Back to School in May

Zusha took a looong break from cheider. He kept getting sick non-stop and missing weeks at a time. Then he'd come back, and after 2 or 3 days, he'd catch something else. It was a never-ending cycle. So I kept him home since January. Once he recuperated from the illness he had in January, he didn't get sick at all, except one or 2 mild colds.

So as soon as the weather warmed up, we decided it was time to head back!
Zusha went back to cheider like a pro. I didn't want to leave him full-time on the first day, so we decided on 3 hours. Meanwhile, Gedalya and I went around 18th avenue, going on rides and all kinds of stores.

Then we headed over to the park. I didn't know when Zusha's class would be going to the park, but since he has never gone before with the class, I didn't know how to prepare him for it. So I was hoping to catch his class if they were there at the same time as us. But they weren't, so Gedalya and I just played until it was time to pick Zusha up.

Finally! Gedalya is so eagerly waiting in the cheider corridor to greet his big brother.


And here is the big cheider yingel himself! :D Playing with one of the pinwheel fans I bought while he was in cheider.


And in true "cheider tradition," here are the boys getting a ride on the "cheider horse!"


Then we headed back to the park all together. Zusha's class came at the same time we did, so I'm glad Zusha got to see how it works first, without being thrown right into an unfamiliar activity.

Got Themselves into Trouble

Poor kids... they got into my spice cabinet early in the morning before I was up.
Emptied out ginger, cinnamon, steak seasoning, cayenne pepper and raw coffee. Mixed it, spilled it, and ate it.

Then they sat there on the counter crying because it burned. Oy.

I think they learned their lesson. ;)

New Kayak!

We have gone through a few single strollers (kayak, in my kids' language), and the last one broke last January. Since then we have been using either a double or the single travel stroller. I concluded that the stroller I had originally when Zusha was born was really the best for our needs. I have tried to look for one like it, but it seems they are discontinued. I could only find them used on Ebay or Craigslist. But despite that I didn't want a used stroller, the seller usually required pickup, and didn't offer delivery.

Until one day I was browsing, and I stumbled upon this stroller being sold on Ebay- NEW! Apparently they were discontinued, but are now back in production in Canada. So I bid for it! Nobody else did, and I won it.

It arrived yesterday, and we put it together right away and went out!

I love it for its versatility. The seat is reversible and reclines flat. There is always a way to stick a second or even third child onto it, no matter what position it's in! It's like a sit-n-stand, for my purposes. I am so happy to have found a stroller that is SO perfect for our needs!

Here is another configuration of child placement: This time the seat is reversed and reclined, Gedalya is sleeping, and Zusha is sitting on Gedalya's tray. :)

April 2008 Photos

They're being "trains" and are "traveling" on these "tracks." :D


The essence of spring!


We went out on a rainy day, and the kids were so happy to wear their raincoats and boots, and carry umbrellas!


Gedalya was eating a piece of watermelon and dropped it. He was going to pick it up (I wouldn't let, but I didn't have a chance to stop him...) but Zusha stepped on it right away and said he was breaking it into little pieces for the birds. Gedalya burst out crying, because he was hoping to still eat that piece.


So kind little Zusha gave him a hug to comfort him! (And then I gave Gedalya another piece of watermelon.)





Lovely spring day, lovely tulips, and two lovely little brothers. What can be more perfect?


Laughing at some private joke. They do that often!



Aren't these pictures just heartwarming? :)

Snails!!

We went out on a fresh, rainy day yesterday. The boys had a great time with their rain coats and boots and umbrellas. :)
And on our way home, we found something really special- SNAILS! The boys couldn't be more excited.

Zusha with his new, prized discovery. He's holding it very "gentle."

Gedalya on the other hand, tried to grab the snail with his whole fist. Zusha had an anxiety fit, which only encouraged Gedalya more. Only after being threatened with not getting to hold the snails at all did Gedalya apologize for trying to crush them and agreed to hold them properly.

The Rest of Chol Hamoed

3rd and 4th days of Chol Hamoed:

Gedalya spitting, er... I mean blowing at a dandelion:

Gedalya examining one of a million tiny green flowers shed by this tree.


Enjoying a chocolate milk break :)