We have a great view of The Dome of the Rock from our Zimmer in the O.C. We are actually only a couple of minutes from the Kotel and can hear when it is getting wild there on Friday night. We actually can hear a lot of wild, loud praying Muslims, Hasidim and loudest of all young American Jews. We also who have a neighbor who seems to always have Arik Einstiens best of CD playing which is really perfect.

We take the Old City

Sam and Akiva are enjoying spending lots of time with the disgusting, stinky cats of the Old City. Sam plans to buy a large bag of cat food and leave a trail of food all the way back to America so he can take them all home. He was reassured in his hopes to help them when he told one of the older cats that she should take the younger kitten to the vet and the old one nodded.

On our first day in Jerusalem we all explored the Tower of David citadel. Here we are practicing shooting arrows at intruders. The kids had a lot of questions during and after watching the 10 minute animated history of Jerusalem and all of its conquests. Sam always wanted to know who the bad guys were and in particular if they were still here. He also wanted to know why people didn't know that they could solve problems by just talking to eachother. Then he kicked his brother.

Precious Moments

Sam's favorite part of the day on June 30th. He waited all day for this moment sure that we would cheat him of his bribe.

Kiva-Lev lost his second tooth today. He had me write a letter for the tooth fairy in Hebrew and wonders if he will get shekels.












Just your average family picture taken from one of the many alley ways of the O.C.









We came all the way to Israel to spend the day at the pool in Emek Refaim for a measly $45 for the family. Still it was the most pleasant day yet. Can't wait for the beach in Tel Aviv. We ran into our friend Aaron Back. It seems everyone was at the pool.

First hours in Yerushalayim

Sunday 2 PM left for JFK. Argh lots of traffic but really what's the rush?

Feels like we should be in Israel already when we arrive at JFK 4PM ish.

6 PM we fly out on SwissAir with along with a "birthright israel" contingent. Sarah is so glad she isn't one of them.

Monday 8 AM Zurich time we arrive at the most beautiful and fabulous Zurich airport. The kids play area is enough to make it a destination in itself. Ikea deluxe.

2 PM Israel time arrive in Ben Gurion and begin the long wait to get our passports stamped. Startling transition from Swiss efficiency to Middleastern whatever. Now the kids start acting totally crazy wired, tired and literally slaphappy, bashing each other, giggling, bumping into eachother, us and everyone around. Then Sam gets a big old nosebleed on his Obama t-shirt (and Elliott's shirt and pants). He actually seems proud of himself. The kids insist on handing their own passports to the immigration official.

Now the long sherut nesher ride to and around Jerusalem. We are the last stop. Crazy drive through the O.C. entering at at Jaffa gate and meandering to Jewish Quarter parking lot. The streets were not meant for an airport shuttle. We arrive at 5 PM and celebrate with the traditional Elite ice cream.

Our Zimmer with Ilan and Olga is pretty hilarious. About as messy as our house. Bird feathers on my bed.

Olga tells me, "The bathroom door, it doesn't really close, but pull it shut and turn on the light. The sound and the light will let everyone know it is occupied."

The loft of her sewing room is the kids sleeping place. Totally dangerous. The kids totally love it.

We grow up to the roof and the view is as the Craig's List ad said, "breathtaking." The Dome of the Rock is served up like a gilded scoop of ice cream.