Rosh in the Rock

Last weekend we boarded a plane for one of our favorite destinations---Little Rock!  It had been decided that all members of the Lewis Family would gather in the Rock to celebrate Rosh HaShannah together.  We spent the weekend enjoying family fun time--Aunt Mimi made Hersh into a burrito!  There was lots of rain, so Hersh and I headed to the Discovery Museum one morning.  We also all had our teeth cleaned, including Hersh!  We took a walk by the River, and Rich and I took an 8 mile bike ride!  We also enjoyed delicious holiday food and most of all, being together.

Now we are back home.  Lots of walks in the evening and tricycle rides.  We are in the rhythm of the school  year, and Hersh is enjoying his experience thus far.  There are a few tears when I leave him in the morning, but I think it is because he is said that I am leaving. To be honest, I am sad that I am leaving him!  The air is changing and Fall is approaching.  I am embracing the shift, but hope that the daylight will last a little bit longer...

A masterpiece.

Hershel getting his teeth cleaned by Sabba:

River walk.

Playing with Bamombelle.

Tricycle ride.

The Whole Mishpacha

Playing the shofar with Aunt Mimi.

Definitely a 2 year old

If there was ever any doubt that we are currently living with a 2 year old, things currently happen on a daily basis that remind us of how very awesome and how very 2 Hersh is.

Yesterday morning Hersh said to me, "I know what a fire truck has on it."  We then proceeded to make a list  (I was the scribe and Hersh the reporter)--sirens, red/yellow, ladder, lights, hose, bombero.  Jacob and Hersh then put on firemen hats and drew a very detailed picture using the list as a guide.

The other morning on the way to school, Hersh and I were discussing all of the different buses that we pass on our morning drives--mostly he points out all of the city buses verses the school buses.  Upon seeing a school bus he said, "Imma, I'll go on the school bus one day."  I replied, "You sure will."  He then said, "You'll come with me?"  After a moment of thought, I replied, "Yes, Hershel I definitely will."  Now, I know he is only 2, but the idea of sending on a school bus to a big, giant school is slightly nauseating for me.  So, if and when he actually gets on a school bus, I will most definitely be accompanying him.

Hersh has also started to tell us about his dreams.  He told Jacob that there was a man in a hat and two pirates in his room last night!  Sounds a bit creepy to me, but definitely exciting for him!  Hersh has also been playing his guitar and putting on concerts for us.  We also think he must be going through a growth spurt because he has been eating a lot more than usual!  Oh, HBB, we love you!

Transition Time

Whew!  What a few weeks it has been.  Lots of finishing things up (our year with Sandy and Eitan, the freedom of summer) and beginning anew (our new nanny, Miriam, Hersh starting school, me starting a new school year). Maybe it is appropriate that Rosh HaShannah is just around the corner.

We are sad to see the summer go.  We had an amazing time at the pool, travelling all over the country, swimming in the ocean, taking after dinner walks, and just feeling free.  At the same time, easing into our school year routine will be a good thing, as for the first time Hersh will be attending school! He is in the Klavim class at Ohr Kodesh ECC, with teachers Molly and Gail, and will be attending T/Th mornings.  He is very excited, and we feel good about the school we chose, as well as the fact that he is starting school.  There is a part of me that wants to keep him home forever.  Never let anyone else have him, protect him from the world.  And, we did briefly consider home schooling him.  Yet, we see that he loves other children and we think that 2 mornings a week in school is a gift that we can give him.

In other news, Jacob and I went to Birmingham and Atlanta this past weekend to see Phish with our friend Craig and his fiance, Anne.  Aunt Addie, Aunt Mimi, and Uncle Craig, took care of HBB, and we are very grateful.  We had a fabulous time and so did Hersh with his aunt's and uncle.

Overall, we have a pretty good life as the "mishpacha."  If we ask Hersh, who is in the mishpacha, he answers, "Imma, Abba, and Hershel!" Love.

Sandy and her boys.

Peruvian sweater from Zayde.

In the firetruck at the county fair.

Checking out the goats.

Poolside with Aunt Mimi.

Sorting activity.

Twins!

Phish show!

At the fountain!

Family!

Road Trip!

This past weekend we hopped in the car and headed to NJ, where we spent the weekend with my girlfriends from growing up and their families.  Hersh had a great time with all of the kids, and we had a great time with all the adults!  On Saturday morning we spent some time on the beach in Long Branch, where it was perfectly overcast.  The waves were incredibly strong, but we still had a good time jumping in them!
On Sunday we headed to our cousin Emery's 1st birthday party, where Hersh played with his cousin Ella.  We then spent the night in Long Island, with our friends, Danny and Sara, and their two sons Simon and Jonah.  Needless to say, the entire weekend was full of friends, family, fun, laughter, and love.
A few Hersh highlights:  he has started to ask, "are you kidding me?" and using the word "actually" before letting us know something.  Also, when singing "Row Row Row Your Boat," he finishes the song with the line, "Life's a butter dream."  Totally hilarious, and really cute!  Hersh is also getting excited to start school in a few weeks and knows that his teachers are Molly and Gail.  Finally, our bedtime routine has evolved into our singing the songs "Habitat" and "Shnuggaly, Buggaly" each evening, while Hersh and I lay on the bed covered in a "blankate."

The Jersey Shore:

All 8 kids!

Hersh and Ella:

The Abbas and their boys.

Snoozing on the way home.

 Bathtime:

"Hersh"

"Imma"

"Abba" by Hersh

LA!

I'm a bit behind in my posting, but I have good reason.  We have been busy enjoying the freedom of summer, travelling all around, spending time with friends who live on opposite coasts.  Two weeks ago Hersh and I boarded a plane and headed to LA for the week, where we visited with our dear friends--the Werner Family.  Jacob and I went to college with Aaron and Lucy, and Hersh had a fabulous time with their three children--Daniel, Levi, and Naomi, as well as their dog, Riley.  LA is a wonderful place.  The weather was sunny and warm, but not humid.  We spent each day playing the the house, taking trips to the beach and pool, and visiting a great playground.
A fabulous time was had by all, and I can't wait until our next visit with the Werner Family.  It is so nice to be able to see your child together with the children of dear friends.  Check out the pcitures below for some "action" shots of how we spent our week!

Roomies!

Post swim smiles!

Driving!

Malibu.

Pre-Shabbat Dinner.