Happy Jewish New Year and Happy Birthday, Elliot

We welcomed the Jewish new year with temple, apples and honey and Elliot's birthday.  

Elliot is thrilled to be 5, but said he was sad to say good-bye to 4.  I asked him how being 5 felt and he said, "it feels like I am 20."  There you have it.

We decided to have a small party for him on Sunday with a couple of his closest buds.  Some preparation was needed.  

As most of you all know, Elliot is really into space.  He insisted on having a space party - so he did.

Xander made rockets (more on that later)
I made some Saturn planets (more on that later)
Party time
Elliot all suited up & awaiting guests (one hour early).  He was so excited.

We had a couple of different activities for the kids such as balloons, decorating water bottle rockets (to be launched, of course), Saturn, reading nook w/space books to learn important facts about space, paint by number, and a Pinata.
Balloon time
Decorating his rocket

Xander created some hand-made water bottle rockets for the kids.  They were a big hit, everyone had a turn and lots of fun.
Elliot helping Miles pump up the rocket
Bottle rocket ready for blast off and being pumped ...
... and Blast Off!!   If you look closely you can see the rocket.
Painting by numbers
Reading nook
Saturn decorating
Some completed Saturns'
Rocket cake
Rhett, all suited-up, waiting patiently for...
... a turn to bash the Pinata (or pinasco, piato, or whatever Elliot can think of at the time)
Miles taking a swing
The remains of Pinata space-dude

Thank you to everyone, near and far, for all of your presents and cards.  We ALL appreciate your love and generosity. 

We had a great weekend. 

We welcome the Jewish new year by reflecting on last year and thinking about how we can be better people, make positive change in our community and world and spread the love. 

We also welcome our 5 year old boy.  Wow,  5 - I can hardly believe it.  I get a little weepy just thinking about how big he is getting.  Crazy, because I remember his birth in all its glory as if it were just yesterday.