Day #2 and 3!

The boys begrudgingly got out of bed bright and early and awoke to this gorgeous view and the freshest air on Earth.....

We had the boys' first Israeli breakfast at the hotel- yes, everything does just taste better here I knowwwww!
 



Off to the kotel for morning tefilla..so special and bumped into so many people we knew!

Next we headed on the bus (crazyyy Israeli bus driver!!) to downtown Ben Yehuda street where we saw street performers, lots of soldiers and a mix of every walk of life enjoying the gorgeous day, the stores and cafes.
We walked up Rechov Yafo along the awesome new trainrail up to the open market Machane Yehuda. The boys experienced the hilarious vendors singing and screaming their prices, eating fresh hot zaatar pita and a kilo of strawberries while ogling all the fruits veggies, bakeries and crazy people shoving along the way..bumped into even more people as we navigated through. Now they see why I love it here so much!
Off to lunch..Pizza Hut and falafel at Moshiko- the best! Next fresh ice cream and we headed back to the hotel to continue on to Raanana for shabbat.

We had a great cab driver Itzik who gave us a full history lesson about the War of Independence in 1948 on the road showing us the landmarks and old frames of caravan trucks that used to smuggle food and supplies into Jerusalem when it was under Arab siege. Next we discussed the elections on Tuesday which led into an intense politics discussion- all in hebrew....only in this country. We love how everyone wishes you shabbat shalom and made another new friend!

First stop...The Raanans to see our favorite new prince! Was so amazing to finally hug Sarah and hold Yona...instant love <3

Next we ran to the Bermans and had a great dinner with 21 kids!! Sarah and Yehuda my old friends came with their 8 kids and Karen and Dror my old neighbors (and very missed chiropractor!!) came with their 5! The kids all had a blast, Bracha cooked up a storm. We slept in shabbat morning and my high school friends Michael and Naomi came for hugs before lunch. We all hung out playing and laughing all day....thanks Bermans for a great shabbat!

Rachel came and picked us up....

and brought us to home to see Yanai and the girls- we missed them so much cant believe it's 6 months since they stayed with us!
We all met James and Sarah and Yoav. Millie ad Yona for dinner at Alfredo- amazing food and huge milkshakes for everyone!!

We relaxed a bit then Michael and Bracha drove us back to Jerusalem.....luckily the kids have no jetlag, but of course I'm up all night :)
Busy day and Abigail tomorrow- we can't wait!!