August 20th 2008

The boys are at their grandparents at the Farm in VA. They are having fun in the last week before school. Karen and I miss them a lot and it's strange not to have the kids with us. The house feels empty. I did get an opportunity to go to the gym (multiple times), and take Lika for walk + give her a bath.

Jamey had an awesome time at Camp Simcha, a Jewish camp for kids with cancer. He came with great stories, had wonderful counselor who spoiled him. He learned to use a kayak, go jet skiing, zipline, and went on a helicopter ride. He was suppose to go for 4-5 days but ended up staying the full 2 weeks. He said he definitely want to go back next year. It was hard not having him around. We decided that we don't like when the kids are at sleep away.

Last weekend we went to a lake nearby and went on a canoe and a kayak. The boys had a great time. Karen spent too many hours trying to get reservation through frequent flyer for our next trip to Israel for the summer of 2008. We are supposed to go in June 2009 for Jamey's Bar-Mitzvah.

On September 13th we are hosting a Texas Hold 'em at our house to raise money for the Leukemia society for Karen's bicycle ride. She is doing very well in training; up to 50 miles. She is dragging me along sometimes and it not easy doing 50 miles when you don’t train!!

School starts next week. The kids are ready. Jamey is going to middle school at Westland. Noah and Coby will be going to Lucy Barnsley which is less than a mile from our house. We are happy about that.

That is for now. We'll post soon.

Sorry it's been so long!!! Jason shamed me into writing, but I'm happy to report that I haven't written because it's been going so well. We have had a wonderful summer. Jamey went to the Imus Ranch in July. He had a fabulous time there, learning to ride and take care of horses. He also learned how to rope a calf, etc. He came back to us a cowboy, complete with a cowboy hat, boots, and gloves (as well as a lot of "colorful" stories and language). One of the great things about the Imus Ranch, though, was that they were very concerned with eating healthy and exercise. He came back stronger and more fit than when he had left. Right now he is at Camp Simcha, a camp for Jewish kids with cancer. He is having a blast there, too. Originally we thought he was only going to stay a week, but he enjoyed it so much that he has decided to stay for the second week too. It is a great place, although I am worried that there is a lot of junky food there. I've worked very hard with Jamey (with all the boys) about the importance of eating healthy. Anyway, he is having a great time (except for a slight fever one night which went away the next day), which is what we want for him - especially after he had such a lousy summer last year.

Noah and Coby are also having a great time this summer. We went to the farm for a few days, then they stayed for a few more and were completely spoiled by my parents. We also went to NY last weekend for the unveiling of my Uncle Cal's tombstone. Although the occasion was sad, we had a lovely time with the family. This summer has been very relaxing and full of fun for all of us.

I am training hard for the bike ride. Last week I rode 45 miles (OF HILLS) in Poolesville. It was HARD. My butt hurt so much after . . . . and yesterday Ellen and I went on a 20 mile ride in the morning. This weekend is a 50+ mile ride. I hope I can make it! Every time I doubt myself (on the ride), I remind myself that Jamey went to hell and back this year, and I can certainly do this. It's pretty motivating.

Only one and a half more weeks of vacation for me (BOO HOO) and two for the kids. I am definitely not ready for the summer to end this year. I have no desire for school to start - I wish this could continue indefinitely.