Sleepy

Aaah, those were the days when you could fall asleep on the couch...

Cozying up to Pinocchio

Cookie Monster

Elie was the cuddliest Cookie Monster ever! It's too bad I couldn't get a picture of him with the thing over his head... he wouldn't leave it on long enough.

Trick-Or-Treat!

This was Asher and Elie's first time trick-or-treating. Elie rode in a stroller while Asher ran like a wild man collecting goodies for himself and Elie. It took him a few houses to get use to the idea of knocking on doors asking for candy. After they would come to the door he'd stand there with a blank stare looking up until I gave hints on what to say! But sure enough he got the hang of it!

By the way, isn't this the sweetest mother and baby picture?!

Puzzles master!

Elie has a puzzle obsession and plows through them all. You can see how seriously he takes it!

Asher teaching Elie...

...how to write.

Elie's 18-month stats...

Elie is taking after his big brother; they are both string beans-- tall and skinny.

Height: 33 1/4" (75%)
Weight: 22 lbs (10%)

He was so brave when he got his flu shot and vaccine. He only cries for a second and then he's over it.

He takes good care of those pearlies...

...and speaking of, he has all of 'em except the two-year molars.

Moi and Rabbi Cadaner's trip to Des Moines

They both needed to make a trip up to Des Moines so Moises offered Rabbi a ride.

L'Chaim!

...to the happy couples! During the summer Becky (Moises' sister) and Johnny got engaged, then just two weeks ago Danny (Moises' brother) and Wendy! This is going to be a busy year full of exciting, happy occasions- yay, Mazal Tov!

Honey Cake

Honey cake is the Jewish gingerbread. Both are spicy and symbolic. It is eaten on Rosh Hashannah to bring you a sweet new year.

The problem with most honey cakes is the rubbery texture. I have been on a mission to find a good recipe (mostly because I bought this cute beehive pan specifically for it) and I found it! Most recipes only contain a couple tablespoons of oil but this one has a full cup which makes the texture finer, moister, and more tender.

Levana Kirschenbaum's
Honey Cake
Makes 1 10-inch tube cake

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 cup honey (see note)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup very strong warm tea (2 tea bags steeped in 1 cup hot water)
1/2 cup ground almonds, optional
3 tablespoons sliced almonds (add only if using the ground almonds)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon an set aside.

In a food processor, process the eggs with the sugar, honey, and oil, just until combined. Beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with the tea. Pulse 2 to 3 times after each addition, just to incorporate. Add the ground almonds, if desired.

Pour the batter into a greased 10-inch springform pan or tube pan. Top with the sliced almonds, if using. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Invert the cake onto a rack to cool. Turn right side up to serve.

Note: If you measure the oil for the recipe first, then use the same measuring cup to measure the honey, the honey will slide out easily.

I love these kids!

Caught in the act!

As I'm walking down the stairs I see these three trouble makers helping themselves to chips on the counter. I think it was all Max's idea!

Dinosaur Kisses

Asher was laying next to Max "taking care" of him when he gave him a big dinosaur kiss.
This really made Max happy!

Silly!

Look Mommy!

Asher and I went to this restaurant in Park City last month called Highwest Distillery. As we were eating our onion rings, Asher holds up his half-eaten ring and says, "Look Mommy, it looks like a throat!" I couldn't help but have a good laugh and give him a squeeze. Being around my kids just reminds me to take time to smell the flowers!