Hanukkah started badly. I woke up after an epic night out for Adam’s friend’s 50th birthday and Sam said, “The Hanukkah Bears forgot to show up.”
I felt terrible. So, when we went out for Dim Sum that morning, I quickly staged them.
The boys found them when we got back.
We celebrated the first night of Hanukkah and played the first of many Dreidel games.
That night I almost forgot again! But Jack reminded my by asking me what I had planned. Yes, he is so old he is in cahoots with me now.
The morning after I set up the Bear vs. Army men scene, I woke up to the sound of crashing. Someone had knocked down one of the forts when they were looking at it. Then, I heard Sam’s little voice, “The Hanukkah Bears won!”.
My Dad has been an incredible help while he has been here. Having an extra adult around has given the kids a much richer vacation. They get so much more attention!
He brought up my old science fair project to show the kids.
Grandpa is teaching Sam chess.
And he can stay with some kids while I take others out, like this Pokeman walk.
Occasionally, I was able to get all the kids out for some fresh air and sunshine.
Grandpa is always around helping when needed. Here he is helping Aaron crack his Geode, a present for Hanukkah.
After another night of Hanukkah, opening wonderful gifts and playing more Dreidel games, I set up the bears again.
This time, I set up a scene from the Blue Man Group, a show we saw for my birthday. For dessert that night, the kids got to try their first Twinkie. (And hopefully their last?)
Last night was Christmas Eve, we celebrated it with Matzoh Ball soup and Latkes.
Ben helped make the Latkes.
He was very happy with the way they came out.
We opened more presents! Aaron got this time a 3D printing pen from Aunt Lara and her family.
Jack and Sam split a Nintendo and every night they have been opening new games.
This morning, the kids found the Bears by the fireplace.
The Bears stole Santa’s sack of goodies.
When they opened Santa’s bag, they found lots of Christmas candy.
Today we are continuing the Jewish tradition of movies and Chinese food on Christmas day. Again, thanks to my father, we were able to take the older boys to see the new Star Wars movie while he watched the twins.
Stay tuned for another four days….
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