Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! We stayed home, hosted people that we love, and had the Kleins with us for the weekend.  The kids were happy, playful, helpful, and truly enjoyed the 5 day span of togetherness.  This morning everybody had a case of the Mondays:(  When AlteLu got dressed this morning (she wore a red sweater), she told me, "I look like Isaac!"  Hersh made paper chains, place cards, menus, and celebratory signs, all of which made Thanksgiving much more festive.  On Friday it was warm, and we went on a great hike.  AlteLu liked the rock climbing (eventhough she cried at first when she thought she was going to have to walk), and Hersh loved the "ruins."  Why cant it be Thanksgiving every weekend?

A weekend of Aplebaums

This past weekend we were lucky to have a visit from the one and only Zeyde!  During his time with us there was lots of laughing, playing, reading, and quality time.  I had two mornings to spend with him and it was so nice being together.  Hershel and AlteLu loved having him here.  During dinner they both wanted to sit next to him, so they all sat together on the bench:)  Aunt Sandy came down from Brooklyn for the weekend.  We love our Aunt Sandy, and to have everyone together is so special.
We have been busy preparing for Thanksgiving, with the baking of cookies and the making of decorations.  Tonight when I was cooking dinner AlteLu told me, "I like that," with a smile and a shake of her head--that girl!  Hersh is in paper chain mode and intends to make placemats for everyone--what a mensch!

A little fun...

This past weekend we were in need of a little family fun.  After having recovered from strep throat, the 4 of us needed an outing.  We ventured to the Renwick Gallery (which is across from the White House) and enjoyed the opening of this newly renovated space.  We ventured through the 9 pieces of the Wonder Exhibit, enjoyed live music, and partook in the many art experiences.  AlteLu and Abba loved collaging, while Hersh and I wrapped animals.  We then had a delicious brunch at a french bistro, which involved lots of jam and toast;)
In AlteLu cuteness, she calls kisses "kishikas" which is a hybrid of nishika and kiss.  She also calls our giant play coins "credit coins," a hybrid of credit card and coins.  This girl is delish!  She is beginning to recognize lots of letters and remember lots of little details.  We got a great report about her at Parent Teacher Conferences.
Hersh is rockin' kindergarten, as we learned at his Parent Teacher Conference.  The other night he read Jacob, "Are You My Mother?" cover to cover.  After which, Jacob asked me, "when did Hersh learn to read?!?"  Hersh is compassionate, inquisitive, intelligent, and funny.  Love my boy!

Family Weekend!

This weekend our house was full of lots of family!  Sabba and Savta came to visit, as well as the Philly Lewis/Klein crew.  Although the weekend began with strept throat for our foursome, lots of fun was had.  We raked leaves, went bowling, ate lots of delicious food, took walks, read, visited the playground, painted, and even moved some furniture around:)  Sabba and Savta also enjoyed their inaugural trip to Costco!  As a side note, we have now fully raked the yard twice (!) and it currently looks unraked because so many leaves continue to fall.
Today is the Veteran's Day Performance at JPDS.  Hersh is pretty psyched, and I can't wait to see if his white shirt stays white! AlteLu loves to paint, help cook at the counter, and wear "Baby Ella" in her "ergo." She and Hersh are the best of friends.  They do this hug/dance doodoodoodoo dance, usually when they are in their pj's.  It is the sweetest.