Halloween '08

Nathan was really excited about Halloween this year. Sela was excited about her new dress. Here are the kids before school on Friday:

Our neighbors accross the street really go all out decorating for Halloween including piped in smoke and spooky music. Here are a few pictures that were taken before it got dark:





Unfortunately, Sela was quite spooked by all the Halloween decorations. She wouldn't even wear her own costume, and refused to go Trick or Treating. Nathan though was very happy in his costume and loved giving away candy to the kids who came to our house:

Nathan's Class Trip to the Farm

Last week, I went with Nathan on his class trip to the farm. While there, they walked through a corn maze:Each child was able to pick their own pumpkin:

They picked "apples" (velcro'd on to the fake tree)

Saw lots of animals:

Rode horses:

Ground corn to feed to the ducks and chickens:

Rode on the tractors:

Played on the playground:

And, had a picnic lunch:

It was such a fun day and I really enjoyed spending it with my special guy!

After the trip to the farm, we visited PopPop who was raking leaves - here is how Nathan helped:

Nathan's Last Soccer Game of the Season

Nathan had such a wonderful time playing soccer this year - mostly due to his wonderful coaches. But, somewhere during the 3rd or 4th game, it just "clicked" for him and he was a totally different player - scoring goals, running after the ball, and just seemed to understand the game and really want to play. It was wonderful to watch him through this change and I am so proud of his progress! Here he is warming up for the big game:Before scoring his first of 2 goals during the game:

Preparing for a throw-in with Coach Susan:

Playing around with Coaches Chris and EJ during the game - check out the BIG smile!

Checking out the trophy that they received:

Sukkot

We celebrated Sukkot a few weeks ago with a service at my parents house. I was so glad that we did not partake in the annual tradition of visiting the hospital for stitches before the service. I am proud to report that Nathan was accident free this year for the service! The kids were very excited to see everyone and practiced their blessings and songs.

Nathan and Sela have been learning a lot about the holiday in school, and one of Nathan's projects was to make a sukkah from a shoe box. Here he proudly displays his work of art:

Dad's arm was still immobilized from shoulder surgery, but the sukkah looked more beautiful than ever (thanks to his friend for helping) with decorations that the kids made...and Bubie too! Nathan was very excited to see the microphone and wanted to practice his prayers.

Sela helped during the service too - holding the BOX from the etrog! :) At the end of the service, Nathan stood holding the challah plate with Cantor Marge and sang his blessing loud and clear. It was an incredibly proud mommy moment!! I just wish I was able to capture the smile on his face as he sang!Here is Sela getting a hug and cuddle from her Bubie.More pictures from the weekend of my precious kids!

I'm Sorry Day

Yesterday, we observed the holiday Yom Kippur, or as the kids refer to it, I'm Sorry Day. This is the day that we atone for our sins and ask for forgiveness. The kids did special projects in school revolving around the holiday and put a lot of thought into what they were sorry for and how they are going to be better people in the new year. Nathan was sorry for pushing his sister and not being nice to his mommy, and Sela was sorry for being a bad girl. Here are a few pics from I'm Sorry Day before leaving for synogogue - Sela loves modeling her new clothes.

Unfortunately, mommy didn't listen to the weather report and the kids and I were very hot during services. It was an unusually warm and muggy day here, so when we went back in the afternoon, we were dressed a little more appropriately for the weather.
I have been working very long hours at work, and miss my time with the kids. Here are a few pictures I took of them this week during our time together.

To see more FAVORITE FRIDAY FOTOS from other bloggers, please check out Sarah's blog.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments. The kids and I love to read them!!

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L'shana Tovah!

What a great way to start off the New Year - with family and friends!! It was great seeing everyone and the kids had a great time spending time and playing with their cousins and family.