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Shana Tovah!  We have just had the pleasure of welcoming in a new year, and I must say it has been a joyous beginning, filled with love, laughter, and lots of family time.  We enjoyed the days together, spending lots of time in the kitchen, some time in shul, going on walks and bikerides, and just enjoying the days that the New Year brings.  We spent 4 nights in a row having dinner with different friends and family, and one thing that is more obvious now then ever, is that like her Ima, AlteLu is an extrovert.  She gets energy from being around others and loves a good party. She is also enjoying the freedom that comes from walking.  She will often walk over, say "up," get a snuggle, and then ask to be put down so she can go on her way--what a lover!  Hersh enjoyed each dinner as well.  He was both a gracious guest and host, and when I asked him what he was going to share at school about his RH weekend, he said he was going to tell all about hosting dinner--what a mensch!
In addition to celebrating Rosh HaShannah we also went on our annual apple picking adventure, this year with the Aplebaum Family, and I am happy to report a good time was had by all.  Apple butter is currently in the crockpot!  On our way to the orchard we discussed what kind of apples we would pick.  Without exaggeration, Hersh must've listed 5 or 6 different varieties--I was quite impressed with his knowledge of apples.  Also, this will be remembered as the year where Hersh ate nothing but apples, honey, challah, and dessert for 3 days straight:)

Attempting to get a RH picture:

Kids table!

Apple Picking:

A weekend with Sabba and Savta :)

This weekend we were fortunate enough to have Sabba and Savta come and visit us.  This event was long awaited by HBB, and AlteLu was so happy they were here! It was clear when Alte saw them, that she really remembered them. Having them at our house and be a part of our daily life was so special.  As predicted they got Alte walking by using the "launch" method.  Additionally, because "Sabba" sounds like "Abba," Miss AlteLu is now saying "Abbbaaa, Abbbaaa"(she sounds just like her brother when she does this) and she realizes that this will get both Sabba and Abba's attention.

Yesterday,  Savta and I took AlteLu to the Farmer's Market, and then Hersh went with Sabba and Savta to see Stuart Little at the Glen Echo theatre.  We then met them there and everyone checked out the carousel.  This morning the 4 of us went on a great bike ride at Great Falls while Sabba and Savta made a quick trip to NY.  

In addition to Alte walking, Hersh can now wash his hands at the kitchen sink without the step stool!  To be honest, I can't believe it.  They are both so amazing and growing so quickly.  I love them, even when Hersh acts like he 4 going on 14:)

Fall is knocking on our door

It's happening, Fall is coming.  Just this morning I had a conversation with Hersh about that soon he will have to start wearing pants instead of shorts.  Needless to say, this information was met with some upset.  While we were in SD, and since we've returned, Hersh is very into picking out his own clothes each day.  He has one favorite pair of shorts (blue and white stripies), one day he told me that he thinks they are stylish:)  Hersh is also settling into school.  He makes lots of things out of paper and is becoming a more proficient artist.
AlteLu is loving life as her sunshiney self.  Although, she has been keeping us on our toes, questioning whether or not she is transitioning to one nap.  It seems not quite yet, although there are some days where it seems that maybe she is . She is signing up a storm (chalav, bath, eat,), and is more and more communicative each day.  When she wants to dance, she points to the stereo, when she wants to go outside, she grabs her shoes and bangs on the door.  When she wants someone to blow on the mobile above her changing table, she pushes their head that way.  She loves seaweed, peas, carbs, and grapes.  What a lover:)

Cave drawing

PJ's

Homemade bread

Mandelbread Baker

Homemade hat

Hieroglyphics