Empty Nest Syndrome

Aaack, I've got Empty Nest Syndrome! Ariel, Efrat, Eran, and Adi left Arizona this morning and flew to California to continue their Adventure in America. The house is too quiet.
I miss Adi's lovely lilting songs that she made up each day, and Eran's soft-spoken but extremely intelligent comments about Life. I love the way he tries to help his younger sister learn English by making up games -- looking for English words on signs as we drive around town, first one with an A, then a B, then C, and so forth -- and the way she gets so excited when she finds the appropriate letter on a store or street sign.
Eran is keeping a record of everything they are doing on this vacation, to give a report to his school teacher when he gets back home to Israel. Mommy Efrat is helping him by keeping an outline (according to his dictation) of events. It's remarkable to listen to him dictate the extent of detail for each day!
Spending time with Ariel and Efrat has been a treat I have enjoyed more than words can say... rather, I should say WE have all enjoyed. They've been to visit as many relatives and friends as was humanly possible within the short week they were here, and everyone just wants to hug them and never let go. This is what Family and Friends are all about.
Jonathan and Eran, Adi and Alyssa have all become such good friends - there is NO language barrier, even if the two girls don't speak a word of each other's language, it's amazing to watch them play and UNDERSTAND each other completely!
Sunday, their last night in Arizona, Jan Weston hosted a delicious taco dinner in Ariel and Efrat's honor. There were 13 of us all crowded around, stuffing ourselves with Jan's yummy cooking, swapping stories, yakking, and generally having fun. There was so much love and laughter, it was a wonderful finish for Ariel and Efrat's visit, and a beautiful close for the year. Tonight starts the Jewish New Year, and as Ariel, Efrat, Eran, and Adi continue their vacation we all send them love and good wishes.
To check out some of Ariel's photos, don't forget to click on the link in the previous post!!

Comments

TheWebWalker said…
Rickey Lynn has Empty Nest Syndrome too... Still mourning the loss of her beloved Lori, she reports that June is moving to Washington, and Jennifer seems to always be out with her friends. All our kids are only with us for a little while, whether you've raised them or if they are delightful relatives who just came visiting... *sigh* Rickey Lynn told me, "Getting older is crappy!" I must agree, but it beats the alternative. ~~ Susan
Thursday, October 02, 2008 11:18:00 AM
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