Dalya Joy's World

Today uncle Seth and Aunt Addie made a Sukkot party complete with a sukkah!  Daddy and I shook the Lulav and Etrog and said the prayers.  We had a great time with our cousins and had  terrific BBQ.

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Today daddy got inspired and decided to give me pigtails.  I was skeptical about daddy’s ability to make them halfway decent.  But despite my apprehension, daddy made me look so cute.  And of course he then had to take some pictures of me to show off his handiwork.

This is the same rocking chair that mommy had when she was my age!

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UPDATE: After seeing this picture my Grandma and grandpa sent this picture of my mommy when she was close to my age….IT IS THE SAME CHAIR!!!

Look like anyone you know!!!!

This year I got to go to temple for the High Holidays ( Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).  Last year I was too little to be around all the people.  Rosh Hashanah was fun.  I got to hear the shofar and eat apple dipped in honey.  I even tossed out a few bread crumbs into the water for the Tashlich service.  I was really good during services… so much so that some of the other moms complimented mommy for doing such a good job with me!  In between the two Holidays, mommy, Daddy, and I attended a concert by the Cantor for the high Holiday services. I got to listen to all kinds of beautiful songs in hebrew and yiddish. Since pictures were not allowed during the holidays the only pictures we have are from the concert.  Mommy and I had lots of fun walking around on the carpet and sticking our tongues out at each other.

Dalya practices walking with mommy.

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This weekend mommy got a hotel on the beach for daddy’s birthday.  It was a few days after daddy’s birthday, but because of a busy work schedule for mommy and daddy it was planned for this weekend.  So the three of us headed to the beach for a couple of days.  It was really cool.  Mommy got a fantastic room that over looked the beach and the marina….and all for like really cheep.  Mommy is a good shopper and pricelined the awesome deal.  On one of the days Cousins sammy and hannah and Uncle Seth and Aunt Addie met us for some fun in the sun.  Sammy dug a huge hole in the sand I got to play in it.  I had tons of fun with everyone and worked on my tan.  Later in the night we all went for dinner at got to sit in a swinging table right near the beach.  It was breezy and relaxing.

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Sammy loves his little niece.

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Me in my big sand hole.

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The morning before we checked out.

Do I really have to leave???

After a short car ride from Jonah’s house we headed to visit aunt Melissa’s family in Silver Spring.  Not only Uncle Joel, Eli, Maya, and Molly were waiting for us when we arrived…..But Uncle Seth, Aunt Addie, Hannah , and sammy were there too.  They drove all the way up from Florida to visit too.  We all got to be together for a special Shabbot meal.  I have never been together with all my cousins and Aunts and uncle in the same place before.  It was great.  Noisy and chaotic….but awesome.  Everyone was fighting over me and wanting to play with me.  We arrived a few hours before sundown/ the start of Shabbot and had lots to do.  Aunt Melissa, Cousin Hannah and cousin Maya were hard at work making fresh home made challah for everyone.  I think there was like 20 lbs of dough!  Aunt Melissa was also busy preparing a wonderful feast that would feed us for 2 days.   The boy cousins and mommy were busy playing wii sports baseball.  Mommy was kicking all there little buts!

But as the light was creeping away Daddy knew he must get a cousins portrait for Nanna.  That is all Nanna had been talking about since she knew we would all be together. Nana even purchased matching out fits for everyone.  And if you had ever met all my cousins you will know that this was no small task!  Mommy pulled out the video camera to record all the chaos!  She is still debating whether or not to post to YouTube.  After lots of noise, running around, two locations, lots of hiena laughing by Aunt Addie, several empty briberies by Aunt Melissa,  and several wardrobe changes by Sammy and Malkie we got the shots we needed for Nanna.  I look ok in one of them.  I was all smiling and ready for 20 minutes for the pictures.  Then at the end of waiting so nicely I was over it.. and of course that is when everyone else finally managed to pull it together and look half way decent.

After we were done Eli  got Sammy to get all dressed up for Shabbot dinner.  They both looked so handsome.  Aunt Melissa really made an outstanding meal for everyone ( all 12 of us). I ate like a little piggy.  I ate lots of Gafilta fish, Challah, and chicken soup ( with the Matza Balls). A matter of fact, I ate so much that I had like 4 doodie diapers the next day!  But it was worth it.

The next day the Florida cousins left to drive home.  I went with Aunt Melissa, Eli, Maya, and Malkie to a nearby park that we walked to.  It was nice and I got to swing.  Eli and Maya did a great job of pushing me on the swing.

On Sunday we all down to DC to go to the National Portrait Gallery.  It was really nice.  We got to see so many interesting things.  From painting of all the presidents ( some way over a 100 years old) to a life size stature of a old wrinkly naked guy that Maya seemed to be intrigued with.  We had a great day filled with lots of sites before we headed off to the airport heading for home.  I had soo much fun with all my family and can;t wait for everyone to be together again real soon.  Enjoy the picture.

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Making Challah

How cute. and What good little bakers.

