Purim, as I have discovered, is both the best and absolute worst holiday for a four year old. Anna had an amazing time dressing up as Queen Esther, going to synagogue to hear the Megillah and making noise when the villan Haman's name was read. And then she came home.... and the wonderful baskets of mishloach manot started to arrive. And then more came. And more. And soon, our dining room table was teeming with goodies from our friends in town. Usually we deliver our own around town also, but we got lazy this year and took up our synagogue on their offer to distribute on our behalf (for a donation). So, Anna - who is usually out making rounds with my husband delivering our goodies to our friends was home when the bags and baskets started to arrive. And then the damage control started.

Mommy, can I have this? Can I have this? Please! Please just one bite? Just one tiny bite? But I didn't have this snack before! No, I don't want real food. Can I have this? Please? Pleeeeease!!!

Ugh. I felt like I was playing monkey in the middle between my wonderful four year old and a table full of temptation. Now, I think, I wont be so lazy next year and will be sure to make my own mishloach manot baskets as I have done for so many years - just to make sure the kids are out of the house to give me enough time to put at least most of the goodies in a safe place....