‘Sydney Wants to Know If A Symbol Is A Cymbal!’

This was the 3rd time that Sydney has celebrated Passover with us and James’ first. Traditionally, Jewish families read from the Haggadah the story of the exodus from Egypt BEFORE eating Seder dinner but we felt it would be better for Syd and James if we had Passover for dessert!

The Kids enjoyed helping me prepare some of the food. They made small bowls of salt water, which represents the tears of the Jewish people when they were slaves in Egypt. We all dipped into the salt water our hard boiled eggs and parsley, which are symbols of rebirth. When I told Sydney that these were SYMBOLS she asked me in the most adorable way: “Are they MUSICAL CYMBALS?” I explained to both Sydney and James what the foods represent. Syd wisely pointed out that the parsley could represent trees.

Syd and James also helped me make the Harosets, that includes apples, honey, chopped pecans and cinnamon, which symbolize the mortar that the Jewish slaves had to make to keep the bricks together when they were building the pyramids. Both Kids loved eating the sweet tasting Harosets on their matzah. That’s why I said that we had Passover for dessert!

Traditionally, the youngest person at the table reads the 4 questions, which includes asking: “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Joe Bill and James read 2 questions while Sydney and I read the remaining ones. JB and I would say the words slowly and The Kids would repeat after us. Even though they’re just 4 and 2½ they both pronounced everything perfectly. They really enjoyed participating in a holiday that celebrates freedom. By the way, they didn’t drink any wine and they didn’t eat any horseradish!

You’ll see a couple of pictures of Syd and James with some small Easter baskets that we gave them. I didn’t include any candy and had some little art projects and a few small toys. Syd quickly put the cute stickers on a piece of paper. When she’d used up hers she wanted to have James’. When he wouldn’t give her his I suggested that they make a trade. If Syd would give James something from her basket he might be willing to give her the stickers. James wasn’t interested in that either. A few minutes later I noticed that Syd was using James’ stickers. I asked her how she got them. With a big grin on her beautiful face she told me: “I’ve traded with James. I gave him my PRINCESS PURSE!” I have seen James copy his older sister by wearing her Barbie high heels but I’ve never seen him carry a purse! Something tells me that James didn’t know a thing about the trade and certainly wouldn’t want her frilly pink purse!!!

I’ve included some photos of Syd pretending that she’s a model….something that comes easily to her. I have pictures of Syd and James looking a-DORA-ble, some of them writing together and a couple of them standing next to our pool. They were cheering and encouraging JB to dive into the freezing water. Syd kept telling him: “The water is perfect. Trust me!” Much to The Kid’s delight he did dive in and they had fun swimming together.

The other day JB and I took Syd and James to a fun Open House for Wanderlust Live, an innovative Yoga Studio that brings together great Yoga programming, acoustic music, film screenings and inspirational speakers. Everyone thought that Syd and James were really cute when they hugged each other right after we arrived! James loved the fruit they served at the little Café there.

Our creative friends Mary and Roy Spence, their talented daughter Ashley Spence Clauer and her talented friend Jo Kutchey opened the Studio in the Railyard District downtown at 206 East 4th Street.

Check out their website: www.wanderlustlive.com

The last picture I posted is one I took of Syd with her mycee in her mouth when she was 2½. She was doing Yoga Poses while looking at a Yoga Video that JB had recorded for her. It looks like Wanderlust is a Dream Come True!

Also, in the Dreams Come True Category I’m happy to tell you that on March 31st Gigi and Joel had a Healthy and Beautiful Baby Boy named Jack Bernard Melrose, who weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and has the cutest little smile. His birth was magical, spiritual and ethereal. JB and I were thrilled that we could celebrate in the miracle of his birth. I’ve been lucky to have known Sydney and James since the day they were born too! Those are days that will remain in my heart forever. Syd and James can’t wait to meet their new little playmate!

Love, D2