Hannah's challah

UNCLE SETH AND UNCLE JOEL

Aunt Melissa hard at work with the challahs

The Shirt Says it all!!

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Look how dapper these two are!!!

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Aunt Melissa making a whole carton of eggs!

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Yo. Â Where is my food?

My big cousin Maya takes good care of me.

Family outing. Â Mommy wished daddy could carry her like this too!

Maya checks out the art at the Portrait Museum

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Daddy's gorgeous Girls

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Does this really need a caption?????????

Since I traveld so well when I went to NY mommy and daddy decided to take me on a trip to Maryland ( the Washington DC area) to hang out with some friends.  We were greeted at the airport by daddy’s college friend Dori.  She was real excited to meet me….but of course I was still sleeping when we got off the plane.  We had  nice ( albeit interesting) lunch and I got to hang out with Dori.  But daddy forgot to unpack the camera from the suit case I did not get to get any pictures with Dori 🙁  Dori, thank you for the awesome pink remote control car.  I can’t wait to see you again real soon.

After meeting with Dori I got to see my old pal Jonah ( who is also the son of mommy’s friend Kara) .  It has been many many months since I last saw Jonah in Florida.  But we waisted no time catching up.  I could not believe what a big boy he has become.  He walks and even goes down the stairs all by himself.   It looked pretty scary.  I am glad I have no stairs at home.  Jonah was very nice and shared all his toys and even a bath with me!  We even got to see Jonah’s grandma too.  Every had a great time.  We hope to see everyone again real soon.

First time in a double stroller...Not too bad!

What a dare devil.

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Jonah reads to Dalya.

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Jonah's play room.

Eating my veggies with a fork.

Making Jonah jealous by hanging with his grandma Rozzie

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Kara's got her hands full.

Going for a spin with Jonah.

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Mommy and Kara.

Today she turned 65!  I am very lucky to have my Nanna in my life.  She watches me during the day and always makes me smile.  She is the ONLY one who know just how to get me down to take a nap. I light up when she comes in the room.   THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THE BEST NANA.  I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND LOOK FORWARD TO 95th birthday!

And for Nana’s special day we took her for all you can eat stone crabs.  SHE LOVED them almost as much as she loves to eat me up.

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I am not sure if I will be doing dishes when I get older or not.  But for now I can say that I am a very good helper and help mommy and daddy do dishes at night. So mommy and daddy can never say that I never helped out with the chores… I have picture proof.

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2,800 miles.  3 States. And tons of great memories with wonderful family and friends!

At the end of June and into July 4th Weekend mommy and daddy packed me and and braved a new frontier…..Traveling with a 1-year-old.  Sure they traveled with me to doctors, restaurants, ect., and to the local family gatherings going no more then 50 miles from home tops!!!   But this time was different.  We would be traveling over 1,200 miles from home and doing many firsts.  I traveled on a plane for the first time.  I took a ride on the Long Island Railroad for the first time.  And I even rode the NYC subway system ( turn-style jumping and everything).  Ok, well, I sort of jumped the turn-style.  Daddy paid for a ride and I rode on daddy over the turn-style.  And speaking of all these modes of transportation… I SLEPT THROUGH DURING ALL OF THEM.  Both Plane rides to and from.  The train and subway rides.  and of corse the car rides.

I also had many first encounters with with family and friends.  Follow below and be sure to check out the captions under the photos……AND YES.  THERE ARE A LOT OF PICTURES!

Packing for our trip.

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At the airport.

Sleeping on the plane.

Dalya sleeping in the car.

Sleeping on the train into NYC.

First Stop: Great Neck, NY ( AKA Grandma and Grandpa’a pad). There I finally got to meet my Uncle Brian (Mommy’s brother).  I also met my great Uncles David and Great Aunts Barbara and Elizabeth and cousin Steven from my mommy’s side.  From my daddy’s side I got to meet my great uncle Morty and Great Aunt Rita.  I even got to meet Grandma’s best friend Emilia.  And Mommy’s college friend, Ace reporter Randy M. stopped in too.  I had such a great time meeting all these new people and spending so much time with Grandma and Grandpa.  Those two really know how to spoil a girl!  Mommy and Daddy should really take a cue from them.  They took me to soo many yummy restaurants and fed me soo much good food ( grandpa shared his special French toast from Bruce’s with me).  We even went on a field trip to grandpa work.  They took me to the park and even shopping!  I had a blast and already miss everyone…Especially  Grandpa and grandma.

Mommy, me, and my Grandparents, Penny and Arthur.

Mommy and Dalya .. you can see where I get my looks from!

Dalya checks out the view.

Grandpa pushes Dalya on the swing.

Mommy and Dalya go for a swing.

Dalya Gets ready for some good French Toast from Bruce's.

Dalya Shares her french toast with Grandpa.

Grandma Penny adds another Cabbage Patch doll to her collection.

Dalya takes over Grandpa's paperwork at the office.

Trust me. Â I know what I am doing.

