Thanksgiving & Nutcracker!

 We just finished a whirlwind of a week--it involved all things Thanksgiving, family, and Nutcracker.  The week was truly abundant--filled with food, family, friends, parties, and 10 (!) drives to the KC.  Jacob was an amazing "ballet Abba" and AlteLu in her element as a lamb.  I am so happy for her---she is poised, mature, playful, confident and happy.  The Kleins hosted a beautiful Thanksgiving and then on Friday, 23 of  us went to see the Nutcracker.  I sat in between Hersh and Sender for the performance.  Sender's questions and stream of consciousness were amazing--was the Pirate Man good or bad, is the snow real, where are my toy cars, why dont I see the lambs yet???  During intermission Hersh bought candy and steadily fed it to his little brother all through Act II:)  We hosted a grand Nutcracker Shabbat dinner and enjoyed having the Wolf Family with us--Sender and Reuben giggling all the way.  We also went tot he top of the Washington Monument, enjoyed a visit with Savta, had time with Frida, and did so many dishes!    And of course, I missed my mom, but also felt her everywhere--she would've loved that Lu was in the Nutcracker.  We watched the parade, ate cinnamon rolls, and had too much dessert--I miss you, Mom!

Finally Fall?

 I think it finally feels likes Fall.  After last week (Jacob was away) when I turned the AC back on in the house, the heat is now on and we are feeling cozy.  We are happy to have Jacob back, and I just love love love these kids.  The four of us fully vibed with Jacob gone, and I am grateful every day for them.  Sender finished soccer, Hersh finished UF, and Lu is getting ready for her big Nutcracker Performance at the KC Opera House!  We had amazing PT conferences, where it was clear that each of our children is seen and honored for who they are by their teachers and classmates.  Hersh is a mensch and a leader.  AlteLu a kind, smart, and trustworthy community member, and Sender a brilliant part of the brotherhood that is his class.  As Thanksgiving approaches, we are excited for the parade and for all the family love!

Fall!

 Even though the temps remain warm (ugh global warming), it is Fall.  Beautiful leaves, Halloween, lots of raking, and less daylight hours.  We steadily chug along riding the waves that are our days, and the raising of three children.  I find such delight in my every interaction.  This morning Sender and I were talking about pets and he asked me if I liked dogs more then cats to which I said, "yes."  I then asked him if he knows the name of my dog from childhood....without missing a beat, he said, "Clifford!"  So silly!  Lu is loving all things ballet and I am hoping she does not get lice, which many of her friends currently have.  Hersh is deep in bnai mitzvah land, and navigated Halloween which was an intense social experience for both him and me.  Overall we are ok---looking towards what comes next, and squeezing in as many hugs as possible.