Tzofia Rules

Schooled

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:32:00 +0000

Scenes from Tzofi's super cool school in Reut (a town nearby). It's a Montessori school in case the kids look a little glazed over..

Making Levivot (Latkes for all you Jews outside of Israel) for Hanukah
Sticking flowers onto the tree for Tu B'Shvat

Making juice from citrus fruits and drinking the fruits of their labor. The week's subject preceded a family school trip with the kids to a local citrus orchard where we picked fruit straight off the trees, pet animals and enjoyed a breakfast picnic.

Tzofi leading the group (with her teacher, or Ganenet, Suzi) in a rousing rendition of the 'Umbrella Song' during the winter, rainy months.
Tzofi enjoying breakfast with her posse (hooded best friend Noa Mala to her left)
The artist commanding her palette

Puppet Theater/ Drama class: And for all of you who've heard about Bubi, Tzofi's 'friend' from school who plays with her in the park, comes over for lunch or loves ice cream like she does, here he is visiting her class

Animal class: Playing with snakes
Observing porcupines

Concluding they're not her 'favorite'
Exercise class: Indoor extreme climbing

A moment of hooded fun with Noa Mala

Ferrying back to NY from Boston

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:16:00 +0000

A photographic essay of the ferry ride, by Tzofi:

Her Dada

Her parents

The water

In case of emergency

A fellow passenger

Back on land, out East on Long Island, enjoying peaches

And pickles

Congratulations! Uncle Kivi and Aunt Randi's Lovely Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Wishing Kivi and Randi - and our extended (joined) families and friends - many more wonderful years together of love and joy, health and happiness. And rockin'out Karaoke :*

Mad Love for Bahston

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:05:00 +0000

In a NY (Up)State of Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Ahh the Berkshires. A lovely cottage with all the trimmings. Clean, crisp upstate woods air. Best friends since forever - and all the great husbands. Softserve ice cream with sprinkles. Lake-side lounging. And all the kids. This was a day and a half to remember. Thanks so much for having us, guys. {Note: some of the pics below are by Tzofi}

We <3 NY

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Hippo park rules!

Sprinkle parks rule!

The Greenbergs in Central Park rule!

We're going to America... Part 1: Communing with Nature in Long Island

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:54:00 +0000

Late August, we were US-bound with a jam-packed trip ahead of us: From NJ to NY to Boston, and everywhere in between, there wasn't a dull moment this summer's trip, celebrating Uncle Kivi's wedding to Aunt Randi, catching up with friends and family and generally having a blast.
Things kicked off in Long Island, NY as Tzofi helped Grandma and Grandpa with their vegetable garden - watering flowers and everything nearby and picking lots of Grandpa's delicious tomatoes and cucumbers (or cubunders as Tzofi calls them) for snacking.

Watering flowers with Grandma

Picking vegetables with Grandpa

Proud of her pickins

At the duck pond

End of year blowout - Pool party

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:25:00 +0000

It was a bittersweet party - on the one hand, saying goodbye to Tsila and Miriam after two incredible years of their loving support and creativity, was incredibly hard and sad; on the other hand, who can resist a great pool party!
Tsila and Miriam planned a half-day of brunch, games and swimming for all ages. The kids participated in a summertime meets 'going to the sea' activity where they simulated swimming, digging at the beach, rowing boats and riding the waves. Parents were invited to watch, participate, eat or swim.
Everyone had a great time. Presents were dolled out for teachers and kids alike. After the fun and food, the timid and brave left the kiddy pool for the big pool. And with promises to keep in touch, everyone wished each other 'goodbye for now'. See you after the summer break!

Harry awaiting the festivies, as photographed by Tzofi

Tzofi paddling away

Making waves in the ocean

Ziva and Tzofi enjoying

Tzofi showing off her new t-shirt (Tsila's playgroup 08-09)

The 'big kids' present Tsila and Miriam with end-of-year presents

Diving right in

We'll miss you Tsila and Miriam! Thanks for all the amazing activities, learning, love and support over the year. :* Tzofi, Ziva and Harry

Celebrating Israel's 61st at School

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:19:00 +0000

All dressed in blue and white, Tzofi and company celebrated Israel's 61st independence with flags, songs and everything else fun.

The 'official' opening ceremony

Line dancing (or train dancing, depends if you ask Tzofi)

Tzofi salutes

The World According to Tzofi: From Riverdale to Raanana, Picnic Fun with the Hallers, Pesach 09

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Hooray for visiting Hallers! We were so excited to spend the afternoon with the visiting Riverdale Hallers in Park Raanana for some picnic and playground fun. It (almost) didn't matter that it was sweltering hot. (Really truly). Tzofi enjoyed photographing the day. And we all enjoyed the family QT - come back soon and often!

