novruz

Every year since their return from Azerbaijan (for the PeaceCorps), Carolyn & Jesse have invited us to their Novruz celebration. It's the first day of Spring & is Azerbaijan's New Year celebration. Check out the 2010 & 2009 celebrations!

On Sunday, March 20th, the Williamses prepared their favorite Azerbaijani foods to share with us!

The yummy spread!

Plov! Always a favorite. :)

A tasty, cold potatoey/eggy salad (didn't catch the name) & yummy yogurt/spinach/herb soup (didn't catch that name either) :)

Bread & Meat! Finn was a big fan of the meat & even had seconds. :)

And of course, Bahklava!

Jacque helping Finn with his puzzle, while waiting for the feast to begin.

After dinner, Jesse put his Boy Scout skills to work & built a small fire in their driveway.

I love this picture of Jacque & Cedar. They both look like they're having a great time! :)

Stu & Kenton, humoring the girl with the camera. ;)

Finn trying to wait patiently for the fire to get big enough...& possibly doing the potty dance?? :P

The first to jump over the fire! This year, he got to do it by himself - no help! He even practiced saying the traditional saying, "Ağırlıgım- uğurluğum bu odda qalsın!" Which essentially means, all my troubles fall into the fire, so we can start the New Year with a clean slate.

Kenton & I helped Cedar jump this year. Last year, we carried him as we helped Finn jump. What a difference a year makes...

Kenton's turn. Cedar & Finn were never far from the action & Cedar was definitely making me nervous a few times. But he knew that the fire was HOT & was steering clear every time.

A blurry, but cute, Jacque!

Carolyn in a blur, with a curious Finn watching.

Jesse...& Cedar! :)

Carolyn & Jesse helping Finn. Finn definitely jumped more than the traditional 3 times. He was having too much fun to stop!

Thanks for another great Novruz, Carolyn & Jesse! Always a good time...always delicious food!