We had quite the company for Easter – Larbs and Matt flew in, my parents drove up, Matt’s parents came from Maryland and Karen walked over from her house!
Our weekend started off a bit rocky though when Mazen came down with both an ear infection and croup! He’s working hard on that last molar too, so he was pretty miserable for a bit. We tried to keep him as happy as possible and he was so long as we kept medicine going.
Friday night mom and dad babysat while us youngins went out to dinner
Husband swap!
We stopped into the first Fridays After Five to say hi to our friends
And then we went to Bang! where we had my favorite cocktail – the Afterglow –
Followed by a handful of small plates to share – everything from wild mushroom dumplings to crispy tempura green beans. Yum!!
On Saturday Larbs and I went to athletic conditioning in the morning and she went wine tasting with the group while I chilled at home with Mr. Naptime and got ready for Easter dinner
We just bought some picnic benches 15% off at World Market {these} to go with our outdoor built-in table. Such perfect timing to have dinner al fresco!
The yard got great use!
The “Hop-sparagus” was actually hop shoots I bought at the city market. We grilled them like asparagus, but I think we all agreed that we probably won’t get them again. They were a bit….funky!
Ready for cupcakes!!
Sweet Haus to the rescue!
The Easter bunny came by our house! Hop hop hop!
Mazen was excited for about 2 minutes and then he said “EAT EAT EGGS” and wanted breakfast : )
Sunday morning we had brunch
Just got this dress from the GAP for the occasion!
Karen made a fabulous egg casserole with sausage and we had fruit salad, toast and bacon. Another meal enjoyed outside!
Hope your weekend was smashing!
Jackie says
April 21, 2014 at 7:26 amLooks like a great Easter!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
April 21, 2014 at 7:35 amLooks like a fantastic weekend — and such beautiful weather!
Katie says
April 21, 2014 at 7:48 amWhat a wonderful Easter! Love that dress, it looks like it was made just for you. I think I need to do some Gap 40% off shopping today. Mazen is looking so grown up. I remember my son’s cheeks being like that, he had numerous ear infections that started early resulting in ear tubes twice and then he his tonsils and adenoids removed a couple of years ago. Has Mazen had much trouble with his ears before now (I can’t remember if you have mentioned it before)? Hope he feels better soon! I know it was always hard for me to watch my kids not feel well (both just had the stomach flu this week).
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 8:30 amThis was his first ear infection thankfully
Katie says
April 21, 2014 at 10:18 pmAnd hopefully his last! My son used to get some double ear infections so I got pretty good at recognizing the early signs and get him into the doctor ASAP. We realized how miserable he must have been eating and sleeping until he had his tubes, tonsils and adenoids done about 2 1/2 years ago when he was 5. For example, broccoli used to “tickle his throat” and make him cough and gag and now plain streamed broccoli is one of his favorite foods! Hope Mazen stays healthy and happy!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
April 21, 2014 at 7:49 amWhat a wonderful weekend! I love that your family comes to visit so often. Such a treat!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
April 21, 2014 at 7:54 amSounds like a great celebration with family! Can’t believe how grown up Mazen is looking….like a little man!!
Sarah says
April 21, 2014 at 7:57 amBeautiful weekend!!! What slide is that?!? I think we need one ????.
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 8:30 amFrom Target! $25
Rebekah {aCricketSang} says
April 21, 2014 at 7:57 amAmazing looking eats!
Ella says
April 21, 2014 at 8:02 amthat last dress looks stellar on you, Kath!
simple green moms says
April 21, 2014 at 8:20 amlooks like you had such a fun easter weekend! =)
Molly says
April 21, 2014 at 8:25 amI’m kind of surprised you would leave a sick child to go out to dinner, even if it’s with beloved grandparents! When kids are that ill, they need to know they can count on you… how weird to go out all evening for an unhurried restaurant meal. Just a little advice from an old hand: you reap what you sow with children!
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 8:29 amHe was totally happy and then asleep or we wouldn’t have left. We were also a 10 minute walk away.
Mom says
April 21, 2014 at 8:52 amHe didn’t seem sick. He had a fab time playing with us.
