Daddy's Back!

Brian got back home last night.   Yeah!  Julia insisted that he come and give her a kiss when he got it, which he did.  She woke up briefly but fell back to sleep quickly.  So what did we do while he was gone?

Last Thursday, we went to the zoo after Thomas woke up from his morning nap.  We met our friend Sara and her two kids there but we got there later than expected.  We ate our picnic lunch as soon as we got there and then went to the aquarium.  At some point after that, Julia had an accident in the stroller.  I was prepared for that.  I should always have something but I was so hurried that morning to meet Sara, that I didn't think about it.  I had an extra pair of "big girl panties" but no pants.  So....... we went Israeli style.  Julia played in her shirt and underwear for the rest of the trip.  I tried to keep her in the stroller for most of the trip but when we got to the super duper big playground, it was a lost cause.  I call it "Israeli style" because I find that Israelis are very relaxed about kids.  I never ask if a restaurant is "kid-friendly" because they all are.  It is not uncommon for kids to go potty at the park off in the corner.  You see it everywhere.  I still prefer to try and find a bathroom for Julia but when we are stuck and there's no place else to go, a patch of grass (or dirt) works for us.  I was uncomfortable with Julia running around without any pants on but Sara told me to go ahead and that no one would care.  She was right.  No one seemed to care at all and I finally relaxed about it.

Sunday, was the olive harvest on the Mount of Olives.  The Lutheran World Federation has an olive grove and the olives are eventually pressed for olive oil.  The proceeds go to Augusta Victoria Hospital which is also on the Mount of Olives.  I heard the money goes to help treat Palestinian pediatric oncology patients.  Bob had a vet appointment so Julia went with our friends after church and I met them up at the olive harvest after dropping off Bob and letting Tommy nap a little bit.  It is very dusty and Julia was covered in dirt.  She like to sit in the dirt as if it were sand and make a "house".  She got hit on the head with a few falling olives (see pic below) but had fun anyway.

Ok.  It's time a study a little Hebrew.  I tend to study only before class but now things are really starting to pile up and I'm not learning all the vocab as quickly as I need to.  I need to be better.

Bye!