Hagar cont.

The two Americans...the blonde one is Roi!

Brother and sister!! They speak Russian, Arabic, and Hebrew!

Cute crafts!!

Check out those eyes!! =)

Become a fan of Hagar on Facebook!!

Earth Day 2010 at Hagar!

Adorable!

Everyone can pull weeds! We like to start 'em early!

More from the county fair - or Yom Ha'atzmaut

This is definitely a family event and reminded me the Porter County Fair (without the rides) but the food and cheap toys were included!!

Popcorn and candy apples!

They call cotton candy, "grandma's hair" yummy.......

Lots of light toys to be sold and bought! =)

Documentation of my first time holding Eythan!

At Eythan's party!! He was over a month old already!!

Yom Ha'atzmaut

Independence Day is a wonderful day in Israel! Probably because they have only had the day 62 times!

Yay......FIREWORKS!!!

All my favorite boys before going into the gated area!! (They fenced off half the city for this massive block party!) Way to go Beer Sheva!!

Happy 62nd birthday Israel!

On Shabbat, Roi, Rada, Senya and I went to a birthday party for Senya's uncle! It was wonderful! There was lots of food and brandy (not vodka, which was a surprise) and dancing!! Senya and Roi are so funny when they dance, but it's funny because they're good at dancing. And sometimes I just can't believe how they are moving their bodies. It was really entertaining!

Yesterday I went to the mall to order more contacts and the called today to say they were ready! I was really surprised because there are a lot of holidays this week so I thought it would take a few days. But that wasn't the case.

Today is Yom Hazikaron, or Day of Remembrance. You can read about the politicians' speeches here: http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=173501 There was a siren at 11:00am for two minutes and you stop everything you're doing and honor the fallen.

Tonight turns into Yom Ha'atzmaut, or Independence Day and the partying begins!! Tomorrow there were be lots of parades and BBQ and fireworks! It'll be a nice change after the solemness of today!

Dinner visit =)

Roi and Myrelle!! Please notice the FRANGO MINT that she is eating!! All the way from Chicago!! =)

Grandpa and Eythan and Eythan's puppy that sings songs!

Myrelle in her little (actually big) house!! See the letters that spell her name on the corner of the roof?? I got them for her!! They look really cute on the play house!

My mom picked out the bubble-gun for Myrelle and it was a great success!!! She loved it. I'm scared we're going to run out of bubbles soon though!!

Eythan's Party!

Dancing!!

Senya and Myrelle! Everyone looked great!

All the gifts Roi and I got Eythan!!! =)

Last night Roi and I went to Eythan's party. Everything was really beautiful! Roi had been stressed because Rada wanted him to make a movie for the party from Eythan welcoming everyone. He had worked on it for many many hours! The movie was wonderful and everyone loved it. So I think he felt like all the stress was worth it!

There was lots of dancing too! And I finally got to hold Eythan! He is a month older than Jack, so obviously bigger, but such a cutie pie!!!!

I brought back gifts from the US for Eythan. Rada loved them!! I'm so happy!! I can't wait to see Eythan playing with them when he is a bit bigger!! =)

also...

Really, when I hold Jack, nothing else seems to matter. The issues around the world seem to dissipate. Maybe that is the solution to world peace, make everyone hold babies!!

Leaving...

Leaving the US and my family was really difficult this time. Sometimes there is so much excitement waiting a head that is easy to forget the pain of separation and leaving. But this time, I know exactly what I will be doing in Israel and I am a little burnt out. I know I have to write four 20 page papers and then three 8 page papers before June, and really, I don't want to do it. Do I want a master's degree? Yes, of course. But I am not so motivated anymore and it's taking its toll.

Also, my Hebrew teacher really stresses me out and it's not enjoyable this semester. So in combination of these things, I don't feel the thrill I did last time I arrived in Israel. I am excited to start thinking about what I am going to do next, but I am over this program, it's time to move on. (After I write these 100 pages.)

Of course, I already miss my family, and I can't imagine how big Jack is going to get while I am away. I know my parents miss me very much, but we all have to make choices, and I have a lot of things to think about for the coming August.

Last day with Jack!

Priceless

Jack's onesie said "My auntie is the best," really it did! I didn't make that up!


Katie is so so beautiful and she is great at being a mommy!! She does everything for Jack! (Rick is great too, they are a wonderful team!)

Bath time!!!!!!

"Thanks mom and dad! I love being clean!!"

I am the best aunt!!! ;-)

Look at me and my nephew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Look at how strong his neck muscles are!!!!

Best best family!! Jack is the most loved boy in Lockport, Illinois, the USA, and the world. =) I don't think I'm exaggerating either!! He's the best!!!!

I wish there was an iPhone application that recorded how many times I kissed Jack a day!! I would hold the record. I think he says "Auntie, stop kissing me so much!!!"

A great day in the city!!!

Sebnem, Selin, ME, and Sevgi in Macy's!!

Me and my mama!


We love the Art Institute!! The Matisse exhibit was very nice!!!!!!!!! I'm glad I got to see it while I was home!

Boy, do I love Jack!!!

I never knew how much I could love a little man.

Jack next to a picture of his mommy when she was a baby...can you tell the difference?

Bubbe likes to have deep conversations with her grandson!!! Someday he'll even talk back!

Everyone likes to make sure Jack is okay!! =) (Maverick, Jill, Truman, and Jack!)

Happy Easter!!!

Most beautiful family ever!!


My sister and me with Jack!!!

My mom and I made bunny cakes!! Jack really liked them!

Hey, everything is A-OKAY!!!!!!!!