Park Life

Parks are an amazing thing. It's a place open to everyone and filled with a million activities.

You could get the window seat on a flight to anywhere.You could climb the tunnel to the moon!You could give "hillbilly hand fishing" a try.Or scare all the fish away.You can take a jungle safari.Or search for buried treasure.You take some time to rest in the shade and applaud your accomplishments.Itai has found a bucket of toys can make a trip to the park that much more fun.I like to take pictures of two of the cutest little brothers I known.Some people like playing Tarzan, and other people don't.You can look down from the top of the world.

You can wrestle...

Hug...

Or even steal a kiss.

Parks are one of our favorite places on Earth!

Swimming Lessons

My sister Heather and her family came over for a visit this week. We went to the pool for a little swim. I learned a few things during our visit.

1. Their daughter, Aileah, is stinking cute! Ok, I already knew that one.

2. I cannot beat Tom in a swimming race. Seriously, I can't!

3. Heather (who was sitting poolside) loves getting splashed with water. I think she likes it because it helps her cool off without having to actually go into the pool.

4. Leaving pool/dinner party (before the dinner!) to go to work is NO FUN!

Avi and Itai had so much fun having a little visitor and going to the pool and we didn't mind too much either.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in Israel Dennis the Menace is known as Avi Shovavani?I'm not sure why I brought that up. I guess I just thought I'd mention. The good news is that our pantry is now cleaner than ever!

My Backyardagains

Is there something more scaled back than a "staycation?" Because it looks like that's what were having this summer. Something like a back-yard-play-cation.

Oh well, the boys seem happy enough with the arraignment. Itai LOVES his car. He could ride it all day every day.

I now have proof that it is possible to get a picture of Avi smiling!

Of course we've all seen Itai smiling.

But his riding-my-trike smile is extra special.

Can you tell he was getting tired?

I had to throw this one in because Debbie says it looks like Avi is praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem. In reality he's enjoying the wind from an air conditioning unit.

Itai was really sad about going back inside. I told him he could help me take some pictures. This one was my favorite, even if I do look terrible.

We're Are Pioneers!

Avi's school went to This is the Place Heritage Park and we were able to go with them. Itai was unbelievably excited. There was a very long wait in the hot sun at the beginning was enough to try both boys' patience. After we were finally allowed to enter the park both boys perked right back up. After going through old buildings and getting a demonstration from a fairly grumpy pioneer the excitement started to fade again. Lucky for us, this train happened by. Itai was in train heaven. Avi was happy to get a break. We took the train all the way around the park and it still wasn't enough for either of them, but we had other plans ahead for them.

Once we got close to the horses Itai forgot all about the train. Avi was excited too. Itai insisted on wearing his "cowboy hat" while he rode his trusty steed. Avi wasn't as interested in what he wore, he was more interested in sitting on top of the horse. He was ready to climb on and get going immediately.

After the very short ride we went over to the petting zoo. Avi was happy to touch all the animals, except the pig. I can't blame him, the pig felt nasty. Itai on the other hand didn't touch a single one. His arms were pinned to his chest and he loudly refused to be let down on the ground.

Then it was back on the tour and into the heat. Avi's wrist band was a bit of an annoyance to him. It eventually became an ankle band.

Itai enjoyed his freedom and wondered around wanting to stay with us and the class, but wanting space to be on his own.

We continued the tour for some time, but once Avi leaped onto an authentic pioneer bed and earned us terrified gasps from the pioneer woman "living" in the cabin I thought it was probably time to leave.

We hopped the train around the park again.

We even got to board the caboose after a bit. When it arrived at the exit we headed for the car with very little complaining, mostly because they were both too hot and thirsty to put up any big fight.

We'll have to go back and try the panning for gold, the "pirate ship," and the Native American village. Hopefully next time Avi will be a little more into it, and I will be smart enough to bring a real camera and a lot of water!

The Talk of the Town

Itai's favorite role now is that of spokesperson. He nearly never stops talking. He even talks in his sleep! The other day we were all in the car and he was carrying on his comprehensive narrative of our surroundings. Debbie and I were trying to discuss something and she turned and said, "Itai, shhh!"

He didn't wait long before saying, "Why? I need to talk!" We laughed pretty hard and he said it a few more times before returning to his regularly scheduled description of everything he could see.

Here is his list of favorite phrases:

Leave me alone! (I am not a big fan of this one.)

Why?

I really missed you!

What's your name?

Thank you, mommy/abba!

I not need to!

Not yet! (This one is in response to being asked to do anything.)

Where his/her friends?

It's like just me/Avi!

Happy birthday ____! Even though it isn't the person's birthday.

And his favorite silly thing to say: What are you talking about!?

He really is quite a talker. He loves making videos to send to Debbie while she's at work. In one video he wanted to say, "I love you mommy!" We made the video and he was so happy to see it. He instantly wanted to make another one. This time though he decided to change things up a bit. He surprised me by announcing, "I love donuts! I love donuts!"

Our little brother makes sure that things are always exciting.

Aloha School Year

Avi's school year ended and with it ended his years of preschool. Starting in August he'll be a full fledged elementary school student. Who can believe it?

The last day was kind of a blur... The last day of school ended with a luau. Itai was very excited to get to go to Avi's school because he loves playing with the Mac Truck from Cars and he even found a Doc "The Hornet" Hudson this time. He was also really excited for his Hawaiian shirt.

Avi didn't seem to think much of his Hawaiian shirt, but he really didn't want to wear the leis. After the limbo and hula lessons there was a little ceremony. Nine of the 10 boys in the class are moving on to Kindergarten. Some of them will be staying at Pingree while others are moving to public schools or different agencies. Avi was given a "Promotion Certificate" and an award for being the class acrobat.

Avi stayed pretty laid back during the most part.

Itai joined in the fun for coloring and snacks.

Avi wasn't entirely entertained by all of the program. Itai learned to say, "Aloha!"Congrats to our little graduate!

Now party!

Debbie kept saying she was feeling kind of sad about the end of the school year. She was asking if I felt sad and honestly I just felt excitement because I'm really proud of him; he's really done a great job. Then, just before everyone left (a few of the boys were gone) there was an impromptu class picture. Suddenly I did feel kind of sad. I spent a fair amount of time in the class and really liked the teachers and the students. Suddenly it was clear that this was the end of the year and we'd probably never see many of these kids and some of the teachers again. Suddenly the words of my end of year program were actualized and it struck me.

In Gratitude

Ten little boys apart from others,
Bound together, by fate made brothers,
Once more in boyish union combine
‘Ere the bands of brotherhood resign.

Through the door they so oft passed
They gather in upon their last
Perhaps ne’er to combine again
This band of boys, these brothers ten.

These boys forever in your debt
Whose voices cannot express as yet
The purest thanks you deserve to hear
As teacher, friend, and sister dear,

Voice in silence and a grateful heart,
Through smiles and tears as they depart
The thanks not understood by others
Save you few who forged these brothers.

Avi had a great year and we owe a lot to his teachers and classmates. Thanks everyone!