DCL>OBX/12!

 Before I launch into my BTS post, let's take a moment to appreciate the end of the summer.  After Baja we had a lovely few days home, where the kids had a few days of just the three of them home while I worked.  Wild to have reached this phase.  The kids took a bike ride one day to get ice cream.  They werent pleased with the first option so they biked to a second spot.  Apparently Sender cried the entire way from stop 1 to stop 2.  But he is fine and so are they!  

Our first stop of the trip was to Aplebaum vacation in DCL.  We enjoyed all the usual DCL rituals--dinners, movies, pina coladas, tubing, swimming, and just hanging out.  We feel very grateful for these year after year times together.  The 6 kids are the sweetest.

We then drove 8 hours through W VA (such a beautiful state!) to our absolute favorite place--OBX, for Lewis Family vaca.  It started a bit bumpy with a required evacuation bc of a hurricane.  Obviously Dr. Lewis pivoted quite quickly and found us a different house, "The College House." Although we were bummed to leave the lap of luxury in Salvo, we had a great time and enjoyed the week.  Lots of cousin time, beach time, hurricane time, movies, puzzles, games, and our special lady, AlteLu turning 12!   Can't wait until next year--same time same place!

Baja!

 Shortly after the kids arrived home from camp we set off on our "just the 5 of us" family adventure to Baja, Mexico!  (But not before a Shabbat morning in Shul where Hersh davened a beautiful musaf--kvelling!)  We stayed an the Amina on the Sea of Cortez.  It was beyond words magical---the top two beaches and snorkeling we have ever experienced.  Pelicans, orcas, sea lions (kids swam with!), dolphins, soooo many fish and more!  There are no words to describe the beauty.  Sender truly experiences "awe" for the first time.  We also just had time..so much time together to talk, process, laugh, eat, explore, and love.  The kids are amazing travelers, people, siblings, and citizens of the world.  We had a great time with our dear friends Johnboy and Laura--Sender was very hot at our dinner with them, so he jumped in the pool at the restaurant, nbd.  And the fruiteria!!!! A lot of delish bananas were consumed.   Jacob knocked this trip out of the ballpark! We then ventured to the Riu where we experienced the all  inclusive life.  At first we were skeptical, but after transitioning in, we adjusted and accepted the fun and ease of it all.  Hersh played, won, and danced multiple games, Lu got her hair braided, and Sender ate his weight in nachos, french fries, and cukes.  Also, churros with liquid chocolate are a gift from Gd.  We are now home with work for me and Jacob.  The kids have stayed home together the past two days and all is well!  Next we head to DCL and the OBX for Aplebaum and Lewis time, respectively.  Then...school....summer dont end!