Flop and Bing

Hersh has decided that his feet are named Flop and Bing.  He refers to them by name and really likes when we do too.  It is quite endearing and pretty hilarious.  This sort of imaginative play has become commonplace.  The other day he told be all about the truck he was driving--a blue truck with a red sign that says "stop."  He was taking it to the aquarium to buy food--beans and watermelon.

In other news, it is hard to believe that the month of July is flying by so quickly.  We have been working and playing, with trips to the pool, and playdates with friends.  Yesterday we headed into DC and spent the morning at the National Gallery of Art.  We spent most of our time looking at Impressionist Paintings.  Hersh lasted about 45 minutes, looking at the paintings, which isn't bad for a 2 year old.  We have also started composting at home, which is something that Jacob and I feel is important.  We are pleased that we finally have our bin up and running!  Today will be a typical Sunday--yoga for me, swimming for the boys, Trader Joe's, and an afternoon BBQ with friends!

Reading a new library book.

Checking out the thunderstorm.

Blowing bubbles with Grandma.

Loving the apron.

Me and my boy.

Family.

Outside the FTC.

Mirrors outside the Nat'l Gallery.

Jacob making sure Hersh doesn't fall into the fountain.

Lewis Family Vacation 2012!

We just returned from Lewis Family Vacation, and needless to say it was amazing!  This year we all gathered in Deep Creek Lake, MD, which is on the border with West Virginia, about three hours from our house.  We met there last Saturday and rented a house, the Lazy Bear Lodge, for a week.  Over the course of the week we horseback rode, hiked to waterfalls, played Banagrams, rented a boat, drank pina coladas, went tubing and white water rafting, went on a driving tour of Quilted Barns, and ate a lot of ice cream.  But, probably most memorable was the time we spent all together.  There are now 8 adults and one child when we travel all together, which makes us quite the crew.  We do some things all together (like boating and dinner) and other things in smaller groups (like hiking and swimming).

Some highlights of the week include:  Herrington Manor (said with a proper British accent), Muddy Swallow Falls (the tallest waterfall on the state of MD), the books: "A Fly Went By," "Belinda Ballerina," and "The Cat who thought he was a Mouse," matching Wal-Mart Dresses, ricotta fritters, and Hersh's inquisitiveness which lent itself to lots of questioning--
    "Who's Driving?"
    "Where's Mimi?"
    "What are you eating?"

Weeks like these cannot be duplicated and are so very precious.  For a family spanning the ages of 2 through 89 to be together and truly enjoy each moment is to be cherished.  We can hold this past week in our hearts and look forward to Lewis Family Vacation 2013 (or even just Rosh HaShannah in Little Rock, when we will all be together next)!

Sun hats!

Cooling down.

Sabba and Savta working at dinner.

HBB and Bamom Belle

Love.

Lunch on the boat.

4th of July sparklers!

Patriotic dessert!

Shades!

Muddy Creek Falls

Smile!

Hiking buddies!

Hiking down the trail with Aunt Mimi.

Giggles with Savta!

Chillin' with Bamom.

Herrington Manor--perfect!

Boating!

The Crew!

Captain Rich!

Co-Captains!

Enjoying a midday pina colada.

Sisters!