Sela's Big Date

After hearing about the wonderful Father/Daughter Night Out from her friends in ballet class, Sela really wanted to go. She was afraid that the reason she didn't get to go was because there isn' t a daddy in our family. But, as I explained to her, there are a lot of wonderful men in our lives and my cousin Seth is one of those exceptional men. He accompanied her on Saturday night to the local Chick-Fil-A restaurant for the Father/Daughter Night out. Sela had such a wonderful time and just adores Seth! Here is my girl getting ready for her big night out - beaded purse and all!

March for the Animals 09

Last weekend, Nathan, Onyx, Mishu and I participated in the March for the Animals to raise money for the Maryland SPCA. Thank you to all those that sponsored us, we raised over $500 this year. Here is Nathan at home getting ready for the walk. And, here we are at the finish line!

Finally, here is Jacobi, Aunt Teri's dog enjoying his ice cream treat.

Soccer Season!

We are so excited that it is now soccer season! Nathan is playing on a different team this season as his coach and teammates moved up to the next age level and he was not permitted to move with them. Their first game was this past weekend and once again, Nathan shined! He scored three goals and was very involved in the game. It goes without saying that I am a very proud mom!!

Although I didn't have my camera, one of the other parents was kind to share his pictures with me. Nathan is #6 and you see his back in this picture as he is dribbling toward the goal.

Here he is with coach and teammates:

It is hard to see him in this picture, he is blocked by the blue #6 - but see where the ball is that he just kicked! All his practicing with Bubie paid off! :)

Finally, here are the teams shaking hands after a great game!

VISIT with COUSINS

Rick, Liz and the kids came for a visit last week. My kids were so excited to see them!We spent some time at the park. Here they all are with Bubie: Andrew, Matthew, Sela, Nathan, Nicole and Bubie.

An impromtu soccer game with Uncle Rick:

Andrew watching the boys: Getting in some snuggles with Bubie:

Nathan has gotten to be very strong!

Beautiful Nicole:

And Matthew playing a new game with the kids:

My kids really enjoyed seeing their cousins and Uncle Rick and can't wait to see them again!

SURPRISE!!

Last week, the kids went to stay with Bubie and PopPop for the day as there was no school and I had to work. They decided by themselves that they wanted to surprise Bubie and PopPop and did so by dressing up! Here is what they looked like when they arrived:

The kids really enjoyed being in their custumes and did not want to take them off. They even wore them on a shopping trip with Aunt Teri and Bubie to a local store. While there, Nathan asked why everyone was looking at them????

Passover 2009

We celebrated Passover last week and had two Sedars. I was so proud of the kids. They learned so much about the holiday at school this year and were very interested in and excited about the holiday. We practiced singing the 4 questions in Hebrew, and both kids did remarkably well. Here are a few pictures from the first night of Passover - the Sedar at Bubie and Pop's house. The kids brought the Haggadahs, the pillows, the Sedar plates and the wine glasses they had make at school which made the celebration all the more special!

**SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO COUSIN ROBIN AND HER HUSBAND JUSTIN WHO WELCOMED A NEW BABY BOY INTO THE FAMILY ON FRIDAY!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET HIM!

Weekend with Family and Special Friends

Our weekend was very busy, but very good. We spent time with great friends and family and enjoyed our time with them so much!

Friday night, we were able to spend Shabbat with Bubie and Pop Pop now that they are home. So much better than doing it over the phone! And, after dinner, we got to play with the Wii and Nathan played bowling with Bubie and PopPop. The kids cried when they left.

Saturday morning started with swimming lessons and then a trip to Pennsylvania to visit our dear friends Miss Anne, Mr. Mark, John, Luke and Grace. They have handled life's challenges with such grace and strength. I truly admire them and the family they have created - such a loving and warm home which makes you feel instantly comfortable and at ease. I wish they lived closer because both the kids and I really enjoy our time with them!

The weather was nice and the kids were able to play outside. They had fun on the swings, playing t-ball and rolling around in the grass with Mr. Mark. It was fun to play with all new toys and in the jump house in the basement! Our day ended with a special dinner with the family and we can't wait to see them again! Here is a picture of all the kids together - and all looking at the camera!

This is a picture that Anne sent to me. Unfortunately, I don't have more pictures as camera was stolen. We are all ok, thankfully. I miss my camera so much. I feel like someone robbed me of memories of my children. But, I am already saving for a new one.

Sunday we celebrated PopPop's birthday with him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! So, in his honor, here are a few pictures of PopPop with the kids:

From a trip to Atlanta with Nathan in early 2005:

From a visit to Arizona in 2006:From Sela's pick up trip in Guatemala - Jun 2006:From Hawaii 2007:

From Spring of 2008:

We love you PopPop!! Happy birthday!