featured in an art show. (The multimedia piece on the bottom left of the big grid.)

Bat Mitzvah day! We were all so proud of Charlie.

Here are the cousins in their synagogue dresses.

And then it was party time where Amaya lived her best life partying with Charlie and dozens of 6th grade girls.

Such a sad girl when the party ended

Once again (for the 15th time?) I spent Memorial Day weekend with the Bitcherie. This year we went to Minnesota where we got to see the World Largest Ball of Twine.

I got home on Memorial Day and enjoyed these rice krispie treats that Amaya and Sophia made.

After more than a year, Steven got a haircut!!

A reminder of what the “before” looked like.

As school wound down, the kids had the annual Gator Gala at their school

She’ll still take pictures with me! (I cut my hair, too.)

A late night snack from Daddy…10pm onion rings.

I hosted Amaya’s girl scout troop’s end of year party and bridging ceremony from Brownies to Jr. Girl Scouts. It’s a very nice group of girls and their troop leader is amazing. (I did none of the decorating that you see. That was all other moms.)

May and early June were baseball, baseball, baseball for the boys.

Sammy on 3rd and Steven on deck

Sammy has been really into making (delicious) steaks lately. He’s becoming quite the chef.

A 3rd grade tradition at Thornton Creek is a lunch picnic with parents, which I was able to attend, Wendy’s in hand.

June 16th – the last day of 3rd grade! The year flew by. I can’t believe it.

Like last year, we went to Lakeside, OH the evening of the last day of school. It’s such a great community for the kids because it’s small, gated and they can experience a touch of freedom.

We chose this weekend to visit because my friend Hannah was there with her family.

Steven playing whiffle ball with Hannah’s kids, nieces and nephews–up at bat and then rounding home plate. He had so much fun playing with these kids.

Steven also joined the kids to build a massive sandcastle

Unfortunately we were there for the hatching of the mayflies which Sammy Did. Not. Like. So he spent time indoors on Saturday watching movies. He did go out for ice cream in the evening.

Last week was the week between school and camp. Steven chose to attend Northville’s baseball camp and loved it. This kid loooooooves baseball. I was really proud of him for attending even though he didn’t know any of the other kids.

And Amaya participated in her first Ninja skills competition! She was one of only two girls and a little nervous, but she killed it. So proud of this kid for putting herself out there. She is strong mentally and physically.

We also kicked of Northville Swim Club season with two days at the pool this week.

And Amaya and Sophia had a sleepover <3 <3 <3

This weekend, Grandma Sunshine, Aunt Annette and Aunt Ouize visited!! There were card games and board games and a ton of KiwiCo kits built.

Amaya specifically asked me to share her two kit creations. A perpetual calendar and a lantern.

Love this

I’m away next weekend so not sure if there will be a blog then but I’m glad to be back at it.

Steven, Sammy and Amaya made today very special for me, and filled it with joy despite how difficult it was to celebrate my first mother’s day without my mom.

The best ❤️❤️❤️

Amaya had a very fun week! It started on Monday. After girl scouts, she went home with her friend Claire and had a sleepover at Claire’s house with Claire, Claire’s sister Elly and Elly’s friend Stella. (Elly is in 1st grade.) Amaya wants me to clarify that Stella is also her friend.

Tuesday was a professional development day – no school – and also Claire’s birthday party at a trampoline place. Amaya left for school on Monday morning and we didn’t see her again until after dinner on Tuesday!

Doing a science activity at the sleepover

Amaya, Stella, Claire and Elly putting stickers on their water bottles

Steven humored his mama and let me put his hair up so I can see his face <3

Goodbye face! (Steven and I have haircuts scheduled for later this month.) This past week, Monday through Wednesday, Jason had 1:1 outings with each of the kids after dinner. On Monday he and Steven went to two ball card stores. On Tuesday, he took Sammy to the mall for candy. Amaya’s request was bubble tea.

Jason turned 54 on Thursday! Amaya got Jason a cool keychain that says, “If dad can’t fix it, no one can” and Sammy got him a great baseball card holder. Steven’s gift is still in transit.

Friday was the boys’ first scrimmage as Brewers! They both played great–making awesome contact with the ball and fielding really well.

Here’s a video of Steven’s RBI!

Baseball Bubba

While the boys were at the game, Amaya was at her friend Dylan’s birthday party. She went home with Claire and got dropped off at home at 9pm. They celebrated at Dylan’s house and then went to play glow in the dark mini golf and arcade games (the same place Amaya had her birthday party)!

A very happy (and tired) Amaya back at home

Amaya and Steven played a loooooong game of soccer on Saturday. I love that they have each other to play with.

Today was the last day of Hebrew School for the year and the year ended with an ice cream truck outside the temple. We agreed that surprise ice cream is even better than planned ice cream.

The exciting news for me (and Jason would say for him, too) is that our home office is set-up to use. Starting tomorrow, after three years working in a bedroom, I have an office! Big transition for me from upstairs to downstairs. 🙂

That’s it for us! Have a great week!