And I’m an old hand too and know that kids benefit from lots of loving caregivers in their lives, not just mom and dad.
Andrea says
April 21, 2014 at 9:47 amMolly – he had an ear infection and croup….it’s not like he was on his deathbed. I don’t see anything wrong with going out to enjoy dinner while leaving your sleeping child with your parents that he knows, loves and trusts, sick or not.
Kim says
April 21, 2014 at 10:26 amI can’t even believe this is a comment on here. If kath felt comfortable leaving than that is her decision and quote honestly Molly, you are In no position to pass judgement. As mothers we should be supporting one another, not pointing fingers. Bravo to you kath for getting out of the house for some fun!!! Period , the end.
Katie says
April 21, 2014 at 9:45 amWhen my little guy is sick is has no problem snuggling with his grandparents. Children benefit a lot from having a secure bond with grandparents or a “secondary” caregiver.
Ali says
April 21, 2014 at 10:08 amWhat do you think people do when they can’t take off of work and have to leave their child with family members, friends, or at daycare? If the parents and the person taking care of him were feeling okay with it, then I don’t see a problem with it. And, it’s not like meals take hours and hours and we all don’t have cell phones now and the care giver could reach the parent at a moment’s notice.
Jeannie says
April 21, 2014 at 10:13 amWow. Molly, why would you ever feel the need to make such a rude comment?! Do you have kids? Are you passing this need to judge and be critical to them?! You reap what you sow. I think it’s wonderful to have such loving and involved grandparents in little Mazen’s world.
Kari says
April 21, 2014 at 8:53 pmMolly she left him with her parents. You know the people who raised her. Pretty sure they’d be able to handle caring for him. Mazen is obviously a well loved boy.
Kim Goreham says
April 21, 2014 at 8:25 amI’m super-jealous of your ability to celebrate outside in dresses, shorts, and short-sleeves! Here in Nova Scotia, our egg-hunt was done with hoodies and toques!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
April 21, 2014 at 8:30 amAh I just saw that dress in the window of Gap when I was walking to work this morning – so cute! I hope Mazen is doing better!
Mary says
April 21, 2014 at 8:46 amAfterglow looks good – do you remember what was in it? Also, love your Easter centerpiece of tulips and miniature daffodils!
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 10:50 amKnob Creek and lemongrass simple syrup!
emily says
April 21, 2014 at 9:13 amThose red pants are great!
Katie says
April 21, 2014 at 9:42 amYour easter menu looked delicious! I can’t believe how grown up Mazen looks 🙂 I hope he’s feeling better!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
April 21, 2014 at 10:21 amcute teal sandals — where from?
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 10:49 amLoft!
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says
April 21, 2014 at 10:36 amI’m so happy you explained the hop-sparagus! I was so intrigued by it. We’re big craft beer drinkers so anything cooked with beer or hops always sparks my interest. Too bad it didn’t turned out quite as good as you hoped, but that’s part of the fun of trying new things, right?
Chelsea @ BigBitesLittleBudget says
April 21, 2014 at 10:56 amWhat a beautiful Easter dinner spread. You always outdo yourself Kath! Such fun. Glad you had a fun weekend to enjoy.
Kim says
April 21, 2014 at 11:02 amRecipes, pretty please. 😉
Nan says
April 21, 2014 at 11:27 amSuch a nice weekend with your family! You have such a beautiful backyard! Enjoy enjoy and hope Mazen feels better soon!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger says
April 21, 2014 at 11:45 amThose cupcakes look so tasty! Last thing I need after stuffing my mouth last night (and today at lunch) with Easter food!
Ali says
April 21, 2014 at 11:56 amI’m sorry Mazen got croup. Aiden had that a couple weeks ago and we ended up with two ER trips and an overnight stay in the hospital. They say that most kids recover just fine, but he had an especially bad case of it I guess. That’s definitely no fun though!! I love your GAP dress:)
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 12:18 pmSo scary 🙁 m’s case was mild luckily.
Erin Shmidt says
April 21, 2014 at 12:15 pmI love the slide and the benches from World Market. And our little guy would love that slide!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
April 21, 2014 at 12:52 pmLooks like a great weekend with great company and eats 🙂 Hope Mazen feels better soon!
Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit says
April 21, 2014 at 1:38 pmHow nice that you had so much family together! It looks like such a lovely weekend and all the food looks incredible. Love that dress, too!
[email protected] says
April 21, 2014 at 2:51 pmWow I wish I had have been at your’s for Easter dinner!!! Just tried pulled pork for the first time yesterday, slow cooked tenderloin and LOVED it! Hope Mazen is feeling a little bit better in himself today!
KathEats says
April 21, 2014 at 4:49 pmYay glad you liked it!
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy says
April 21, 2014 at 4:02 pmPoor Maze. He looks happy despite the ailments! Lucy just got over an ear infection and pink eye in both eyes. These little ones pick up so many germs!
Jeanie says
April 21, 2014 at 5:07 pmEverything looks lovely!
Emily @ Life on Food says
April 21, 2014 at 7:33 pmHappy Easter! I cannot believe you are eating outside already; I hope the warmer weather travels up north soon.
Khushboo says
April 21, 2014 at 10:38 pmLooks like a lovely Easter, Kath! I haven’t been on your blog for a while but you are glowing…motherhood really suits you :)!
Dara says
April 21, 2014 at 11:25 pmKath,
First of all – love your blog, have been reading it for a few months. I have a question about Mazen’s cheeks, my son’s cheeks look exactly the same right now and we’ve been trying to figure out what to do about it. Doctors say it’s probably a food allergy, but we’re not sure to what. So i’ve been wondering, does it bother Mazen at all and have you done anything about it? Perhaps you’ve already talked about it on your blog and i just can’t find it? I apologize if this isn’t any of my business, it’s just something we’re dealing with right now and i’d love to hear about your experience
KathEats says
April 22, 2014 at 8:44 amI’ve asked 4 different pediatricians about this and all signs point to teething. They flared when his bottoms came in and then were fine for months. Then his top two teeth came in super quick and his cheeks flared for about a week. He’s been getting one after another (8 total) for about 3 months now so they haven’t had a break. His last molar is 3-quadrants of the way in. IF when this last molar is all the way in the cheeks don’t get better we’ll try both food elimination and a dermatologist. I tried food elimination back when his bottoms were coming in and he was off gluten, dairy and eggs and they didn’t get better but when his teeth came in they did get better and I reintroduced all three foods and his cheek was fine. So I’m thinking it’s his teeth (and his doctor(s) agree) but we’ll know for sure when he has them all in.
Hope says
April 22, 2014 at 11:09 amMy son also got red cheeks when he was teething. It still happened when we cut out dairy (because he had other symptoms of a milk protein allergy) so I really think it was just the teething. It has since gone away and he’s almost 2.5.
KathEats says
April 22, 2014 at 1:02 pmThat’s good to hear!
Megan Roberts says
April 22, 2014 at 9:14 pmHi! I can also attest to the teething! I am a first grade teacher and all my kiddos are losing baby teeth and getting their grown up teeth; lots of rosy cheeks in the class every year. 🙂
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
April 22, 2014 at 6:25 amLovely tablescape and amazing menu!!! Looks like you had such a nice day! My husband and I went to New York for the weekend so my kids stayed home with the grandparents…as much as I needed (and enjoyed) the time away I also REALLY missed spending Easter with my family!
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says
April 22, 2014 at 10:34 amLooks like you had a fabulous weekend! Your menu makes me miss Virginia Rolls, such a treat when I head home! Love the outside dining table, it’s my favorite part of spring.
Steph says
April 22, 2014 at 7:23 pmYou’re Easter weekend looks amazing! Those cupcakes are soo cute! I love the pics of Mazen’s big smiling face 🙂
Lindsay says
April 22, 2014 at 7:28 pmWhat stunningly gorgeous family moments you have Kath! I hope to one day live close enough to my parents and friends again, until then, we are growing our community out on this island, making our own ohana.
Jamie says
April 23, 2014 at 10:21 amMy daughter had croup often when she was a little one. We spent countless long nights in a steamy bathroom, and to this day the first thing she wants when she is sick (11 years old now) is a hot shower! Hope Mazen is feeling better!