"Spring, the season for rebirth, renewal, and regrowth."
Cecile and I and our son Jason were two of seventeen people that gathered at Kim and AL Chiens’ lovely home for Easter Sunday.
It was a very auspicious day. Besides being the day Christians celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection, it was Kim and AL’s 18th wedding anniversary and our baby granddaughter Lyla's first Easter. She even got her first Easter egg basket.
On any major family holiday celebration, the first thing that comes to mind when walking into the Chien's home and experiencing Kim’s flawless attention to detail, tasteful creativity and signature artistry that she employs in setting the menu, coordinating food preparations, and planning the decor is that this amazing passionate and compassionate woman should have her own TV series on the Food Chanel Network. It is clear to all that know her, that her efforts are a labor of love.
After, pre-meal drinks from the family’s back yard patio bar, enjoying yummy appetizers such as deviled eggs, melon wrapped in prosciutto, lollypop lamb chops and a fresh fruit platter and dip, we socialized with Kyle’s dad Ed and Gerry, his brother Chip and Katie who flew in from New York, AL’s mom and dad, Dana and Jack, brother Rich and Lisa and their adorable daughters, Simone and Alivia, and of course our dearest daughter Michelle. Our little Lyla was being passed around and lovingly embraced like the precious flower she is. Even, the family dog, Bailey came over to snuggle next to Lyla. If she could talk she would have to conclude “They really, really love me,” and she would be right. She was the love and light of the party on this Easter Day.
The glass T-shape dining table room setting was inviting. After Kim recited a prayer for all the blessings in our lives, we ate buffet-style enjoying Ham Quiche, Spinach Quish, Honey-Baked Ham, Cheesy potatoes, Halibut Florentine, Glazed Carrots, Fresh Asparagus followed by Carrott cake, Banana bread, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Krispy Kreme Donuts and Easter Cookies.
After dinner AL—brave enough to wear a Rabbit Suit (pink I may add) coordinated an Easter Egg hunt for the children in the front yard and for adults in the backyard. Michelle found a Golden Egg with $50 cash prize AL had hidden in an electric utility box. “That’s my girl,” I said.
As the designated family historian and photographer Al said, “No social media.” It is difficult to take someone seriously, saying no photos on social media with respect to his wearing a Pink Bunny Rabbit suit:-) All kidding aside, AL brought a spirit and excitement to the events of the day that will be remembered by all for years to come. By the end of the day, AL didn’t win any easter egg award, but he got the best prize of the day—feeding Lyla (Photo).
Postscript: Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected by the Sri Lanka tragedy, serial bomb blasts that hit several churches and hotels on Easter Sunday.