*Amaya wants me to tell you that the title is by both of us.

Making this a quick one, but I don’t want to miss it.

I celebrated my birthday this past week. Jason and the kids made it special and, still, I’m glad this one is behind me. My mom so badly wanted to be here for another birthday and it was on my mind all day. But it was still a very good day.

Every night at bedtime, at her request I tell Amaya a story about my childhood. On Monday night, I told her how Nana would put a card at my bedside every year, the night before my birthday, while I slept. On my eighteenth birthday, I woke to a card. Then one in my car. In my locker. Through the day I got cards from friends and teachers. Eighteen in all. It’s a very special memory.

Later that night, after bedtime, Amaya found me to tell me she couldn’t sleep. What it was, though, was a ruse to sneak the card below under my covers. What an amazing, empathetic daughter.

Tuesday afternoon, Amaya and Sammy had their class Music Informances—thirty minute presentations where they show what they’ve learned in music class through the year. They did great! (And Amaya’s class sang happy birthday to me before they got started.)

Afterward, the Cline 5 went out for birthday dessert at The Cheesecake Factory.

For my birthday, Amaya got me candy. Sammy got me reed diffuser oil for my office. Steven got me a star trek t-shirt and key chain and made me the card below. He knows his mama’s interests! These kids spoiled me.

I also got this text before bed <3

Thursday morning I joined the kids at school for Breakfast with a Buddy.

And Thursday night was Steven’s turn for his class’ Music Informance!

We’re very proud of Amaya who, with her friend Leah, participated in the Thornton Creek talent show. We’re eagerly awaiting video of their dance.

It was a quiet weekend which included a shopping trip for Amaya and Jason and then dinner out as a family.

Have a great week!

It was beautiful week! Gorgeous, warm weather and, even though it will be a high of 52 tomorrow, it’s still a needed transition into spring.

The kids ate outside most nights this week.

On Tuesday, after school and art and dinner, I took the kids out for ice cream in Northville.

Even my orchid is reblooming!

This week Amaya devoured Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret and we’re so excited to see the movie together on April 28th.

Look at this gorgeous morning on the way to the bus stop.

It’s bike riding season! On Friday afternoon, Sophia and Amaya went out for a ride.

Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette came for a visit on Saturday.

Amaya’s in a big pomegranate phase. She looooooves them.

My turn to bike ride with Amaya. We did a four mile ride on Sunday morning.

In other news, the boys started baseball practice this weekend. They’re on the Brewers and, this year, they’re going to learn to slide, and the rules are amped up. (Last year, for example, batters couldn’t run on an overthrow. This year they can.) Steven has been practicing nonstop in the yard. It’s been really cool to see. And both boys are very excited for the season.

That’s it for us. Have a great week!

After the kids’ spring break trip to Iowa, they got on a plane again on Tuesday and we headed to NY for Passover. This was Nana’s holiday through and through so there was a lot of significance to celebrating this year. In fact, shortly after Nana died, one of the first things the kids asked was how we’d have our Passover Seders. Sara and I planned and worked to try to make the Seder’s as special as they’d be if Nana was with us and, even though it’s not the same, I think we all came away having had a great family holiday. I know my mom would be thrilled. This is what she wanted.

Sister-Cousins <3

Charlie, Amaya, Sammy, Chase and Steven with Savta at the first Seder

Sammy loves dipping his parsley in salt water. He always has.

Aunt Sara in Nana’s matzah apron

Allen and Syvia joined us for the first Seder

Kids table!

Nana was famous for her desserts and they take a lot of time so Sopha (our amazing nanny) helped out and spent hours baking to help us out. I traveled from MI to NY with 20+ pounds of food!

The weather was so nice! I feel spring!

Day two! Amaya loved any opportunity to read aloud.

Our family friends, Laney and Steve Honig, always joined our Seders and we were lucky to have them with us this year, too. Another thing I know my mom would have loved.

Plague masks from the Honigs lol

Sammy & Chase – thick as thieves

This year the kids had The Great Passover Water Balloon Fight. Girls vs Boys with Steven as referee

Steven, watching his video replay to tally up the score

Both nights, Auntie, Nicole and Dalia came for dessert. (Dod Shuki, Joe and Eli were all in Israel.)

A pre-happy birthday to me 🙂

Amaya, ready to make eggs on Friday morning

Aunt Sara and I took the kids to Dave & Busters and Amaya was excited to get this Spock card

We wrapped up Friday with dinner out with Papa

On Saturday, before our 5pm flight, the kids, Aunt Sara and I went into the city to the slime museum – Sloomoo. Some of us were there with Nana in July 2019. It was a fun place to revisit and full of happy memories.

In the booth where slime flies at you

My view from the booth. You can see that ball of blue slime on its way

Today I had a fantastically relaxing day. I slept in, got stuff done, and the kids had a blast at the Tigers game with Jason!

That’s it for our week! Happy Passover & Happy Easter to those who celebrate.