just another update

With recent increases in speech - both volume and complexity - came a surprising skill, so far from Benya - singing.  Over the weekend Benya treated us to a karaoke rendition of "Пусть бегут неуклюжи" with a slinky standing in for an accordion.  Tonight, as I was singing the nightly lullaby, Benya very recognizably sang along for the first two stanzas.  And that was in spite of (or possibly due to) a shot of Tylenol before bed.

More complicated structures such as "cars go to Mars in rocket" and "red car for me, green for brother" are pretty standard now.  Two nights ago, as I was reading a book that involved a girl flying on a bird, the following exchange took place:
Dad: "And here the girl flies on the bird through the starry dark."
Zev: "Me too!"
Dad: "Zevi, do you want to fly on the bird in a starry dark?"
Zev: "Yes!"  After a thought: "And papa."
Dad: "OK, we will fly together."  I did not want to leave Benya out: "Benya, would you like to fly with Zevi and I?"  However, Benya is not a fan of heights.
Benya: "Me fly? No!  Me moon!"

That last bit is all the more ironic, since recently Ben jumped up all the way up our stairs, one stair at a time.  Yes, I was right behind him and had his back, you obsessive people!  He landed with one foot on the target step, one foot where he started a couple of times, but never really missed a beat.  Just hopped all the way up.

Finally, Zev is doing exceptionally well in the swimming class, through no fault of the current instructor, I am sad to say.  Due to being rather trusting, Zevi is perfectly OK to be floating on his back with a little support and is perfectly game to try to use his arms and legs as he reaches for toys.  I am pretty sure he is well on the way to swimming independently.

artificial snow, pumpkins, and racing

At some point in October (10/13/13 to be exact) we have made a small step towards turning the office into ... an actual office.  In other words, we finally got a futon.  With futon came some packaging...

we got snow...

Katie is helping with snow production

Zevi like!

Benjamin is being more scientific, while Zev digs in

Benya in shades, 10/15/13

At the pumpkin patch 10/17/13

at the ready 10/18/13

later that day

... and some more pictures

Benya studying the system of pipes at OMSI, 9/28/13

Benya uses the Force.

Heavy construction in progress.

Building a tower

Zevi with dad, 10/6/13

and a few more pictures and video of a race

On Rafi's swing with Great-Grandma Lena 8/11/13

Zevi with Grandma Rita 8/27/13

Benya at the doctor's office, 9/20/13

Notice nice new shoes perfect order.

some 2-3 weeks later...

Why, you ask? Well, friction!

This particular rally took place on October 7th, but the races are held on regular basis.  Which is great for the shoe industry.

various pictures

Zevi being a cool customer at the dentist, 6/13/13

A big shout out to our friend Dr. Kirill Smirnoff, DD.  Possible slepping miskates in name and title (though I don't think there should be any) are due to a long day at work and a small intake of Dr.'s orders.

Two pics at the fountain, 6/29/13

Benya, studying the frog and enjoying a muffin.

Zevi clearly does not trust this...

Zevi riding the train at the zoo on 4th of July.

Notice Benya conspicuously absent from the train.

Two days later, at the farm...

Zevi and dad, learning the heavy equipment

Seems to be taking well to it.  Do we have a farmer on our hands?

In the mean time, Benya has found something else to study...

Give you a hint: it ain't just about physics

Reading at bed time with dad, 7/12/13

Maestro Benjamin, solo performance, the next day

just woke up 7/27/13

a few September images

An early NASA camp or Junior HAMAS in action?  You decide...

Zevi after a successful lunch

Will it fly?

Benya, delivering thrust

birthday party pics

The party took place a little late, but was by no means any less fun for it.  There are tons of great pics, here are select few featuring the guests of honor.

watching the balloon artist at work.  6/23/13

Zevi trying on a new hat

Benya figuring out his

cars in the park

Mom got a hat too

Sharing a snack with Mom

Of course there was cake

And it has trains!!!

Happiness: to have a train and eat it too

Benya dismantling his cake

On a borrowed bike.  Do we see a BMX future here?

Boston Grandparents visit in late May

Zev learning to play with Grandpa, 29th of May, 2013

with new toys.  small, sharp teeth in evidence.

At the zoo

Benya hanging out with dad

three generations

Zev with grandparents.  Sneakiness clearly visible.

Above: use of dad as entertainment system