22 months

It's fast approaching--our sweet AlteLu will be 2 before we know it!  For now we are enjoying her amazing 22monthness.  She currently puts the word "big" in front of lots of what she says.  Except when she says it, she puts an "a" on the end, and winds up sounding Italian.  For example, "big-a truck, big-a bowl, big-a puppy."  It is hilarious and so deliciously cute!  Her language skills are amazing.  In the area of colors she still has some work to do:)--she walked up to me yesterday, pointed to my dress, and said, "Ima, red dress."  The dress was blue.  We then showed her Jacob's shirt, which was also blue, and she said, "Yellow shirt."  We found this to be very funny!
We have a family of bunnies living in our backyard that we have been immensely enjoying watching.
Hersh just finished a week of Audubon camp, which received a review of "boring" on Monday, and then on Friday he liked it.  I think we have learned that with Hersh, he initially does not love new experiences, but after a few days warms to what he is doing.  Hersh is also starting to read on his own, which is incredible.  It's slow and steady, but we are proud of him, and love him so much!
Last weekend one of my very best friends, Katie B. came to town for a visit with her boyfriend Chris.  A great time was had by all.  Alte thinks that Kate's name is "cake" which is just fine, because she really loves cake:)  Yesterday we ventured to Flag Pond for a beach day with our friends the Siegelbaum family.  Everyone had a lovely time in the sand and waves.  I love summer!

Two Wheeler!

Here in our little corner of the world we have fully eased into summertime mode.  Free of much obligation and schedule we find ourselves swimming, playing, reading, exploring.  I am still working a bit, but with Hersh out of school and my schedule abbreviated, we are truly embracing the gift that is summer.
Our 5 year old (!) can now ride a two-wheel bike without training wheels!  And our sweet little lady has been saying, "Amo" which just melts your heart.  They both love to swim, with Hersh being able to swim the length of the entire pool, and we are working with AlteLu to jump in on the count of  "shalosh."  Both of our little lovers thoroughly enjoy parties, bbq's, etc. If we tell Alte that we are going to a party she asks, "Cake? Birthday?" and Hersh is always ready for "plans."

Siyum and 11 years!

Last Friday was Hersh's last day of preschool at the OKECC.  It felt like a big deal.  He is now officially done, next Kindergarten.  It was a lovely morning that felt just right.  Surrounded by classmates and friends, we all honored the work of the children and teachers.  We had lunch with good friends, and have slowly been easing into the summer time.  The end of last week was s bit sad, but Hersh seems to have accepted that OKECC is done, and next will be Kindergarten.  We anticipate a fun summer enjoying our boy.
Saturday was our 11 year wedding anniversary.  To celebrate we decided to enjoy a family day at the beach--perfect!  We drove to Flag Pond in Calvert County.  It is by far the most beautiful bay beach we have been to.  Both kids had a fabulous time and so did we.  Swimming, digging, eating, relaxing, playing--both HBB and AlteLu love the beach!  And I love my husband--so grateful and lucky to have him as my life partner.


OKECC Siyum:

 Flag Pond: