Hanukah 2016!

We are in the midst of Winter Break and Hanukah, and loving every minute of it!  Our little chant, "We made it to Winter Break!" has really caught on.  Each day we've had a lazy morning, consisting of sleeping late, brunching, yoga, hiking, and a little bit of house work:)  Then, each evening we've gathered with friends and family for Hanukah celebrations.  We also enjoyed the movie, "Sing!" and Chinese food on 12/25. We are now getting ready for Jacob's 36th birthday--and a rendezvous with friends, family, and Phish.  AlteLu is loving her "chethascope", and Hersh is a certified rock tumbling expert.

Charades

Last night after dinner instead of our usual book reading on the couch (my favorite time of the day), Hersh suggested we play charades.  The game began with everyone pretending to be different animals. Jacob and Hersh both delighted with creative ideas like "Mad Scientist"or "Drawing."  I did most of mine from sitting on the couch---hibernating bear and popping bubblegum.  But the surprise champion of the game--AlteLu.  That girl brought passion, energy, and spunk to her turns.  She began each turn at the entry to the play nook.  She ran full force around the house, then would hop up and down, up and down, as the three of us guessed many different animals.  Then at some magical (unknown) moment, she would say, "Yes! I'm a kitty!", or "I'm an animal that jumps up into your arms like a dog.  I'm A DOG!!!"  Needless to say, the three of us were in stitches, and we look forward to the next round!

1st piano recital

This past weekend Hersh had his first piano recital.  He played Ode to Joy and Bells of Westminster, like a pro.  We are so proud of his hard work, even if getting him to practice takes some coaxing.  Additionally, Sabba and Savta came into town for Nachas Day.  Both kids just love having Sabba and here with us.  AlteLu asked if they would be at our house for Shabbat, and when I told her they were already up in Philly, she said, "I need them at our house, because I love them."  It is amazing to hear her articulate the emotions she is feeling.  We then went up to Philly where we celebrated an early Lewis/Klein Hanukah, as well as Isaac's 3rd birthday!  A good time was had by all.  Our beloved Aunt Meem has now moved to Boston, and our hearts have all broken just a little bit because of this.  We wish her and Dan Dan well.
Hersh is going through a slight winter funk--a little bit contrary, and a little bit uncomfortable.  We are focusing on love and support for our guy, with a healthy dose of gentle guidance.  Soon enough we'll be to Winter Break, which will give us time to slow down and be together.

Thanksgiving 2016

What a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of friends, family, adventures, and food.  After a wonderful Friendsgiving Wednesday night, and then breakfast with the Aplebaums, we drove to Philly for a Lewis/Klein weekend.  Everyone was so happy to be together.  The kids all played nicely, AlteLu loves her best friend, Aunt Meem, and Hersh rocked it at Digger Land.  We went on a lovely Fall walk with the Ambalus, and even had an adults night out.  There was lots of drum playing, adventures in the tent, and even some wrestling and yoga.  Hersh is an amazing young mensch, and he read to Isaac so sweetly.  AlteLu and Isaac also loved playing together:)  Now we are back home and settling in for the month of December.