August 10-11--Yad Vashem, Last Shabbat in Israel

Friday morning (after Yehuda davened at his favorite spot and took pictures o the bees in the flowers) we dropped off Joshua and Benjamin at Savta and Roy's house and took the older kids to Yad Vashem. We felt that they were old enough to see what was there and that it would help them have a clearer understanding of what they have learned in school, where there ancestors came from and the importance of the State of Israel. Obviously there are no pictures to show from this morning's trip, but it was an incredibly moving experience for all of us. We spent over 4 hours looking at pictures, hearing the stories of the survivors, listening to the audio guide and asking lots and lots of questions. At the end, Zachary said, "I don't know whether to feel sad or angry. I have so many mixed emotions, thank you for taking me here." It was a pretty powerful statement, especially coming from a 12 year old boy. We felt that the experience was meaningful, moving, and necessary...especially since we will be in Germany this week.
Next, we hurried on to Machane Yehuda to quickly pick up fruits and vegetables, pita, and marzipan rugalach for Shabbat. Of course we met Cousin Buddy at his regular spot and Zachary immediately pulled out his camera to take a picture of himself with Buddy. Then we went to pick up the boys (with Friday Jerusalem traffic and a much needed stop at the bathroom outside the US embassy it took forever...) We were also excited to learn that our long awaited parks pass ha arrived!
Then we returned home to rest and get ready for Shabbat.
Unfortunately we were running very late and could not find a cab (we actually needed two to for 6 people) to get to the Kotel before Shabbat so we started walking. On the way we were able to flag down a cab who refused to take us with 6 people. Since we had money with us for two cabs and we would have to get rid of the money before Shabbat, we bribed the driver to take us all for 90 shekel (a 35 shekel can ride). He took us under the condition that Joshua and Benjamin had to lie down in the back seat so that the police wouldn't pull him over. Always and adventure...We arrived at Jaffa Gate at the end of the 18 minutes, jumped out and ran down to the kotel through the Arab shuk, but we made it! As always, Friday night at the kotel was beautiful. I tried to soak in the moment because who knows when we will be able to return...
After Roy made kiddush at the kotel, we snacked on fruit and began the 2+ mile walk to Savta and Roy's house for dinner. Of course, we sang on the way and got there with almost no kvetching. Dinner was delicious and fun and Benjamin and Joshua slept over while we embarked on the mile plus journey back to Gila and Josiah's house.
On Shabbat morning, Zachary and Yehuda went to shul (Zachary in search of a new friend that he made at camp) and Savta walked the boys back. Unfortunately we were sad to hear about the hard time Benjamin gave them overnight.
After lunch with Savta and Roy, we took naps, ate seudah shlishit and starting walking to Cousin Esther's house in Rechavia (another mile plus walk for the kids). On the way we bumped into David Markowitz and old friend of mine from high school who I haven't seen since our wedding 17.5 years ago! Cool!
At Esther's house, the boys enjoyed playing with their turtle and we enjoyed looking at old family pictures, including ones from Yehuda's Father's bar mitzvah.
After Shabbat we walked back home and put the kids to bed. Yehuda and I went out alone and just walked around Emek Refaim.
What a nice weekend!