As I sit down here to type, both of the Passover Seders are over and done with. Although it was a lot of work for JL, Mom, Dad, and I to do both of them at my parent’s house, it was well worth it. Thank you again Mom and Dad for working with us to make it happen.
We started the morning off getting something out to eat before we started cooking. Then we realized that we needed a few quick things at the store for the Seder. We stopped at a store for a new peeler and some sneakers for NHL. We did not realize his current ones were getting snug on him. We bought a pair of more plain ones and the following that he loved.
Then we went to the grocery store for a quick stop and back to our house. At home we packed up more Passover items and then went to my parents to work on the meal for the evening. We made a lot of food including charoset, brisket (thanks to Mimi and Aunt T), sweet and sour chicken, oven roasted sweet potatoes (JSL’s favorite) and cauliflower. In addition to this we had matzoh ball soup, hard boiled eggs, dried fruit (thanks Aunt T), strawberries, and some brownies, cookies and jelly candy. Here take a look:
The seder plate and table looked really great thanks to my mother getting everything so pretty. This is what the table looked like before we sat down.
And the seder plate is here:
Just before the seder both of the boys fell asleep. They were exhausted so we let them sleep while we talked and finished preparing everything. We were in no real rush. Our seder was the four of us, my parents and Aunt T. See how quiet they were:
NHL and JSL finally woke up and were ready to head to the table. NHL was thrilled to see he had a special setting. At his spot were the 4 Question finger puppets all ready to go.
Then it was time to put the matzoh bib on JSL. What do you think his reaction was? Here it is:
Eventually he warmed up to it and was amused by the kippah we put on him.
Thank goodness for the naps. It really helped the boys to be patient while we did the seder before the meal part.
We had a really nice first seder. I think JSL enjoyed his first Passover experience . . . especially the sweet potatoes and all of the attention from everyone. He ate some matzoh, but eventually realized it was not anything he loved and started to toss it. NHL was into participating this year and really wanted to help us read the haggadah. . . probably next year he will be able to do it.
Seder 2 also went smoothly thanks to lots of yummy leftovers and two new additions to the meal. More on this later.
P.S. A special thanks to JL for being flexible and working your butt off to kosher everything for the seders.
After checking out of the hotel we went to to my SIL’s house to let the kids play and celebrate Cousin A’s 4th birthday and Cousin S’s 1st birthday. We arrived at practically the same time as Bubbe and Grandpa (JL’s parents). They gave our boys presents outside. Then suddenly the fire department showed up. I kid you not, the entire department with trucks came to the party. Apparently they tried to call Aunt J, but did not get them. The fire alarm in their house was going off from the steam of Uncle J’s shower. Ooops!
Below are some photos of the party (sans the one from yesterday of JSL skirt chasing little S.)
NHL sporting his pirate gear. He was flying around the house with cousin A playing pirates.
JSL had a nice time visiting with Grandpa. Later on Grandpa really made him happy by feeding him some potato chips.
Both boys had fun playing with new and exciting toys.
A frightening scene was caught that I do not recall in Peter Pan.
NHL did not seem bothered by it.
Finally it was time to eat. Bubbe and Grandpa brought bagels and lox. Check out the cool bagels for the kids in honor of St. Patricks Day.
After a yummy lunch it was time for cake. Aunt J made them herself. The Pirate was for Cousin A’s 4th birthday and Mickey Mouse for Cousin S’s 1st birthday.
NHL and JSL both enjoyed the cakes.
As you can see even Cousin S enjoyed his 1st birthday cake!
After the cake we cleaned up the kids and opened up presents. Then it was time to head off for our adventure home. Thankfully both of the boys fell asleep in the car and woke up when we were close to home.
As a food connoisseur for more years than I would like to admit, it is fun to watch my children learn to appreciate different foods/tastes. I had forgotten how interesting it is to watch the face of a baby trying new culinary delights for the first time. At almost ten months old JSL has been quickly adding new items to his repertoire. We try to gradually add in new items, but lately he has been eating what we have most evenings.
JL and I enjoy watching JSL smile and coo as he tries something for the first time. He almost always gobbles it down without a fight. You know, basically not being like big brother NHL. Sad thing, NHL used to be the same way, but in recent months he has become – well you know what I mean!
Here are some photos of my little guy enjoying some new foods.
JSL approves of taco "meat" with Morning Star burger crumbles, red kidney beans and corn.
As you can see he thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Mexico for our own version of Tacos. Of course a tub was required soon after to clean up the little guy from the mess that resulted.
A day or so later JSL was able to try egg (just the yolk) for the first time. He was like a vacuum with this once he realized it was something to eat. I have never seen him eat something this quickly.
Next time we will definitely have to make him two egg yolks since they were gone so quickly. Then on Friday night he showed us that he is a carnivore. The little guy really loved ground turkey. Since he liked it so much we then gave him more with the sauce, chick peas, and corn. . . plus brown rice. He LOVED it.
There is nothing like a baby with a shiny food speckled face to make you smile!
Last week I received an e-mail telling me that I had won a giveaway at Fun & Free Giveaways. The giveaway was for an absolutely adorable Valentine Mailbox full of chocolate made by Beth at her Ebay store called Scrap-A-Teria. Two days ago the package arrived with a fun little bonus included. Here is what it looked like:
I was blown away with the details that Beth put into the mailbox. Thanks to her and Fun & Free Giveaways for the wonderful package. My entire family will enjoy it!
P.S. Coming next week a redesign of TheAngelForever and a fun giveaway too!