We are trying to get to the beach as much as possible now, because it’s starting to get “cooler” now (today’s high was only 30!) and we don’t know how many more beach days we’ll have. Today we met Judith (Yoram’s sister) and Shira at one of the Tel Aviv beaches. We had a fabulous day. Afterwards, we were invited to Sharon (Yoram’s other sister) and Amit’s for dinner in their brand new, kosher Sukkah. The girls had a great time playing with all of Roe and Ido’s toys - and with Roe and Ido, of course. Thanks to Judith for the parking spot, the great beach spot and sharing her awesome beach mat with us. Thanks to Sharon and Amit for a nice - if not totally relaxing - dinner.

Categories: Kids

Today we met Roe and Ido - and Sharon and Amit - at the Hayarkon park in Tel Aviv. We spent some time climbing on the huge wooden climber and then we ventured into the bird and small animal zoo–Tzapari. At first the girls were not very interested in the birds and headed straight to the playland with huge climbers and jumpy castles. Afterwards, they were more interested in the birds and we spent a few hours there having a great time!

Categories: Kids

Everywhere you look in Israel there are Sukkot–restaurants, apartment balconies, front yards, back yards, etc. The girls really wanted to have a Sukkah of our own, but we did not get ready in time (imagine that :). Well, they were not deterred. They took the bike boxes that we have still not gotten rid of, and built their own temporary eating domicile. After a bit of help from Dad, lots of packing tape and some decorations from school, we had our very own Sukkah. The girls even ate a few snacks in it. What fun!

Categories: Kids

Thank you so much to Yoram’s Parents - Menachem and Lea - for having us over for a scrumptious holiday dinner. The girls had a great time with Ido and Shira (Roe was home with a fever).

Categories: Kids

This is the most holy of days in the Jewish Faith and most Jews fast from sundown erev Yom Kippur (literally, the night before the holday) to sundown on Yom Kippur and spend most of their time in the synagogue praying. At least that is the tradition in North America.  Many Israelis also do similar activities; however some spend the day on their bicycles riding the main streets.  Generally, the streets are entirely empty of cars from sundown to sundown.  we rode down one of the busiest streets in Rehovot and only encountered one car–a police car.  It is very impressive to see the entire city completely shut down.

Categories: Kids

The morning of Erev Yom Kippur and the girls are all off school, so we stole off to the beach for morning of fun in the waves with Sharon, Amit, Roie, and Edo (oh, and of course a small collection of dinasours).  The weather was great and the beach was not packed because of the holiday.  In fact, the lifeguards left the beach at 12:00 to go home and prepare for services etc.

Categories: Kids

Today was Abby’s Birthday. She went swimming in the morning - just her and her Dad - and got to do all the dives, frog jumps, and deep water bobbing she could do. Afterwards we went to the small market at the end of our street (everything else was closed for Shabbat) and she bought all sorts of things for her experimental smoothie party with her sisters—they made some very very tasty treats for after dinner. She also got a chance to try out her new set of fine tipped markers. At the end of the day we played Canada-opoly. Most of her gifts are still on the way. All in all a great day. We will go to the beach for an extended Bday celebration on Friday.

Categories: Abby

Today we had a very nice visit with our cousins Muli and Hemmi and their families and Amit and Imbal. Muli and Idit live close to Jerusalem in a place called Har Adar. The view is fantastic from their third story balcony. You can see almost the entire Mediterranean cost of Israel. The kids had a great time in the Gymboree room—Naomi is about the same age as their son Avner. We look forward to many future visits and family gatherings.

Categories: Parents, Kids

Today was Naomi’s Birthday. She had a very good day—a trip to the pool with Miriam and Mommy, a mid-afternoon birthday cake snack and ending with a trip to Pua and Baruch’s for 2nd Rosh Hashanah dinner. Her cousins Elad and Uval were there and she had a great time - including more gifts (thank you Pua). We got home very late and the girls are very tired. Tomorrow we are going to Muli & Idit’s for another family gathering—it’s great to have so much family around to help us enjoy the new year!

Categories: Nomi

Categories: Kids