The World According to Tzofi: Adventure Day, Pesach 09

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:26:00 +0000

Tzofi and I braved the traffic and crowds to (ad)venture up north with our favorite Kenny and Amir for a full-day Chol HaMoed Pesach adventure through old Yaffo to the Zoo near Haifa and back. Tzofi took charge of photographing the day for everyone - including her blog - so, except for the first few pictures, enjoy her masterful handling and composition. This is how she sees the world after all. Given her love for the camera, expect more images from 'The World According to Tzofi'.

Happy Passover!

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Little did she know it, but Tzofi's been preparing for Passover since, well, since Purim really. In school, they've been learning about cleaning - Spring cleaning here is known as Passover cleaning, for obvious reasons and also since Passover is known as the holiday of Spring. And shortly after they all scrubbed the place clean, they started in on the songs and story of Passover. From seder songs to general holiday songs to springtime celebrations, Tzofi's so excited and it's been great fun for all.

So enjoy these great clips of her singing some Seder hits (in order of their appearance). Happy Passover to all of you from all of us (oh yeah and there were dances too!)

Still Celebrating Purim (and Chanukah)

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:45:00 +0000

On Purim itself, Tzofi and I partied like there was no tomorrow. Below, are scenes from our dress up and accessories party - Tzofi insisted on putting all her barettes in her hair. And soon enough, the photoshoot turned into a musical performance extravaganza with Tzofi showing off all she learns in school - and loves to sing all the time. Enjoy (and hold on to your seatbelts, cause it aint just cute, we think it's quite amazing too).

It's Purim Time! Enter the Busy Bee

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:36:00 +0000

For days at school, Tzofi was playing dressup - everything from animals to clowns to Geishas (or something Asian, it was weird). Then the big day arrived. Friday before Purim itself.

(wait for it)

The Modiin Purim Parade (cheers)

It was 80 degrees (no joke). And all the poor tots were so excited to wear their costumes. Warnings of overheating went unheeded (but still heated). That morning, Tzofi's eyes lit up upon viewing her 'busy bee' costume for this year. Have to admit, it came out pretty damn great.

The cuteness was unbearable. More pics to come. Here's the first photo shoot of the day.

Showing off her leg warmers

And the wings

Tzofi's At-Home Big 2nd Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Luckily, Tzofi's birthday came out a day before election day here in Israel so to celebrate during the day off, we invited some of Tzofi's nearest and dearest for a brunch/ bagel and rainbow cake party. Tzofi and the rainbow cake were both big hits - for obvious reasons - each in their own right.

The Animal Whisperer

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Zoo time, at the Ramat Gan Safari and Zoo, is special time for Harry and Tzofi. If you ask her, Tzofi zoo highlights include elephants, 'tushy' monkeys, snakes, giraffes, hippos, peacocks, and soft pretzels ("beigeleh"). On a recent early trip, Tzofi was the first, and only, kid to enter the petting zoo where she was welcomed by all the petting zoo animals who seemed to have yet to retreat from the pesky paws of the day's little visitors.

Tzofi seemed to provide an assuring calm to the animals, sharing her joy and love with them, including what seems to be a real moment with the sheep - an eye to eye transference of understanding. Enjoy below what we've come to call 'holy triumvirate' of Tzofi's zoo experience.

More Musical Magic or Tzofi Plays the Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:48:00 +0000

Tzofi plays the blues along with Guy Davis on "New Shoes" on Jack's Big Music Show - much to Noonie's (apparent) dismay

Guitar Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Well, Savta's week-long funtastic visit included tons of presents for Tzofi's 2nd birthday and tons of good playtime around the town. Upon receiving this lovely guitar from her parents for her very own - as opposed to Harry's small mandolin which is also consdiered "Foofi's"- Tzofi was quick to begin serenading Savta with one of her favorite hits, "You are my sunshine".

Tzofi's Big 2nd Birthday Week O' Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:54:00 +0000

The week of February 9th was full of surprises, fun and above all - presents. This girl must have thought it was raining presents. Every day there was a new 'pecial gift awaiting her - from Savta, Gramma and Granpa, Evan (Yay yay) and Terri and the gang, Uncle Kivi and Randi, Kenny and Amir, us and more. Her friends, our friends, family from all over - it was all really nice and touching and we want to thank you all.

Surely Tzofi's big highlight of the week - aside from Savta's superfun visit - was her big birthday party at school. As you can see below, Tsila fills the special Friday with a serious ceremony. There's a bell, throne, crown, gift, hugs from everyone, special meal, cake, pictures (of Tzofi over the years), decorations, songs, dancing and lots of playing in Tzofi's honor. And at some point, Tzofi gets to sit in the center of a parachute while they all dance and sing around her.

