This was our leaf pile last weekend - before most of the leaves had fallen. Lily thought it made a nice bed. The kids had a fabulous time raking and jumping. Ben lost his shoes and then found them again. Then it rained and made a very soggy mess. But there are always new fresh leaves falling ... for a few more weeks anyway.

Trick or Treat

We had a great time trick-or-treating with our good friends. Our houses are far enough apart here that I think the kids might have burned off all of their candy energy before we finished going around the neighborhood. It was just the right amount of candy for a 40 minute neighborhood excursion. Most importantly, the kids all shared with their parents.

For the first time, Gavi went off with her friends for Halloween. So, no pictures of Gavi. Nana made her a spooky witch costume for the occasion. I'll make her put it on later so I can get some pictures (even if they aren't Halloween pictures).

Pumpkin Carving - Oct. 31

There are many ways to carve a pumpkin and this year the kids did it all by themselves. Ben just wanted to stab holes in his pumpkin. Juliana and Gavi made scary faces. Mike stenciled a Halloween cat. And we roasted the pumpkin seeds! Yummy.

Super Ben

Ben's First Day of School

September 8th was Ben's first day of school - EVER. He is going to pre-school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-3. What ever will I do with myself?

Ben was so excited to go to school his first day. We drop Juliana off at 8am and he really wanted to leave right away. I had to stall. I told him that his school wasn't opened yet and that there weren't any kids there. First mommy had to eat breakfast. Then we had to take some first day of school pictures. Then we repacked his backpack. I suggested we read a story, but Ben insisted, "No. I will read a story at school."

When we got to his school just before 9am, he looked at me and said, "See, mommy. I was right. There are kids at my school!" And he went inside and sat down to read the story he told me he was going to read when he got there. It was about an astronaut.

Happy Birthday Juliana

I'm getting a little out of order here, but since I'm so behind, I guess it doesn't matter.

Juliana's birthday was August 17th. She is SEVEN! She was so lucky that her cousin Shelby was here from Baltimore to celebrate with us. We had pink cupcakes at school and a pink guitar cake at home. And an ice cream cake one week early at Nana & Papa's house.

School Cupcakes ....



Home cake...



Favorite Cousin Shelby ....



Happy birthday video...

Shana Tova

We celebrated the New Year with dinner & friends. I made challah again this year, but after much practice (see Facebook posting about the 100 loaves), it was much better this year. I learned that if you don't use really old yeast, your dough has a better chance of rising. Check out this fabulous challah!



The dinner menu consisted only of items with apples and/or honey (except for the rice). So, we had honey apricot glazed chicken, apple spinach salad, apples & honey, challah (made with honey), and rice (no apples, no honey). And for dessert, apple butter cake! So yummy!


The kids had a great time helping with everything. Gavi chose the recipies and set the table. Juliana made place cards. Ben and Juliana kneaded challah dough. Everyone made New Year posters. Gavi did the best job ever at reading the blessings in Hebrew (no transliteration for her) - and she even got the special parts for Shabbat in there.