Getting spooky!

With the end of October upon us, it's time to get  spooky!  This past weekend we carved our pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, and got all decked out in our family costume---Spider Family!  There are finally some leaves falling, and the air is a little bit chilly.  The kids are busy, happy, and figuring out life.  Hersh and his buddies got the singing part in the Veteran's Day performance they want, and AlteLu is ready to start ballet!  Hersh told AlteLu when kids yell at her at school, dont worry about it--that's their issue--not hers! They are truly special:)

Pumpkin Picking

This weekend was a good one.  Jacob took the kids swimming, we had lunch with the Aplebaum cousins.  Then the kids and I worked on our Halloween costumes, and Jacob and I had date night.  Yesterday morning we loaded up and headed to our favorite pumpkin patch--Sharp's at Waterford, where we met the Siegelbaums and hopped on the tractor.  Everyone was so happy to explore the patch and find their perfect pumpkin. Hersh was very dedicated to carrying his, and AlteLu found a very cute baby gourd, which she stashed in her overall pocket.   After the animals and corn maze, we came home, I did some cooking and the kids painted their baby pumpkins.  A trip to swim team and the playground capped off the weekend. 
We hope AlteLu never disengages in her imaginative play--she is so nurturing and loving.   And Hersh---his confidence, humor, and commitment (when he chooses) will take him far!

Bklyn/NYC!

We've just returned from a brief but wonderful trip to NY.  First, we headed to Brooklyn (with lunch along the way at a diner in NJ, of course).  We drove by Mama Jeanne's house on Ft Hamilton Pkwy, and 97 Marlborough Rd, where Rich grew up.  The kids counted 10 different languages on signs as we drove through Bklyn, and spotted many Sukkot.  Then we landed at our destination--Aunt Sandy's house:) Many of my cousins were there, and it was such a treat to be all together. We watched Aunt Sandy's wedding video, the kids told lots of jokes, and we enjoyed a moment of togetherness with my family who loves to hug!
The next day we loaded up and headed into Manhattan. The kids love all of the different bridges and tunnels, and truly take it all in.  We parked on the UWS, and took the M4 to the Met.  We walked through The Temple of Dendor, The Armory, Impressionist paintings, and ended our visit by seeing the Pollacks, Picassos, Calders, and Rothkos.   AlteLu was observant and interested, and Hersh sketched everywhere we went.  He was enthralled, and we can't wait until our next visit. 
Then we took the M86 across town, and walked all the way up the UWS (eating at a beer garden along the way), and ending the day with a street fair and a jaunt through Columbia's campus. 
It was a perfect city day, with the kids enjoying every moment of the adventure, and not being phased by the 3 miles we walked.  See you soon NYC!

Feet on the ground

So much is happening all around us, but I continue to focus on keeping my feet on the ground, and things stable for the kids.  They are happy, eager, energetic, and sweet.  They are enjoying the wonderful fall holidays--friends, family, and LOTS of apples with honey.  We went apple picking and made many trips through the BOO BARN!  We also did a special Taschlich service down by the creek with Sabba and Savta.  On erev Yom Kippur, we focused on gratitude and change in the year ahead.  Hersh is getting better and better at piano, and has started back to swim.  AlteLu is loving soccer, and has a reputation among the mothers of her friends, that she will keep the kids in line:)