My First Trip to the Jersey Shore

Well Mommy and Daddy finally took me down to see the big ocean. We stayed with Aunt Christen's Mommy and Daddy, and I had so much fun.

When we first got there I was a little scared of the ocean, and wouldn't even put my feet in the water. Then Daddy and I started to play catch on the beach, and Daddy "accidentally" threw the ball a little in the water. I ran to get it, and then I decided that I like the ocean and didn't need to be scared. I think I heard Mommy and Daddy say, "Now we can't get him out." Oh well it was fun. We then started digging with a shovel and pale. I even made a big sand castle (ok remember I am three, so for you big people it was a little small.) Daddy helped me write my name in the Ocean. He said the Ocean would take my name all the way to the other side of the Ocean in Isreal and in Africa (where my friend Curious George comes from).

After I went Night-Night, Aunt Christen, Uncle Moss, Cousin Cami, and Baby Caitlin got there. The next morning, Cousin Cami and I had a lot of time to play. She even read me a story. I got to give Baby Caitlin big kisses and hugs, and Daddy and Aunt Christen took a lot of pictures. After we all had breakfast, Uncle Moss, Cami, Mommy, Daddy and I went to a park. We had lots of fun climbing and going down the big slides, and even going on the swings.

Thank you to Aunt Christen's Mommy and Daddy for letting us stay in the great house near the Ocean.

Yummy, Hamburger

I just had to post this. . .

Someone has not been fond of beef (except hotdogs), but as you can see, if Mommy and Daddy are eating a hamburger, so can Sam. However, he would not take a half or a small one, he wanted a big one just like Mommy and Daddy.

My First Trip to Visit Mickey Mouse

Mommy, Daddy, and I went on a big airplane to go visit Mickey's house, better known as Disney World. It was so much fun. I got to sleep in a big bed all by myself, we rode on a train, I rode on Dumbo, and sang "It's a Small World", and the best part I got to meet Mickey Mouse. He gave me a big hug kiss, and even let me sit on his lap while Mommy and Daddy took pictures.

I also got to meet Winnie the Pooh (or Pooh Pooh). I gave him a big hug and was so happy. I also bounced with Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. Eeyore was sad, but I gave him a kiss and he became happy.

At night, we saw a big parade, and then Daddy put me on his shoulders and I saw the fireworks. They were really loud, but I wanted to see them again.

After we visited Mickey Mouse, we went to St. Petersburg, and I went swimming in the big pool with Daddy. Just like Nemo, I kept on swimming. We also met Mommy and Daddy's friends, first Aunt Kerri and Uncle Mike who made me a yummy hot dog and then the next day we saw Aunt Jessica with Ryan and Jackie. Uncle Jeff met us for Dinner.

Passover 2008

Last Friday was Sam's Passover Play at school and we had a "model Seder" in his classroom. All the children did great, and Sam tasted some Matzo (which he had said all week was Great) and then proceeded to tell us, "I no like that." Well at least he tried it.

When we taught Sam about Passover, this is what his version of the story is:

1. Who is Pharoh? Pharoh is Mean.
2. What did Moses say to Pharoh? "Let my people go!"
3. What did Pharoh say? "NO!"
4. What did G-d do to Pharoh when he said 'No'? "TIMEOUT! TIMEOUT! TIMEOUT!"

Remember this is a 2 1/2 year old, and for him "Timeout" is the worst punishment there is.

Saturday night was Sam's First Seder at Saba and Safta's house. Sam enjoyed the festivities but the high light for him was eating the Chicken Soup and then finding the Afikomen. He was so thrilled to find it. He played with Abby and Haley (his twin 10 year old cousins) all night, and even enjoyed letting them give him a bath (with Daddy's help). Around the end of the Seder, Sam serenaded everyone with "Ma Nishtanah" (well the first line). We were so proud (Daddy had been working on this for 3 months).

After sleeping overnight at Saba and Safta's house, we left for Bubbie and Zeyda's house for the Second Seder. While there were several more people, the most interesting "person" there for Sam was cousin David and Jen's dog, Snickers. He was a little dog, so Sam was thrilled to meet and play with him. Once again the Chicken Soup was the hit of the meal, but the dessert of Chocolate Moose may have been a topper. Sam again serenaded everyone with "Ma Nishtanah" making Bubbie and Zeyda's night.

On Monday morning, Sam, Daddy and Zeyda all went to Zeyda's synagogue. Sam enjoyed the service, and particularly loved kissing the Torah. He even got an Aliyah (with Daddy's help), so it was a fun day.

To see pictures of the Seder's click here. We did not post the pictures from school as not all parents want their children's pictures posted.

My First Snow Fall

Check out these pictures from my first snow fall (we aren't counting Moscow since I don't remember that.) I helped Daddy shovel some snow and then I made a snow angel with Mommy. The snow was very cold, but I liked throwing it in the air, and I even tried to taste some.

http://www.baranoffmailing.com/samuel/02-22-08.htm