Feeling g'schpritzed!

This past week Aunt Mimi came to visit, and we all had a great time.  Mimi is just one of the best people.  Hersh loved hanging out with his aunt, and we really enjoyed our al fresco dinners, "TV" on the couch, and bananagrams.  One day while Mimi was visiting we took the train out to a monstary originally from the 1100's, called Klosterneuberg.  Can't wait until the next time we are with Aunt Mimi!

This week Hersh turned 13 months old!  It is unbelievable how quickly the time is passing and how much he is changing and growing each day.  He is walking now and beginning to talk, saying all sorts of words--ball, shoe, l'chayim, mayim, and book, just to name a few.  Each day Jacob and I are amazed at what a wonderful, joyous, goofy, inquisitive, observant child we have.  I know I've said it before, but Hersh is truly the best.

Yesterday, Jacob and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary.  It is hard to believe that 7 years has passed since our amazing wedding in Little Rock.  So much has happened and changed in these years, but we still feel the same that we did that day, and we are so fortunate to be sharing our lives.  It'll be interesting and exciting to see what the next 7 years bring.

I suppose the only other thing to report is that in our typical fashion we are trying to figure out the logistics of lots of different plans that we have in the works.  So many moving pieces all of the time.  We are sure to have a busy summer and fall, but there are lots of adventures still ahead!  I'm pretty sure that Hersh is looking forward to some beach time (and so are we)!

Headed to the park.

Patio time with Abba.

Hersh telling Aunt Mimi what she should see while in Wien.

The roofers outside our kitchen door.  They are everywhere!

Happy Hour at the Stadtpark Biergarten.

Hershel loves his Aunt Mimi.

Ice Cream at the Monastery.

Swinger at the Monastery?

At the park with the Danube in the background.

13 months!

Anniversary lunch at Tel Aviv Beach Cafe!

And...we're back!

Wow, what a few weeks it has been!  We are back home in Wien, but had some stops along the way before we arrived Wednesday morning.

We were fortunate to be able to attend the bris of our nephew, Lewes Jethro, and visit with the Aplebaum/Sharrin Family.  This was such a wonderful event. Jacob and I are so pleased to be an aunt and uncle, and we are so happy that Hersh has a first cousin to grow with--they are sure to be the best of friends!

Last week, Hersh and I headed to Little Rock for a visit with Sabba, Savta, and Bamom, while Jacob spent the week at the Math Research Station in Banff, Canada.  It was a good week for all.  Hersh and I enjoyed the Rock--friends, family, and warm weather.  We visited the playground, cooked some good food and recharged our batteries a bit.  Emily baked challot ALL week long for the LR Jewish Food Festival--she made 24 beautiful loaves.

We then reunited in Maryland where we bid farewell to Lewes and his parents.  We can't wait until we see them again.  Lewes is such a delicious little baby.  From D.C., we boarded a plane and caught an overnight flight home.  Everything went smoothly. and now we are settling back into home life :).

The weather is beautiful today and we are beginning to discover "summertime Vienna."  Tomorrow, Aunt Mimi arrives for a visit, and we can't wait!

Hersh checking out Lewes.

Lewes receiving his blessing.

The Aplebaum/Sharrin Family.

Visiting with Simon and Danny.

The Lewis, Gratz, Ambalu families.

Bath time at Aunt Andrea's house:

Love.

Emily is very strong after kneading all of the dough for her 24 challot!

Discussing the news of the day with Bamom and Sabba.

Birth Day

Last Sunday we had Hersh's "official" 1st birthday with a very sweet party at Aunt Addie and Uncle Craig's house.  We had lots of wonderful family and friends come and celebrate with make-your-own pizzas, and cupcakes from the Night Kitchen Bakery (which Hersh really liked).  It was the perfect 1st birthday party for our Hershel.  Thanks so much to all of our friends and family who celebrated with us is Sunny Philadelphia!

We then headed down to Maryland to see Aunt Nina and Uncle Lowell, and to meet our new cousin, Baby Boy Aplebaum.  We are so excited to be an aunt and uncle, and for Hersh to have a cousin-we are convinced that they are already best friends!

The weather has been sunny and warm, which has been nice.  It has also been crazy how much moving around we have been doing.  We are looking forward to slowing down a bit over the next week.  The East coast is busy, but filled with lots of wonderful people!



Hersh's 1st Birthday Party:

Cousins Sara and Ella!

Izzy telling Hersh all about Sophie.

He sees the cupcake.

Happy Birthday!

Cupcakes are delicious!

More cupcake NOW!!

With Sabba and Ella.

The gang.

Aunt Addie and Aunt Mimi are the best!

Cousin!

Visiting with my Great Aunt Sandy and Cousin Andrea!

Aunt Nina, Uncle Lowell, and Cousin with HBB!

Perfectly new baby :)

Brother and Sister with their sons.