Happy Easter!

This year we decided to stay home instead of going to DJ's family for breakfast and my family for dinner. The girls are now more involved in the church and were singing in the choir Easter morning. We invited both sides of the family to join us for Easter dinner. It was fun having everyone together (three generations and lots of babies!). We needed three tables, so we had to bring the craft table up from the playroom and set it up in the living room. Everyone brought something, so we had a an over abundance of food but it was nice to sample everything. We had two glazed hams. I made a honey apricot ham and Kim made a maple/brown sugar one. I made DJ take a picture of those adorable Easter basket cupcakes and teased Joanne that I was going to put them on the blog and take credit for them. I don't know how she had time to make them and an anti-pasta with a newborn and a 1 1/2 year old. Kudos to you!!! We had a mixture of Polish, Italian and American fare. There was so much dessert that I forgot to put out the last of my blueberry pies, made from the fruit we got in Maine and a huge apple pie that DJ brought home. We are still working on these! I had a list of menu items written out so I would not forget anything (which is quite common) but right after serving dinner I put it aside and didn't refer to again. Found the pies on the serving table later that night. I have no idea how I missed them.

This Paczski was almost as big as his head!

Happy Birthday Marina and Gavin!

We had a joint celebration this year due to the fact that Gavin and Marina's Birthdays are only 4 days apart. They had a cute Pooh and Friends birthday cake. Gavin had a grand ol' time eating his piece. This was the first year that Marina has really been excited about her birthday and other holidays. She loves a good party and it is even better if she is the guest of honor. When we went to playgroup she had to tell each person that it was her birthday and that she was now 3, then show them on her fingers. It took some practice for her to get her thumb and pinky down at the same time but now she is a pro. I was afraid that she would not want to share the limelight with Gavin but she had no issues with it. I know it won't be that way forever though!
There is a Polish tradition of setting a book, rosary beads and money in front of the child on their first Birthday, with the thought that what they pick will forcast their future. I am unsure of what to make of his reaction though because he immediately picked up the rosary beads. He then just as fast proceeded to throw them off the highchair, onto the floor and then went on to play with the dollar bill. hmmm...
I made a one year mini-movie to celebrate Gavin's first year. DJ commented that now I have to go back and make ones for the other kids so they won't feel left out. I wish I had a digital video and still camera with the first two. I guess it all evens out though because they have more baby albums and handwritten journal entries for them then Marina and Gavin. I can't believe my little man is already a year old. It is bittersweet because he has been such a good baby but I am really looking forward to seeing more and more of his personality develop.