tales from a far-land

The fall Jewish holidays started early this year, on Labor Day.  Our family spent Rosh Hashanah quietly at home, just the four of us.  Aiden's entire classroom was sent home on Friday, August 27th due a COVID-19 exposure.  Rosh Hashanah may have been the beginning of the Jewish calendar, but is was also the end of quarantine for our family.  Thankfully, only Josh really had an major symptoms, but was on the mend for the start of the Jewish New Year.   As part of our Rosh Hashanah home service, we floated lighted candles in the pool to represent the actions/things that we would like to focus on and improve in the new year.  It was our own adaptation of the traditional Jewish tashlich ritual.  It ended up being much more meaningful than I originally thought it would be and the kids really embraced the sentiment. Sukkot began on Monday, September 20th.  With the holidays earlier in the year, the outside temperatures here in Phoenix were still in...

The kids spent the entire month of July at Camp Stein.  Camp Stein is located outside of Prescott, Arizona, in the Bradshaw Forest.  It was the first time they elected to spend that much time at camp. But, after camp was cancelled last summer, they had decided that they wanted to go to camp for an entire month.  And guess what, no surprise, they loved every moment of it!  Who wouldn't!  While at camp, the kids get to elect various different activities to explore and enjoy during the day like horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, ropes course, ziplining, rock-climbing, arts and crafts, ceramics, drama, dancing, mountain biking, and a variety of sports including: tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, batting cage, lacrosse, and frisbee golf ("frolf").  At night, they participate in more creative activities that their counselors plan like scavenger hunts, game shows, casino nights, dances and sometimes they go on overnight excursions as a cabin. One of the p...

The 2020-2021 school year ended on May 25th.  This school year was one that we will always be remembered.  And although it was filled with challenges and uncertainties, our kids adapted and adjusted to this unusual school year.  Let's hope that they will only have to experience this unprecedented learning environment once in their childhood.   Aiden End of 4th Grade, Mrs. Fuerte Madilyn End of Fifth Grade, Ms. Fasnacht Together First Day of School versus Last Day of School Comparisons Madilyn Aiden

During the 2020-2021 school year, my kids were physically in the classroom less than 60 days.  I am still amazed at the amount of learning the were able to do virtually and in the classroom.  Although, I am sure there will be some holes that we will discover along the way.  While in the classroom the last eight weeks of school, my kids did cover a ton of curriculum.  They had spelling words and tests.  They had book reports.  They learned about science and Aiden had to prove it by conducting a science experiment.  The learned their math facts.  They learned various types of literature including fables and tall tales.  We all re-learned states and their capitols.  All in all, it was a productive year and one they will always remember. Madi's Teacher Appreciation Card Aiden's Teacher Appreciation Card Aiden's Science Project He wanted to see how gummy bears would dissolve in various liquids. Studying for Friday's spelling test Typically, o...

In May, Josh turned 40!  After the crazy year we had, he didn't want to have a big celebration.  In fact, he would have rather not celebrated it at all.  But, I couldn't let that happen.  So, instead, we went to dinner as a family for one of his favorite meals -- ice cream milkshakes.  It was fabulous and just enough over the top for this milestone birthday.   Post-dinner Celebratory Beer

This year, Mother's Day coincided with our twelfth wedding anniversary.  To celebrate, we enjoyed a family fun day.  We started with brunch at Richardson's.  Then, we went bowling at Let It Roll Bowling.  Afterwards, we enjoyed an afternoon of swimming, movies and relaxing.  It was a perfect day! Brunch Bowling Gifts from the kids

Thankfully, during the spring, both kids were given the opportunity to continue participating in their sports activities.  Aiden played in the other flag football league, PrimeTime Athletics North Phoenix.  He played on the same team as one of his Lookout Mountain Elementary School friends.  This made it a little more special for him.  We really enjoyed watching them play together.  Plus, we really enjoyed the coach, Coach Shackelford.  Although this particular team didn't win one game the entire season, the coach taught the boys true life skills -- how to work hard, use team work and have a positive attitude.  It was a frustrating, yet valuable season. Aiden and Walter Pep talk with Coach Aiden as a Packer The Packers Madilyn participated in the ActivStars cheer program for another season.  They held all of their practices outside and with masks, but Madilyn didn't care.  She wanted to cheer.  At the end of the season, they held a compe...

The months of April and May were full of time with friends and family.  After almost a year of limited in-person time with people, it was welcomed and invigorating.  We enjoyed birthday celebrations, play dates, pool time, golf outings, happy hours and community service projects.  It was so nice to have a semblance of normalcy in our lives again. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Breakfast to celebrate Melinda's birthday Horseback riding to celebrate Lark's birthday PLAYDATES Bocce with the Pattees Boba with Lauren SIBLING SWIMMING TIME Sometimes they do love each other.... FAMILY VISIT Aunt Jerre and Uncle Loren's trip to AZ COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT Madilyn volunteered for the Shavuot Ice Cream Party WORK + PLAY Happy Hour with Mike Golf with Tom and Alana