Happy Hanukkah!

In anticipation of this week's big Hanukkah celebration. Harry and Tzofi participated in the Pass the Candle video, which can be viewed in full here. For those of you who don't look quick enough, seconds 44-48 were captured in slow motion below.

Happy Hanukkah to all! And stay tuned for more celebration pics as we close in on Tzofi's big gan Hanukkah blowout.

Bringing Down the House (or Park)

Back in November, on a beautiful afternoon, we went for a birthday picnic party in Tel Aviv's HaYarkon park. Tzofi kicked things up a notch with a few new tricks up her sleeve:

Comedy shtick straight from the Catskills, "So I was in gan yesterday and the teacher starts singing!? Am I right or whaaaa?!"

And a new rap, straight from the 'diin, "Wellllll myyyyy name is Tzofi and I'm here say, I like to eat French Toast every day.... Yeahhhhhhh boyeeeeeeeeee."
Good times.

Happy Birthday Harry!

Happy birthday Harry! Celebrations were in full swing earlier in November as Tzofi and I ordered a special ice cream cake for Dada - filled with layers of ice cream that I even got them to separate with Oreo cookie crumble (not usually done here). Tzofi wasn't really interested in the presents (a juicer!) or singing, because when faced with ice cream she becomes slightly (read: majorly) obsessed.


More, please.

Family Sukkot Zoo Trip

Three generations of Haller women in the Ramat Gan Safari and Zoo.
Tzofi admiring the elephants - one of her favorite friends at the zoo.

Savta explaining to Tzofi how monkeys tickle.

Harry, unphotographed but very much present, captured this lovely giraffe moment.

Savta's Got Balls or Sukkot with Savta

Back in October, Tzofi woke up to a real big treat. After days of telling Tzofi that Savta's coming, she was finally here! And as everyone (Harry) built the Sukkah, Savta let the good times start rolling with tea parties with Tzofi and a game of throw all the balls you can find.

It was a nonstop vacation of Savta-love as we played in and around the house. Games were made up, skills were learned, songs were sang, and we had a great time - though no one enjoyed Savta's visit more than little Tzofi, who woke up the morning after Savta left looking for her and still wants to sing 'You are my sunshine' - referred to as 'suh-shine' - and dance out all the moves Savta taught her. Come back soon Savta we miss you!

Savta is that really you?

Now Tzofi, go get Savta all the balls. I'll throw them and you can run after them with glee, pick them up and return them to me on the chair one at a time.Sure is fun. I can stand on them too.
Hmm, I seem to be doing all the running around though, Tzofi began to realize.
Quick, she's on to me, better change the rules of the game, Savta began to realize
Who cares, it's still super fun with Savta, shouted Tzofi (though it came out as wheeee)
Or maybe just hang on to the side of the Sukkah and start my own new game.

First Haircut Hooray

So before we backtrack to October's highlights, and there were plenty, let's jump ahead to November when Tzofi celebrated her first haircut! The experience went off without tears or surprises, thanks to the lollipop and bouncy car seats, and we all went to celebrate with a family picnic at our favorite local 'bridge' park - named for its rope bridge that she loves to race across - and mastered rather quickly thanks to Savta's help just last month!

Off and running

Not afraid to look down
Speeding down the slide
Back up again
Down the slide backwards (her idea)
Hmm, what to do next
Rock out on the bouncy clown
And drive on home

Happy New Year - שנה טובה ומתוקה

All dressed up, baby in tow, and ready to celebrate! Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and wonderful year head, Us