A Family Outing

What can I say? I would like to say that all of our family outings involved enriching activities such as visiting a museum, hiking through the countryside or attending a cultural event- but I must confess that sometimes the kids want just plain fun. So today, here we are at the entrance of Chuck E Cheese- a place where the fun is limited only by the number of tokens that your parents purchase. I guess Robert and I get off easier that the rest of the lucky parents there because we don't eat any of the food inside. The boys are having a bit of yogurt before entering so they will have the energy to- well- have fun!

Natan concentrating as he uses his hands to lift himself up on the "seesaw". 

Here they are... my Chuck E Cheese gang. 

It seems to be unanimous... all three boys just can't seem to get enough time playing with the balls...

Michael hasn't been enthusiastic about having his picture taken lately, so this picture is somewhat rare, as he is looking at the camera and smiling.

Chanukah- the Seventh Night

What do we need to light the menorah? Either a candle, or in the classic tradition- olive oil and a kos from which to pour the oil into the menorah. Shmuli made this very nice kos at school this year.

Robert makes the brachot (blessings) for lighting the Chanukah menorah.

Shmuli makes the brachot for lighting the menorah.

Michael is practicing his brachot, in hopes that he will be big enough next year to light his own menorah.

Shmuli lighting his menorah.

Shmuli's menorah- the 7th night.

Shmuli is one happy kid tonight!

Tonight's the night for the family Chanukah party. We are especially fortunate this time, as all of the Jacobs extended family were able to attend. 

Michael studies the dreidle. 

The guys have a visit and share a laugh. 

Natan comes to help Shmuli and Robert light the menorahs. 

Natan shares a word with Dana.

Shmuli and Natan dance the hora. 

Let's eat! Time for the usual... latkes, sour cream and applesauce- and sufginyot for dessert of course.

Now it is the compulsory driedle time for the kids. We always play with chocolate coins, so even if you are losing, there is always a treat. 

David and Robert 

I have a little dreidle, I made it out of clay- and when it's dry and ready, then dreidle I shall play. It has a lovely body, with leg so short and thin- and when it gets all tired, it drops and then I win! 

This picture captures all of the Jacobs grandchildren.

Happy Hanukah!

Oy Chanukah, Oy Chanukah come light the menorah. Let's have a party, we'll all dance the horah. Gather 'round the table we'll give you a treat- dreidles to play with and latkes to eat.
And while we are playing, the candles are burning low- one for each night they shed a sweet light to remind us of days long ago.