tales from a far-land

We enjoyed two amazing nights of Passover this April.  For the first night, we celebrated at the home of the Goldsands.  We love that we have become a part of their Jewish family.  It was a beautiful evening to enjoy a Seder under the stars. For the second night, it was our turn to host.  We invited over the Feldmans, the Straws, the Raetzes and the Pattees to celebrate Passover with us.  Our Seder is a little less traditional than most, but our haggadah included an overall welcoming tone for those of all faiths, a couple of musical interludes and many, many laughs.  The kids enjoyed coloring on the table, playing upstairs, having a Nerf fight, and swimming outside while the adults enjoyed kibitzing and filling our glasses with the recommended four glasses wine.  What an wonderful evening!  Good friends, delicious food, great conversation, kids who entertained themselves and a Seder to remind of what is important in our lives.  Truly blesse...

At the end of March, I enjoyed a fun girls' weekend with my Palmer sisters.  We all decided to attend the first ever Palmer Alumnae Retreat in Palm Springs.  The event was held at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa.  It was a gorgeous place to meet up with my sorority sisters.  We spent the weekend eating, laughing, relaxing, discussing life's complexities, supporting each other and reminiscing.  I love that no matter how much time passes our friendships continue with such comfortability and affection.  What a much needed sisterhood break! Kathleen, Stephanie, Jenny, Megan and I The whole gang at breakfast Hanging by the pool Sisterhood Selfie Kathleen, Toni and I My Sisters The Entire Palmer Alumnae Reunion Group

This year in March, we celebrated Purim with our friends at Temple Kol Ami.  During Purim, we celebrate the Jewish people's survival from being massacred by ancient Persia and Haman.  This story is told through the annual reading of the Book of Esther (or also known as the Megillah).  The reading is a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman's name is read aloud.  Our temple also performs a Purim Shpiel (play) in which members of our congregation re-enact the Purim story.  The shpiel is usually full of songs and witty humor.  As Purim is a celebratory holiday, the kids are encouraged to dress up as well.  I am really glad that we were finally able to attend this annual tradition.  It was a very fun night!  Plus, I was able to indulge in some very tasty chocolate filled hamantaschen for dessert.  Yum!

This year, we hosted a traditional dinner for the Farrell clan.  My cousins, aunt and uncle were in town so we had everyone over for outdoor games, Guinness and lively conversations.  We decided to cater in food from Chompies.  They have the best pastrami and corned beef.  It was delicious!  So glad that we had the opportunity to see family while they were in town and break soda bread together. Sadie and Harley   My Little Leprechauns Aiden  Madi  Family Selfie  Cousins  Me and Shannon

On the final Saturday of the kids' spring break, we had the opportunity to attend an Arizona Coyotes hockey game.  Thank you, Delta Dental!  This was the kids first hockey game.  They loved it!  Surprisingly, of both kids, Madilyn loved it the most.  From the drop of the puck in the first period, she sat intently watching the game.  She only left her seat a couple of times to visit the restroom or have a snack break.  I loved watching her watch the game.  She was so into it.  Sadly, the Coyotes lost, but not without trying.  The game ended in sudden death during overtime.  What a fun night out for our family!

Aiden continued to play soccer with all of his friends and Coach Pete this past winter.  During the winter season, we learned that Aiden may be a fair-weathered soccer player.  He loved playing soccer some of the time, and when he did, he is a pretty good little player.  He especially loves playing defense.  He has a real knack for knowing where the ball is going to go and getting there first to kick it away from the team.   Sadly, thought, there were many practices and games that Aiden only gave us half effort and concentration.  As a parent/coach, it can be very frustrating.  Hopefully, this is just a phase and next fall he will find the motivation to continue to grow and develop as a good little soccer player.  Only time will tell ... Aiden on the field Kicking a corner kick Team cheer Aiden Medals awarded

We kicked off the kids' spring break with a very quick trip to Laguna Woods to see Great-Grandma Selma (GG) and Great-Grandpa Stan (GP).  And although our trip was very short, we made sure to include all of the normal excursions: A ride on the back of GP's golf cart. A trip to the Dollar Tree so the kids could get some toys.   Dinner at Olive Garden. Breakfast at the Ayers Hotel (Madilyn loved helping GP make his waffles and ordering his omelet). Lunch at the Asian Buffet.   We thoroughly enjoyed our time with GG and GP.  We really wished that we lived closer so we could see them more often, but we will celebrate the little moments of time spent with them when we can. Golf cart fun Escorting GG into Olive Garden A quick photo of the kids Madilyn and GG GG and GP with the kids A group selfie