Shorts in December

Maybe it's El Nino, or maybe it's global warming, but it has been warm!  So warm that shorts and sandals have been brought back out.  We've enjoyed the delayed winter, but at the same time, a little bit of winter weather in the New Year, would be welcome.
Hersh feels accomplished that he completed the first half of kindergarten--reading, making friends, math and science, and interviewing librarians, are just a few areas of accomplishment.  AlteLu amazes us daily.  She loves to sing and tell stories.  Hoppy is her "lover" and she enjoys a good Clifford book.  The best days are days we spend together.  I only wish she wouldn't cry before each nap, as nap is inevitable.
Yesterday they shared space on the step stool to help bake gingersnaps--what little loves:)

End of Hanukah with the Lewis Family

This past weekend Sabba and Savta joined us the celebrate the end of Hanukah and attend Nachas Day at JPDS.  As usual, the kids (and us too:) have loved having our favorite Sabba and Savta with us.  We then headed to Philly for more Hanukah, more Lewis Family love, and to celebrate Isaac's 2nd birthday!  Lots of fun and warm weather sunshine were included.  Hersh was gracious and loved all aspects of Hanukah.  AlteLu also enjoyed Hanukah and giving gifts.  She also really liked receiving gifts, and we are working on her being a gracious receiver and sharer.  Oh 2 year olds:)

Lake Needwood

After a full 5-day week, in which 3 of those days were rainy, we all needed a good dose of outside time.  The weather was beautiful, so a hike around Lake Needwood was on tap.  The 2.2 loop was the longest hike that Hersh has done, and he was a champ.  AlteLu enjoyed the ride on Abba's back, always on the lookout for airplanes and barvazim.
Hersh finished the fall season of soccer, in which he was a true mensch, reminding others that it's ok to not always win.  The hebrew that Hersh is learning is oozing out of his ears, we can barely keep up.  AlteLu will tell you, "Sure, sure," if you ask her a question, and she always wants to pick out her own socks in the morning.
Last night we celebrated the first night of Hanukah, with candles, songs, puzzles, and sufganiyot.  Both kids are in the spirit, with lots more Hanukah fun in store,