Birthday party & 4's/2nd grade!

This past weekend we had AlteLu's 4th birthday party!  Rock painting, Drew Blue Shoes--the Magician, Butterfly Birthday Cake, climbing dome, bubbles, and bagels!  It was a beautiful day, with perfect weather,  Our favorite people--Aunt Mimi and Dan Dan, and the Kleins came for the weekend/party.  AlteLu was so happy, with she and Hersh assisting Drew Blue Shoes--it was a wonderful day!

Our two chick-a-dees started school this week--the 4's for AlteLu with Steven, Sharon, and Raviv, and Hersh 2nd grade with Ms. Margolis and G'veret Schon.  Both kids had wonderful first days, and we are grateful for the schools our children attend.  I do have to admit, I feel a little sad to be away from my little lovers:( But, here's to a great year!

VT!

We have just returned from a wonderful week in Vermont--the Green Mountain State! During our time there we: hiked, picked blueberries, enjoyed Bluegrass music, swam in the creek, visited ECHO, enjoyed all The Bridges had to offer, searched for moose, rode the chairlift on Sugarbush, picked wildflowers, did the zip line, visited Ben and Jerry's, ate a lot of Cabot Cheese, spent the day on Lake Champlain, ate pizza, visited the farmers market, bathed in maple syrup, enjoyed cider donuts, drove through the Ap Gap, watched Jeopardy!, played scrabble, cleansed with Coast!, and generally lazed about.  We also celebrated AlteLu's birthday--which she loved, and was sorely dissappointed when it was over, asking, "why did Abba take down my birthday sign?!?"
It is so beautiful in Vermont, and we are so grateful to have been able to spend time there as a family.

 

4!

Today, our dear sweet AlteLu turns 4!!! It's hard to believe that our little lady lover, our constant dose of sunshine, has been with us for 4 years. It seems like this little morsel of love just joined the mishpacha.   AlteLu is joyous and inquisitive, creative, loving, imaginative, and has a generally sunny disposition.  Girlfriend can get hangry, and if forced to hike or bike ride for tooooo long--uhuh---she is not having it!   She and Hersh are the most perfect siblings---full of love and laughter while also fully capable of pushing each other's buttons.  Over this past year, AlteLu has truly become a little girl. She is loved by all who know her, always willing to help guide her peers, do a cooking project, build a castle out of magnatiles, or take care of Hoppy.  Talululemon is my best friend.  She loves to chat her Abba's off, and loves herself delicious treats.   Our life is full, and we are grateful to have AlteLu as our most special daughter.  Happy 4th birthday, and here's to another incredible turn around the sun for our sugar pie :)

Mellow August

There has been a lot a craziness swirling all around us over these past few weeks.  But, in the day to day I am cherishing each moment with my two sweet lovers.  We've had many adventures--zoo, Annapolis, the pool, Wolftrap, a whole lot of reading and Great British Baking Show!  August has been insane and mellow all at the same time, and I do think we will all be in for a shock when school roles around in a few weeks.  And although Hersh and AlteLu have always been buddies, this summer has brought their connection to a new level. They are true partners, friends, buddies, and so loyal to each other.  They do know how to push each others buttons, but usually they are helping one other--and they love to take liberties in each others personal space--it's quite hilarious.  AlteLu used the word "assume" properly the other day ("I assume you only have mozzarella cheese sticks, Ima?") and Hersh has begun to bike in the neighborhood a bit on his own, which is a good break from his obsessive reading.
Next we will head to VT, and celebrate our dear sweet AlteLu turning 4! How can this be?!?