Tzofi's At-Home Big 2nd Birthday Party

Luckily, Tzofi's birthday came out a day before election day here in Israel so to celebrate during the day off, we invited some of Tzofi's nearest and dearest for a brunch/ bagel and rainbow cake party. Tzofi and the rainbow cake were both big hits - for obvious reasons - each in their own right.

The Animal Whisperer

Zoo time, at the Ramat Gan Safari and Zoo, is special time for Harry and Tzofi. If you ask her, Tzofi zoo highlights include elephants, 'tushy' monkeys, snakes, giraffes, hippos, peacocks, and soft pretzels ("beigeleh"). On a recent early trip, Tzofi was the first, and only, kid to enter the petting zoo where she was welcomed by all the petting zoo animals who seemed to have yet to retreat from the pesky paws of the day's little visitors.

Tzofi seemed to provide an assuring calm to the animals, sharing her joy and love with them, including what seems to be a real moment with the sheep - an eye to eye transference of understanding. Enjoy below what we've come to call 'holy triumvirate' of Tzofi's zoo experience.

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