home from texas!

The girls had an absolute blast during our way too quick visit to El Paso this past week. We went up to 'the bear house', which is my Aunt's townhouse in Ruiodso New Mexico and all the cousins came- 10 kids under the age of 10! A house full of instant friends. Best of all we missed the two feet of snow that fell in cherry hill and came home to a plowed driveway.

Happy Hannukah!

here is what Hannukah looks like at my house this year-

super special hockey celebration!

Instead of a birthday party this year, I promised Jena I would take her and her best buddy Jason to a hockey game. When I made this deal I figured we would go to one of the minor league games- the Phila Phantoms. I then found out the phantoms no longer play in Philly and thought I would be stuck paying big bucks to take two 5 year-olds to Phila Flyers game (at 150$ a ticket for the cheap seats!) Well- lucky me- the Phantoms came back to Philly for one game only and we were there. To say Jena was excited would be an understatement. As you can see she was literally on the edge of her seat.

Holy bat-party! theres' a five year old in the house!

My superhero chose a batman theme birthday party and a bat-crazy time was had by all! Nothing says party time like a couple of two year-olds doing the hokey-pokey and, as a special treat, Stef played happy birthday on the guitar. Jena loved every minute of her party and tomorrow we have cake and goodie bags for all her friends at school. Since Jena considers herself everyone's friend we had to get special permission to bring the two 4-year old classes together so that everyone (all 50 kids!) can celebrate together. With a Spiderman cake, of course! That's my girl!

pumpkin time!

We had wonderful fall weather for our trip to the pumpkin patch with Aunt Sarah Uncle Dave and Rafi (who is almost 2!). After picking out the best pumpkins in the patch everyone had fun at the new playground. Jena even got to wear her costume to the costume parade at Chinese School.

Shana Tovah-- Happy New Year

three years of Jena

It is hard to believe that it was three years ago today that Jena joined the family. It is even harder to believe that Jena is now older than Stefanie was when we traveled to China. She continues to look at the world thru her rose colored glasses, always looking on the bright side. Every so often she will test out her angry attitude and march off in a huff. It seems so out of character that it is hard not to laugh at her. She is suprising us everyday with things she has learned like "look- I wrote 'Mommy' on my paper!"Everyone is her friend and everyday is a party. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Jena in it.

2nd grade already? and one happy peacock!

First day of school for Stef and true to form the bus didn't come. Why should this year be any different? Stef is thrilled to have two of her best friends in her class this year. Jena is now in the peacock room. Her 'elephant' class from last year has been mixed with the 'fish' class. Some of her friends are with her in the peacocks and some are in the giraffe class. I carefully explained this to her before the first day, a little worried that she might be upset. Her response to me was "That's GREAT- I get to make new friends!" I love her always positive outlook on life.

back from the beach --time for school

we had a great time with friends in the Outer Banks, NC. Wonderful weather, the girls spent all day in the ocean or the pool. And, big milestone....it was the first time in 6 years that Mommy got to sit on the beach with a book! Now time to go back to school.

come and play......

...everythings A-OK....we had a visit from Julie T, Kacey and Nana Susan too and all went to Sesame Place for the day. The kids had a great time and I am happy to say the adults were pleasently suprised to have a good time too! Here are some pictures of everyone enjoying the day. Jena loved meeting the characters and Stef got her 'hair wrap' that she had been waiting for all summer.

summertime fun!

It was visiting day for Jena at camp and here are a few pictures of her having a blast! Stef was at free swim during my visit and came over for a quick hello. I've also posted a picture of our driveway chalk-artwork.

..and the years keep rolling by...

It is the last week of school already. Stefanie spent the week playing games and winning the first grade spelling bee, Hebrew bee and a coming in second in math. Jena was the proud winner of the friendship award because "she is a friend to everyone". A few pictures to compare to the first day of school. Camp here we come!

we're still here

we've been busy helping Zayde adjust to his new hip. the girls have been real troopers, putting up with multiple long drives and visits to the hospital and rehab. We are all happy that Zayde is now home and doing great. Here are a few new pictures of Stefanie from Authors Night at school. everyone in the class wrote books and read them aloud to the parents. The pictures of Jena are from her pulmonalogist appointment. All I had in my purse to play with was my camera, so she had a great time taking pictures of herself as we waited for the doctor. Two more weeks of school- yippee!