Our Backyard

I think that one of the hardest things about living in an apartment is not having a backyard. Our apartment is pretty nice, though, and I am grateful for it for a number of reasons, not the least of which is its dishwasher and garbage disposal. In the summer months there is a pool, and there is also a small playground for the kids. As a family, however, we have adopted the basketball half court as our personal backyard. Over the summer, we would occasionally see a group of men playing a very serious looking game, but most of the time the space is empty. It is not far from our front door, so we can walk right over in less than five minutes. But sometimes we run. Or Lizzy rides her tricycle. Or we take the wagon. Always, always, Barak has to bring his ball. It's a great space for the kids to run around in, while Isaac and I kick the soccer ball back and forth. Lizzy is always inventing new games, like ice skating or tea party. No matter what else we are doing, she works hard to convince us that we should play along with her game. She's pretty convincing.

Sometimes, though, she just wants to practice her slam dunk.

Barak is getting so strong.

And finally, here is Barak lining up the winning shot. I can definitely see sports in his future.

** As I wrote this post, Barak sat on my lap and shouted, "Ball! Ball!" whenever he saw the pictures. His basketball is far and away his favorite toy, and all day long I hear, "Ball! Ball!"