Dalya takes over the mouse.

Enjoying a summer day at the park near Grandpa's and Grandma's place.

I always make mommy smile.

Me and Aunt Barbara.

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Mommy, Grandma, and grandma's sister aunt Barbara.

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Me and Uncle Brian.

Hanging at the park with Uncle David, Aunt Elizabeth, the Grandparents, and Uncle Brian.

Uncle David ( Granpa's older brother) and grandpa.

I make Aunt Elizabeth smile too!

The Bros.

One of Grandma's best friends Emilia.

Grandma is happy to show me off to Emilia.

Mommy's friend, Ace reporter Randy, Â stops by to say hello.Â

Great Aunt Rita and Great Uncle Morty ( mommy's brother).

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Aunt Rita and I enjoy the wonderful weather.

Chilling on my cell phone at the park.

Breakfast at Grandma's.

Daddy and I practice standing all by ourselves.

Dalya checks out the Fridge Photo Gallery.

Dalya is not to happy to be leaving Grandpa and Grandma 🙁

Next Stop: NYC ( Penn Station and onto Huston Street) to see Pals Amy and Andy. Amy met us in Penn Station and then navigated for us to the subway to get us to Houston Street to meet up with her soon to be husband Andy for a nice dinner at a hip breakfast for dinner joint ( they had jalipino cornbread!).  It was great seeing Amy again and meeting Andy for the first time.  I wish the dates moved around so I could be at their upcoming wedding in OR.  I know I will be missing an awesome time.  after I am done atoning for my sins I will be thinking of you and there in spirit with you both on your wedding day.

It's a Amy squared sandwich with daddy and Dalya in the middle.

Dalya is happy to be in the big city with Amy W.

YES, we had to do the tourist thing and get a picture...Sue US!

On the subway with groom to be Andy ( the other half of Amy and Andy fame).

The family goes underground in the NYC Subway.

Next Stop: Morris Town, NJ ( yeah we were in JEEEERZY)  to see pals Laura and Mike who share their anniversary with my birthday. I was supposed to be at their wedding ( inside mommy) but i wanted out sooner and really did not want to go to Jersey.  But I had to finally come and meet Mike and Laura and their Doggy Linus.  I had lots of fun and hope to see them real soon.

Dalya Cheats on Yogi and gets lots of kisses from Linus.

Laura and Mike with me and Mommy in New Jersey.

Why are they looking at Linus? Â I am much more cute!

I am glad you all are smiling... PUT SOME DAMB DESITIN on my ass!

Next Stop: Bucks County, PA (Great Aunt Ellen and Great Uncle Steven’s Weekend country Pad). I finally got to meet my Pa’s twin brother..Daddy’s uncle steven and his wife Aunt Ellen.  And they had a whole zoo of animals for me to play with.  I met Isaiah and Melvin.  They are kind of like dogs…but much smaller.  More akin to large harmless rats.  I am not sure what Yogi would think.  I also met and pet a cat for the first time.  The cats name is Mr. Cat II.  We had lots of fun relaxing in the country. I rocked with Uncle Steven on a real porch and enjoyed the fresh country air.   Aunt Ellen made me some great homemade blueberry pancakes that I just gobbled up.  I ate fresh farmers market peaches too.  On Fourth of July I got dressed up in my patriotic dress and hit the town.  While Uncle Steven, Daddy, and I chilled mommy hit the casino with aunt Ellen.  I think those two may have a problem 🙂  I think the people knew aunt Ellen by name when she walked in.  Later in the day I was lucky to have been able to go to a 4th of July get together at Cousins Eddie and Frans historic house.  Cousin Eddie even had a swing for me to play in and some other goodies that he keeps for his new grandson.  Cousin Fran made such a wonderful spread of food. All good yummy Vegetarian food.  A good time was had and we can’t wait to see everyone again real soon.

Me and Uncle Steven.

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Uncle Steven helps me take some steps.

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Uncle Steven smells my stinky feet ( well they are not really stinky).

Aunt Ellen gets the corn ready for our BBQ.

I enjoy a fresh picked Peach.

Hip Hip Hooray for Pancakes.

Dalya enjoys Aunt Ellen's homemade blueberry pancakes.

Dalya makes sure to keep every last bit in her mouth.

Aunt Ellen cutes me up some more peaches.

Dalya goes for Aunt Ellen's cheeks.

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I love my Aunt Ellen.

Come here Isaiah.

I SAID...Come here.

NOW......ZIP IT ISAIGH!

Dalya in her 4th of July dress from Nana with Mr. Cat 2.

Daddy and Dalya on Fourth of July.

Uncle Steven & Aunt Ellen and Cousins Eddie and Fran at a Fourth of July picnic at Eddie and Fran's historic house.

Uncle Steven and cousins Fran and Eddie

THANKS FOR THE GREAT TIME. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL REAL SOON!

Now it is everyones turn to come visit me in Florida and take in the sun and fun down here.

YOU ARE ALL WELCOME ANY TIME.