It all comes back to family...

I had in mind that I would write a long and beautiful description of our relationship and visits with our dear cousins Arie and Orna over the years.  However, time is up, we're packing our bags, and I didn't want to leave out this most important and joyful experience.

On each trip, we've spent an increasing amount of time with Arie, Ronnie's cousin on his father's side.  Today was the definition of our previous and all future trips...FAMILY.  After two previous visits already, Arie and Orna arranged for a beautiful gathering at their home.  We met his 3 sons and their families...our family.  Arie & Orna transformed the farm that they've been working so hard on into a virtual disneyland for kids.

Tree-swings, toys, wagons, gymnastics rings, a huge blowup pool, blinking lights, gorgeous landscaping, a huge buffet of food and much to Cela's delight...strawberry ice cream!  Watching Cela play with her newly found cousins, and enjoying getting to know our extended family was the absolute highlight of our trip.  In trying to thank Arie and Orna for all their efforts, I couldn't find the words, but I did find the tears!!  Here are some pics...

The Moshav is so tiny...here is the town's museum!!

Enjoying the wagon with cousins Agam and Micah.

Too small for the big pool?  No problem! They've got buckets!!

And Orna is armed with the materials for science experiments too...this was Cela helping to make a mock tornado!

Arie's son Asher, his wife Dorit, and their youngest cutie Tal.

Cousins Adi, Noga, and Agam in the pool...notice a curly trend??!!

Sammy with his all-time favorite...Orna!

Post-swimming fun with Adi and Dorit

Agam attempts the gymnastics ropes

 

Cela loving the tree-swing.

Girl-time...Cela couldn't have loved it more.

And the best part...letting all the water out of the pool!!

Despite the bribes of more ice cream, this is the best we could do for the family photo. Arie & Orna on the far right. Then Ronnie and our kids, Arie's son Tom, then Asher, his wife Dorit, and their kids Noga, Adi, Tal.  And another son Oren, wife Liat, and daughters Micah and Agam.