It was her day and she shined like a star. Check out the pictures below. And thank you Tsila for all your hard work, creativity and love too. Can't wait to see what next year will bring :)

Dropping her off in the morning

Ringing the bell, calling her court to attention

The crowd of happy onlookers

Gil hugging the birthday girl as she's presented with her present from everyone

Her parachute moment (she loves the parachute)

Jumping through hoops (literally)

Exalted on her throne

The birthday rainbow cake was apparently a big hit

Indoor Winter Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Harry and Tzofi going stir crazy

Tzofi takes Noonie camping

The best friends, posing for the cameras (Noonie's smiling on the inside)

Chanukah Party Time - the fun, like the oil, never ends

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:38:00 +0000

So although it's February, we're still in Chanukah mode which is appropriate to where we live, Modiin, home of the Maccabees and all. Tzofi's still singing all her favorite Chanukah songs - including Maoz Tzur in its entirety (and accurately too I must add). And you can't blame the girl for keeping the party going since her Chanukah party at school this year was a great big blowout jamboree.

The kids were all asked to come in white - little did they know they'd be all lit up with blacklight - neato - along with all the neon dreidls that hung from the ceiling. Liat the rhythm-music teacher led a special session for parents and kids with songs and dancing. A dreidl-pinata was busted opened by the kids to reveal special toys and treats for each (from Tsila). And all the fried-food-fun ended in a big shredded paper fight which was somehow linked to the sufganiyot, or doughnuts, that Tzofi ate and later threw up.

Tsila and kids singing along

Harry and Tzofi (note the neon mobiles the kids made to take home in the background)

Shredded paper madness

At home, lighting candles

Golan Goodness with the Goldmans

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Right before Chanukah, we drove up north, far north to be exact, to spend a Shabbat weekend with 'Ha Goldmanim' on Moshav Yonatan. We had such a great time. Shmuel and Leah and their four children - little Atarah, engaging Oryanne, funnyman Yonatan, and wise, oldest sister Shayelle - were incredible hosts. And Tzofi had such a blast, playing with all the kids, singing with Shmuel, drinking tons of Kiddush juice, eating up all Leah's delicious food (including those rice crispy/oatmeal cookies, mmm) and generally enjoying moshav life. Thanks for the sweet retreat treat, guys!

Tzofi dives into the green leaves

Shmuel and Atarah kangaroo style
Tzofi learns to pose for the camera at Har Bental and stops to point out the art (Look Mommy a 'nake!)
No this way, Dada

Bobo in the trenches
Nahal fun with Dada
Nahal fun with Mommy

Beauty
From left to right: Oryanne, Tzofi (yes, she's the finger in her nose kid) and Shayelle

Click here to learn more about Moshav Yonatan

Shabbat Shalom

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:22:00 +0000

When Tzofi has school on Fridays, the half-day activities include Shabbat-related songs and preparations. Kabbalat Shabbat is celebrated through song - Hinei Ma Tov U'Mana'im for example - and dance - everyone holds hands and sways along - and brachot - lighting the candles and saying Kiddush. It's very cute. We discovered this one day when Tzofi, at home, declared the day "Yom Shishi, Erev Shabbat" (Friday, Shabbat eve), started singing a resounding version of Hinei Ma Tov, looked high and low for the Shabbat candles and demanded some "Kikush" juice. It was quite amazing.

The next Friday, Tzofi wanted to dress up for Shabbat and, in return, was honored at school with the nomination of "Ima Shabbat" or Shabbat mother. Her best friend, Gil, played the part of Abba Shabbat, or Shabbat father. When we showed up to pick her up, the two were hand in hand with their respective head coverings. Oh yeah, it was extremely adorable. Harry and I were convinced they would break out in a toddler rendition of "Sunrise Sunset" but maybe by the end of the year...

Ima Shabbat Tzofi lighting candles with her head covered.

Ima Shabbat Tzofi saying the "bracha" or blessing. Yes, she sings that too.
Abba Shabbat Gil saying Kiddush and tasting the "Shabbat juice".

Happy Hanukkah!

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:27:00 +0000

In anticipation of this week's big Hanukkah celebration. Harry and Tzofi participated in the Pass the Candle video, which can be viewed in full here. For those of you who don't look quick enough, seconds 44-48 were captured in slow motion below.

Happy Hanukkah to all! And stay tuned for more celebration pics as we close in on Tzofi's big gan Hanukkah blowout.

Bringing Down the House (or Park)

noreply@blogger.com (Ziva) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:32:00 +0000

Back in November, on a beautiful afternoon, we went for a birthday picnic party in Tel Aviv's HaYarkon park. Tzofi kicked things up a notch with a few new tricks up her sleeve:

Comedy shtick straight from the Catskills, "So I was in gan yesterday and the teacher starts singing!? Am I right or whaaaa?!"

And a new rap, straight from the 'diin, "Wellllll myyyyy name is Tzofi and I'm here say, I like to eat French Toast every day.... Yeahhhhhhh boyeeeeeeeeee."
Good times.