And we’re off!  He just stood up and started walking one day.  No turning back

GO ELI GO

More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX4KE-2fqVE

Drunk walk

We had such a fun time with Jordan when he was Eli’s age at he Long Beach Aquarium so we brought them both there.  What a difference a couple of years makes.  Jordan was more interested in the machine that showed pictures of whales than the actual live fish/sharks.  Eli definitely enjoyed it though

At Jordan’s pre-school every Friday one kid is designated “Shabbat Boy/Girl.”  On that day they get to have their parents at school with them for half of the day, carry around a special stuffed-toy Torah, get to sit in front of the class, and walk in line first.  It’s a big day for them.  And parents get to see them in action at school with the other kids.  Also, the kids stare at us in awe like we are famous or something.  A few weeks ago, Jordan had his big day:

Jordan got to hold Layla’s hand, who he likes because he says he likes her face and her braid.

They’re so happy!

And Tammy got to read to the class!

He even brought the Torah to Shabbat dinner at Safta’s

We had such a fun time in Chicago… Jordan and Tammy got to see the snow they wanted to see and we got to celebrate my Dad’s birthday and Thanksgiving together.

We were anxious about flying with the boys, but they did a great job even with a delay on the way home. I was the only one who whined.

Selfie before takeoff

Playin in the snow…

Celebrating being together…

Turkey time!! YUM!

Play time

Time to act like a dog?

Tammy and Shoshana excursion into the City

Tammy and Jessie reunited!

Love

Looking forward to visiting again when it’s warm!

These are late additions from Lisa’s camera.  LOVE THESE!

We went to Michael’s 4th birthday party and watched a “Bubbleist” entertain all the kids.  She literally put the kids inside of bubbles.  Fun party!

Eli and Jordan are becoming a musical duo.  Yes Eli now uses Jordan’s microphone to sing…

Fun day at the park

Jordan learning to swing on his own…

Eli swinging

Still obsessed with Toy Story

Jordan enjoying school

Including hanging with friends

Picture day

The scene at our house when Tammy makes her famous and tasty pasta bolognese.  You could hear a pin drop as they scarf it down

Eli learning to walk

And learning to talk: “dusksoo” = ducks.  “Apa” = Airplane, “Ada” = Dada

Silly time!!! (this is one of our favorite videos yet)

And just hangin out and having fun

Next post, photos from Chicago!

We took Woody and his partner Woody Jr out for trick or treating… Minnie Mouse gave Jordan an adorable companion…  He was stunned when he ran into another kid dressed up like Buzz Lightyear

Jordan still asks to put on that costume every day, usually the first request when he wakes up

Jordan has really loved the pumpkins and falling leaves all season

And of course, hanging with cousins!

It’s hard to believe that Eli is already 1.  He’s such a fun kid.  He loves to get silly and loves to snuggle.  He is so easy going and doesn’t complain too long about anything.  He’s also pretty close to walking and has a handful of words:  shoe, flower, airplane, bath.  A few others too.

We had a fun party for him in our backyard last month.  The weather was perfect!

Singing the standards

Eli seemed to enjoy himself throughout

I think Jordan had fun too!

Cake time

We love Eli more and more every day.  What a fun kid!

Every time I start putting together pictures of the kids, I realize how quickly they grow and change each month.  These photos and videos go back to September, around my birthday and around the Jewish holidays, leading up to Eli’s first birthday in mid October (those will be in the next post).  Eli especially seems so much older than he does here now, but I don’t want to miss posting some great ones here.

School is back in session:

Even Eli started classes this year:  Mommy and me, and Music class

When Jordan is not assaulting Eli, they have a blast playing together now

Holiday time

Fun with cousins!

My birthday celebration seeing Trey Anastasio with the LA Phil Harmonic at Hollywood Bowl and Teppen Yaki at Yamato

And Yogurtland to finish it off

Did I mention what a good eater Eli is?

Pumpkin patch time

And some other shots worth sharing

Yes, still obsessed with Toy Story

Time to catch up with some photos.

Here’s some photos going back about a month

Family day at Skirball center with archaeology digs for the kids and very cool West African music.

Jordan being Jordan, wearing mommy’s boots

Labor Day weekend at the beach in Oxnard

Tammy’s birthday celebration at Lakeside Cafe

Our awesome overnight date night in Santa Monica (which is our new far away destination spot)!

The view from our room

Obligatory food picture

Jordan singing his holiday songs

Rockin out, torah torah style

Shabbat at the Navahs

After a busy few months, I took a couple of days off from work and we went down to Carlsbad, near San Diego.  The Aviara resort ended up being a very good choice.  The kids had a blast (once Jordan got over the fact that Buzz Lightyear would not be joining us)

Then we headed to Legoland on the last day

Jordan wanted to ride the train himself in the front car. So brave!

And he rode with me on a helicopter ride where he believed he was flying like Buzz Lightyear