More Musical Magic or Tzofi Plays the Blues

Tzofi plays the blues along with Guy Davis on "New Shoes" on Jack's Big Music Show - much to Noonie's (apparent) dismay

Guitar Hero

Well, Savta's week-long funtastic visit included tons of presents for Tzofi's 2nd birthday and tons of good playtime around the town. Upon receiving this lovely guitar from her parents for her very own - as opposed to Harry's small mandolin which is also consdiered "Foofi's"- Tzofi was quick to begin serenading Savta with one of her favorite hits, "You are my sunshine".

Tzofi's Big 2nd Birthday Week O' Fun

The week of February 9th was full of surprises, fun and above all - presents. This girl must have thought it was raining presents. Every day there was a new 'pecial gift awaiting her - from Savta, Gramma and Granpa, Evan (Yay yay) and Terri and the gang, Uncle Kivi and Randi, Kenny and Amir, us and more. Her friends, our friends, family from all over - it was all really nice and touching and we want to thank you all.

Surely Tzofi's big highlight of the week - aside from Savta's superfun visit - was her big birthday party at school. As you can see below, Tsila fills the special Friday with a serious ceremony. There's a bell, throne, crown, gift, hugs from everyone, special meal, cake, pictures (of Tzofi over the years), decorations, songs, dancing and lots of playing in Tzofi's honor. And at some point, Tzofi gets to sit in the center of a parachute while they all dance and sing around her.

It was her day and she shined like a star. Check out the pictures below. And thank you Tsila for all your hard work, creativity and love too. Can't wait to see what next year will bring :)

Dropping her off in the morning

Ringing the bell, calling her court to attention

The crowd of happy onlookers

Gil hugging the birthday girl as she's presented with her present from everyone

Her parachute moment (she loves the parachute)

Jumping through hoops (literally)

Exalted on her throne

The birthday rainbow cake was apparently a big hit

Indoor Winter Fun

Harry and Tzofi going stir crazy

Tzofi takes Noonie camping

The best friends, posing for the cameras (Noonie's smiling on the inside)

Chanukah Party Time - the fun, like the oil, never ends

So although it's February, we're still in Chanukah mode which is appropriate to where we live, Modiin, home of the Maccabees and all. Tzofi's still singing all her favorite Chanukah songs - including Maoz Tzur in its entirety (and accurately too I must add). And you can't blame the girl for keeping the party going since her Chanukah party at school this year was a great big blowout jamboree.

The kids were all asked to come in white - little did they know they'd be all lit up with blacklight - neato - along with all the neon dreidls that hung from the ceiling. Liat the rhythm-music teacher led a special session for parents and kids with songs and dancing. A dreidl-pinata was busted opened by the kids to reveal special toys and treats for each (from Tsila). And all the fried-food-fun ended in a big shredded paper fight which was somehow linked to the sufganiyot, or doughnuts, that Tzofi ate and later threw up.

Tsila and kids singing along

Harry and Tzofi (note the neon mobiles the kids made to take home in the background)

Shredded paper madness


At home, lighting candles

Golan Goodness with the Goldmans

Right before Chanukah, we drove up north, far north to be exact, to spend a Shabbat weekend with 'Ha Goldmanim' on Moshav Yonatan. We had such a great time. Shmuel and Leah and their four children - little Atarah, engaging Oryanne, funnyman Yonatan, and wise, oldest sister Shayelle - were incredible hosts. And Tzofi had such a blast, playing with all the kids, singing with Shmuel, drinking tons of Kiddush juice, eating up all Leah's delicious food (including those rice crispy/oatmeal cookies, mmm) and generally enjoying moshav life. Thanks for the sweet retreat treat, guys!

Tzofi dives into the green leaves


Shmuel and Atarah kangaroo style
Tzofi learns to pose for the camera at Har Bental and stops to point out the art (Look Mommy a 'nake!)
No this way, Dada

Bobo in the trenches
Nahal fun with Dada
Nahal fun with Mommy

Beauty
From left to right: Oryanne, Tzofi (yes, she's the finger in her nose kid) and Shayelle

Click here to learn more about Moshav Yonatan

Shabbat Shalom

When Tzofi has school on Fridays, the half-day activities include Shabbat-related songs and preparations. Kabbalat Shabbat is celebrated through song - Hinei Ma Tov U'Mana'im for example - and dance - everyone holds hands and sways along - and brachot - lighting the candles and saying Kiddush. It's very cute. We discovered this one day when Tzofi, at home, declared the day "Yom Shishi, Erev Shabbat" (Friday, Shabbat eve), started singing a resounding version of Hinei Ma Tov, looked high and low for the Shabbat candles and demanded some "Kikush" juice. It was quite amazing.

The next Friday, Tzofi wanted to dress up for Shabbat and, in return, was honored at school with the nomination of "Ima Shabbat" or Shabbat mother. Her best friend, Gil, played the part of Abba Shabbat, or Shabbat father. When we showed up to pick her up, the two were hand in hand with their respective head coverings. Oh yeah, it was extremely adorable. Harry and I were convinced they would break out in a toddler rendition of "Sunrise Sunset" but maybe by the end of the year...

Ima Shabbat Tzofi lighting candles with her head covered.

Ima Shabbat Tzofi saying the "bracha" or blessing. Yes, she sings that too.
Abba Shabbat Gil saying Kiddush and tasting the "Shabbat juice".