The final days of the 4th

Don't ask me how, but in the midst of celebrating independence we almost forgot it was the 4th. By the time the 4th of July came - we had already done so much celebrating it felt like the day was ages ago. As I mentioned in "Representational" we went to two official representation events. Wednesday we traveled to Jerusalem (J'lem as the papers say) for the event at the U.S. Consulate - a lovely formal garden party with lots of mingling. Thursday we headed north just a bit to the house of the U.S. Ambassador for the official U.S. Embassy event - a huge to do where all of Israel's VIPs are bombarded by freebees from American businesses. Friday was the join 4th of July/"The first anniversary of Jen's 25th birthday" party - a lovely gathering of our new friends who are absolutely the sweetest! Saturday was a night on the town for Jen's birthday! Sunday was relaxing and the beach...opps - and the 4th of July, finally.

We did hang our flag outside and played a few of the good old American songs from Jimmy Hendrix to Aretha Franklin to the Beach Boys - and that was the end of the 4th for us. Although there was another party at the Ambassador's house yesterday for staff and their families (no VIPs or freebees this time) we opted not to make the drive up there. I think we'd had enough socializing and celebrating. Today is the last day of our 4th of July-ing. We are running around Israel getting chores done in the hopes of getting home in time to bbq for dinner :)  Happy Fourth of July everyone!

PS - Just saw this article in the New York Times - another perspective on that little party we went to. :) 

Birthday Party in a Box!!!

In case the world didn't know - let me tell them again: I love my family! From the closest to the most distant. Today I got a wonderful package in the mail: a birthday party in a box!

I'm not sure if Aunt Sandy and Uncle Phil tacked that name onto their clever idea before they shipped the package - but that is surely what it is. What was inside? All the makings of a birthday party! A cake, frosting, sprinkles, candles, birthday themed plates and napkins AND BALLOONS!! (Plus some of our favorite coffee and some delicious smelling candles!)  Aunt Sandy and Uncle Phil - Thank you so so much!

The birthday in a box couldn't have come at a better time. Summer is when most of the new people move here and start work - so that means lots of new friends! And friends means a party for me :)  We've invited all of our friends...well acquaintances..okay - everyone we talk to sociall, to our house on Friday for my birthday. And with the Fourth of July celebrations we really don't have time to plan out a party - so this box is perfect! Now I have all of the decorations I need - just add water! 

Because Israel is the size of New Jersey, our friends/colleagues are from all over the country. Some of them travel 10 minutes to work each day while others may travel 4 hours each way! Can you imagine! They literally cross borders every morning and every evening just to get to work. Talk about dedication! I'm not sure they can all make it to my party, but it should be fun either way.