outdoor fun - feels like summer

The summer like weather we have had inspired us to do some water activities in our backyard. The kids donned some swimwear and t-shirts and we set up the sprinkler and water table. Zoe particularly liked climbing into the water table so she could soak her feet. She wanted the pool out too, but we didn't want to go overboard. While watering the lawn Zachary ran through the sprinkler a bunch with shouts of delight. Zoe shows off our flower pot - seeded with wildflowers that haven't yet germinated.



Daddy took the kids to the park to play and they had a blast. It was quite hot as you can tell by Zachary's rosey cheeks. Also note Zachary's new t-shirt which Daddy got at the Dead Show he went to the night before.

Daddy bought Zoe a butterfly net which she tested out. We haven't yet seen any butterflies just yet, but we know based on our book about the crunching munching caterpillar that soon enough they will spread their wings and take flight.

Nava Pollak came to visit us recently and enjoyed our baby swing. We had fun playing together in the backyard on the swingset and seeing Uncle Yossi and Aunt Brooke.

Vidoes of the kids April 2009

Pesach 2009

Pesach 2009 has been full of a new understanding by both Zachary and Zoe about the significance of the holiday. It was complete with singing of songs and the 4 questions and a great appreciation for the taste of Matzah and its related entrees. Each year we acquire new recipes, and learn new songs.

Here is the family at our 2nd seder ... our first we were alone, which turned out to be quite delightful. At both seders Zachary sang most of the 4 questions and Zoe sang her favorite song, Dayenu. A video will be added soon.

The Nolde family joined us once again for our Seder as well as Grammy Ellen and Grandpa Stan. It was quite nice that the brisket was a big hit this year with the kids (unlike years passed) but the favorite was the onion soup nuts that everyone enjoyed in their Matzah ball soup. Zoe was very flirtatious with baby Ethan, who giggled at her and Zachary and Aidan played in between course.



At Zachary and Zoe's school, Garanim, Mama took part in their Seder and watched the annual Pesach play. Last year (as you might recall) Zachary was baby Moses so it was quite a joy to see little Zoe sitting in that basket. Zachary was "grown-up Moses" this year and donned the special costume his teacher keeps for that role. Zoe also got to wear (and chew) Mama's bracelet as you can see in this picture. The kids were cute as ever with their classmates acting out the Magid of Pesach ... we are sad this is the last year!

Celebrating Daddy's birthday ... with a yummy chocolate babka picked out by Zachary. Zoe just couldn't wait - she loves to pick off the chocolate.

Our friend Li Lin and her parents came down from Vermont for a visit to New Haven. The kids enjoyed some fun times in Zachary's bed as well as in Li Lin's air matress. Zoe and Li Lin visited the Peabody museum and went out to lunch, while Zachary was at school. It was a fun visit and the kids enjoyed getting to know each other and the parents enjoyed catching up.