Spring 2014 Family Update

Well, it’s been a long time since we updated anything. I’m sure you’d like to know what’s up with all of us! It was a busy spring, so let’s get started…

Lillian has finished 4th grade, and continued her strong academic performance. This year, she placed second in the entire school in the Accelerated Reader program. As a reward, she got to fly in a hot air balloon! (Her point total broke the previous school record, and she was only a couple of books behind the first place winner.)

Lilly shows off her award while waiting to ride in a hot air balloon.

Lilly shows off her award while waiting to ride in a hot air balloon.

Lil has been a ballerina for six years, and her hard work pays off. This year, her teacher encouraged students to create their own choreography in addition to the group dance. She worked with her friend Jesse to dance to a piano version of Fireflies.

Also, she is up to a green belt with black stripe in karate. She can do some of the best pushups of any age group! Good control, balance, and strength practice make it an excellent complementary activity for ballet.

Reuven is currently dedicated to the idea of being a rescue swimmer for the US Coast Guard.

Reuven had a Coast Guard ship birthday cake when he turned 7.

Reuven had a Coast Guard ship birthday cake when he turned 7.

To help reach that goal, he has joined the JAWS swim team at the JCC this summer. In his first meet, he swam 25 meter freestyle in 0:47.62, one of the faster times for his age group (6 and under). We are very proud to see him so interested in a sport like this, especially since the practices are long, frequent, and challenging!

Reuven's enjoying swimming a lot, and always looks forward to being in the water.

Reuven’s enjoying swimming a lot, and always looks forward to being in the water.

When not in the pool, RJ enjoys Legos, video games, and reading. He’s currently working his way through The Magic Treehouse and Lego Ninjago series of books. He is also very interested in cooking and enjoys helping out in the kitchen (especially if cookies are being baked).

Benjamin is now two-and-a-half. He loves to talk, play, and watch any kids show with trains. He is taking the big step this summer of attending day camp, and his cheerful attitude and love of swimming are serving him well!

Benji is packed and ready for summer camp!

Benji is packed and ready for summer camp!

He enjoys playing with his family members and his favorite stuffed monkeys.

Erica graduated from USC with an MS in Geography and is job searching (while contracting part-time for the US Forest Service). Brett is running the USC Physics & Astronomy REU this summer, a great opportunity to help undergrads from other colleges get a chance to do research at an R1 institution.

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Trip to the Museum of Appalachia

On the way south from Bloomington, we stopped at the Museum of Appalachia in Tennessee. Very neat place!

Goats

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Medicine Cabin

Salt Bowl

Where are we?

Baskets

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Halloween 2011

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Cooking is fun!

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Third time around..

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Shark Week at South Caroline Aquarium (Charleston)

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Reuven loves cooking

He still needs a lot of help with sharp or hot things, but he loves helping in the kitchen!

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Face Painting at Camp Chaverim

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Reuven is now BATMAN!

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EdVenture Adventure

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(I doubt I’m the first person to use that pun…)

EdVenture is a children’s museum with a great assortment of pretend-play and educational areas. Great way to spend Father’s Day!

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Happy Birthday Reuven!

Reuven decorated his own cake!

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