Eastern Minkoff Blog

Happy Healthy Year! Here is my nephew, Ezra, blowing the Shofar. This picture was in Harrisburg's "Patriot News".

The main reason we went to Colorado was to visit my dear friend Holli and her wonderful family. Despite battling her way to good health (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/holliberman), Holli is able to truly be grateful for her family and her surroundings. She has a lot of love around her from her family, friends and community. Marcia, her life partner, is a bedrock of caring, strength and humor.

Holli's sons, Jaron and Seth are 10 days younger than Eli. We got to spend time with them as well as their dad, Frank, who is a joy to be around -- generous, funny and really easy to hang out with. Everyone had fun with some very Colorado-esque adventures.

Knights of the Boulder Creek Hometown Festival: Sir Eli and Sir Seth sparring. Sir Jaron wielding his noble sword. En Garde, Lady Chen!

Eli and Jaron Kyaking at the Festival

Seth and Eli rock climbing in the shadow of Boulder's Flat Iron Mountains

We sat for a few minutes to enjoy some ice cream. Thanks again, Frank!

Seth (left) and Jaron (right) and Eli (off camera) sat and created marshmallow and toothpick masterpieces during the festival

Noodle Tag in the pool at the Boulder Outlook Hotel

Our first day in the Rockies had its ups and downs -- no pun intended. We had a long, exhausting day of travel and ascended into the mountains quickly. Eli came down with Altitude Illness -- fell and got sick. Despite that we were able to really appreciate the beauty surrounding us. By the next morning he was well hydrated and up and running and wagon-riding.

Cowboy Rich was awesome! He tried in earnest to pronounce "Chen" (spelled with a chet) -- which by the way, is impossible to pronounce correctly with peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth ;-)

Carra, Chen and Eli with the horses Barney and Fred at Aspen Lodge, Estes Park, Co

We saw lots of elk milling around Estes Park. These bucks were right outside the Public Library.

The summer is ending very quickly for the Minkoff family. We had the privilege to host a Mashliach from Israel who spent this summer working at Camp Ramah. Though she's only lived in our house since July 22, 2007, Chen feels like family. As I write, Chen has joined Eli and me on a trip to Colorado. Though our destination is Boulder, for a visit with Holli and the Cotlar-Berman family, we are spending one night in Estes Park, CO at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is breathtaking. Here is a photo from earlier today.

Shot overlooking Estes Park

Wednesday, 8/30, was our farewell Israeli Feast prepared by Chen "Shelanu". Scott and the kids pitched in too. It was wonderful! Falafel, Tahini, Cous Cous, Israeli Salad and lots of other delights!

Chen and Sydra putting on Israeli Flag Garnishes

Sydra and the cous cous

Our Family Photo