Last week around the sun!

What a way to spend the last week of the year, with Noam! It's been truly the best week. Toddler-hood is a great age for Noam and we've had tons of adventures, giggle fests, and cuddle time. Sunday we checked out Portland's new aquarium, which was a nice morning out. We hit up the zoo to see the new baby elephant and had an amazing up close and personal experience with the cheetahs! We've played with trains, trucks, and blocks and hung out with Ben's family. Noam and I also had a fun morning at the children's museum and Chinese gardens (he's still working on being zen!). Ben and I also took Noam to a bounce house (we might have had more fun then he did...).  In between all the Noam fun, Avi, Ben, and I have had some fun times together, watching movies and hanging out. Avi and I even got out Sunday night to see Les Mis and let's just say AMAZING!! I quietly sang along and sobbed - just breathtaking! Now, onto the last day of the year...Have a happy and a healthy! 

(I'll come put the picture up after the day is through!)

What a year. I can't believe we've reached the end. I hope you'll join Gina and me next week for Project 52!

Week 51 around the sun

 One week to go! Where did the year go? This week was the countdown to vacation. It was actually a really good week, the kids were "on" and we got a ton done, which makes it going into term break feel even better. I started an awesome social skills curriculum with the kids and they loved it, so I am excited to pick it up in the new year. The week ended with another trip west to Portland for Noam time! It was by the amazing random act of a generous couple that I actually made it onto the flight from Dallas to PDX! But I did, and I was reunited with Noam! Now I need to pay this generosity forward too! Here's to an amazing last week of 2012! 

Now one of my favorites from the month...

And now....the exciting news! For 2013, Gina at Kleinworth and Co. and I will be hosting Project 52! Less pressure than a photo everyday. Just come every Monday and link up with one (or more photos) that capture the essence of your week - no themes, no pressure! I am so excited to host with Gina and hope you'll link up with us on Monday the 7th!

 

50 weeks around the sun

Well, typing 50 weeks sure made it sink in that the end of the year is 2 weeks away! I am convinced the weeks go by faster as we get closer to 2013, too. I kicked off the week with my first photo shoot, and went to my first Chanukah party of the season! The week at school was filled with Chanukah fun: a fun Chanukah fair, menorah lighting, signing, and more. I also went back to Wheelock for the new cohort's curriculum presentations - it was good to see some former professors. I of course loved lighting the menorah each night and watching the lights grow all week. Ended the week with another Chanukah party and the tragedy in CT weighing heavily on my heart. Here's to a week of peace.

49 weeks around the sun

Marching towards the end of the year! This week was a bit hectic, but not that bad. School was busy with lots of Chanukah preparations! The kids are so excited for the holiday and on Friday a bunch of them performed in the Chanukah assembly; they played "I had a little dreidel" on their recorders - so adorable! Saturday also marked the 12th anniversary of my bat mitzvah! It happened half my life ago, which is just insane! Saturday night saw the start of Chanukah and I had a fun night at friends' where we pigged out on sushi and watched some movies!

48 weeks around the sun

Hello, December (which arrived with snow)! Seriously, 4 weeks left? I am in denial, end of the year denial...But denial aside, this was another busy week. Back to school after the nice holiday weekend. Really, it was a usual week, sleep, gym, teach, home, relax, and start all over again. We're moving forward with our learning and I loved a few "aha" moments the kids had. That is what makes it all worth it.  I ended the week by treating myself to some new running shoes.  Saturday I had a fun game night with some friends and then saw "Life of Pi" - drop everything and go see it (in 3D) you will be amazed!! And now, onward!

And the favorite of the month:

47th week around the sun

Thanksgiving done! The start of the week was all about the buildup to the big 4 day weekend! The kids  could sense it and we're itching to get out (so were the teachers). I drove down to NY on Wednesday to have a nice time with mom. We had our own special day on Thursday in the city (more to come this week). We went out for Indian food for our Thanksgiving dinner and then saw Anna Karenina (ah-mazing!). Friday we saw the NY Botanical Gardens train show and had dinner with family. It really was a restful and lovely weekend. Now, bring on December!