Grandpa's Visit

Ayla was very fortunate to get a visit from her grandfather Mike for a whole week, starting early July. This was Grandpa's Mike first visit to Israel, and so with the excitement of meeting his granddaughter, he also used the time to visit the country, accompanied often by Ayla and her parents. The visit itself was very pleasant to everyone. Ania and Mike enjoyed spending time together, and Amir's family was very pleased to meet him. On his first day over, he went with Ania and Ayla to see Beit She'arim - the tombs and park next to our house. As you can see, Ayla has grown a lot recently:
The next day, everyone went to Acco, to visit the beautiful Bahai gardens there (Bhaji), and the city itself. In Bhaji:
Mike and Ayla next to Acco's city walls:
That evening Mike got to meet Amir's family:
The next day we all paid a visit to Haifa - We got a tour in English of the Bahai gardens, which are beautiful as always. It's always a pleasure being there, and Ayla seems to be extra calm in that peaceful and holy place
Next, we met with Amir's parents to celebrates Aylas 6 month birthday!!! Happy birthday Ayla. We had a wonderful dinner at our favorite German Colony restaurant (a neighborhood near the Bahai gardens) called Doujan. At the peek of the evening (which Ayla proudly slept through most), we got a desert on the house with a nice flaming candle on top.
	Ayla's Birthday cake and candle
	Ayla was curled up sleeping on the couch in the middle-eastern style restaurant while the rest of us celebrate her arrival into the world
The next day, on Sunday afternoon, we got a private tour guide to take us around Nazareth. We had a very insightful visit. Ayla was nicely curled up in her sling as her parents and grandfather were led around the city. The tour opened with an overview of the city from above, and then continued into a long walk through the city's most famous churches, located over the site of ancient Nazareth, including Mary's house, Joseph's house, and the orchard at which Mary had her first visit from an angel. The churches, especially the Basilica of the Annunciation (located over Mary's house), were majestic in their size, spiritual depth, and content - full of contributions from nations all over the world.
	Overlooking Nazareth with our guide Kayad
	Ayla and Ania in front of the Basilica of the Annunciation
Inside the Basilica...
	Polish nuns praying across from the main alter in the basilica
	In Joseph's house, Ania took the time to feed Ayla at the excavated major room, where supposedly Mary would feed the baby Jesus.
After the churches we went strolling in the city's bazaar. The day was getting long for Ayla, so after she was transferred to her father (and was rocked a bit), she took a nap, and enjoyed the bazaar, the rest of the churches, and the succulent spice shop which followed through her dreams while nestled comfortably in her sling.
	The next day, as Amir went to work, Ania, Ayla and Mike went to see the ancient Roman relics in Cyseria. Ania is here in the famous Amphitheater
	Mike in front of ancient Roman relics
After the Cyseria, they went to the beach, where Ayla had her first swim in salty water. The next day Mike left Israel. Soon afterwards the regional turmoil began. A possible connection is still being investigated. (jk Mike) We had a great time seeing him, and we wish his visit could have been longer, but alas. We're sure the next time we meet, be it here, in Canada, or somewhere else will be longer and at least as pleasurable