One Year Anniversary

It has been one year since we arrived in Israel. It's hard to believe that it's been that long. Since our last update, All the kids finished school in the end of June, although Ilan, Tiki and Eitan continued going to the same place in July. We had a vist in mid June from Uncle Joe and Auntie Erica, which was great. The kids got very attached to them very quickly, and it was a good opportunity for Uncle Joe and Antie Erica to get a glimpse of our daily life. The following Friday, me Caryn, Jonny and Diane went to Kibbutz Gezer to celebrate Uncle Joe and Auntie Erica's 18 year anniversary. It was a wonderful party and a very enjoyable afternoon. I also had the pleasure of driving them back to Jerusalem, so I got to spend extra time with them, which was nice.

In July, the kids went to school/camp, although the school was more camp oriented (except for Eitan, as when you are a baby, everything is camp oriented). Gali also went to camp in July, that was heavy in the arts and crafts ,and so much on physical activity, which suited her fine. Overall, the kids seemed to enjoy it, and they were all home by 1:30 and didn't have camp on Friday, so it was a more relaxing month for them.
July was also a more relaxing month for me, as I banged my head walking into a bomb shelter on July 4th, and since it is reinforced with concrete, I essentially walked into concrete. Not my finest hour, as there was a low clearance and I was reading my newspaper, and not paying attention. Ironically, I was on my way to Daven (pray) Mincha. In any case, the next morning I was throwing up, with dizziness and headaches. I got my first taste of an Israeli emergency room, which was quite an experience (although one I hope not to repeat). I ended up taking two weeks off of work, while I was recuperating. It was not an easy month for Caryn, as I was useless lying in bed, and the kids were home all afternoon. Somehow, she survived. We also celebrated TIsha B'Av, which was the last of the Jewish Holidays that we celebrated for the first time in Israel. Although fasting for 25 hours doesn't really count as much of a holiday, I did get the day off from work, so it was worth not eating or drinking. July seemed pretty hot, but it was nothing compared to August.
On August 1st, we had a one day retreat at work, which was a lot better than working, although I sprained my thumb and had 3 blisters on my fingers. The day after started my two week vacation, which was great. My parents came in, along with my niece Ariana. Most of Jonny's family was spending the summer in the states, so his house was empty. As a result, my parents and Ariana slept there for most of the time. It was really nice to spend so much time together, with my wife, kids, parents and Ariana for two weeks. I had planned a lot of activities, although it was a daily struggle to get everyone out of bed and dressed. We did manage to go to the beach, amusement park, several jumping places, plenty of playgrounds, plenty of malls, bagels, slushys, and I got to play basketball again, since I had given that up as I was now working on Friday or out with a concussion. I also discovered a Beit SHemesh poker game, which has become a weekly occurrence for me.
It was difficult to say goodbye to my parents and Ariana, and then also go back to work. I am just about now completely settled back into work, and back to the daily grime. This week, there is no train service, as they are doing maintenance on the tracks, so I have had to drive in, which has been a pretty positive experience as the roads are a lot less crowded, since half the country is on vacation.
The kids start school next week, and Caryn registers for Ulpan again. The Chagim (holidays) are almost here, so the kids get to ease in to school, with only half days or vacation days the first month. Ilan is going into first grade and has been acting out a bit, as he is nervous. He had his orientation today, and seemed to be pretty excited about it. Gali is repeating Kindergarten, as she was the youngest one in her class, and not ready for first grade. Tiki is going into the state run preschool, where she will learn Hebrew, so that should be an experience. EItan is going to a new private gan for one-two year-olds.
Overall, we have accomplished a lot this first year, but we have had our difficulties as well. Most people tell us it takes at least two years to fully adjust, although we'll see about that. Our plan is still to move to Modiin, some time in the first 6 months of next year.

We wish everyone a sweet, happy and healthy new year.
Kol Tuv,
Zumi