A lesson on examples!

We're beginning to have a problem at our house...Loa does EVERYTHING that Laex does!  Sometimes it's not such a bad thing like when he's being helpful, obedient, and sharing.  But then there's the rebellious, ornery, mischievous side and she is pretty convinced that whatever her BIG brother does is the coolest thing on the planet and she should surely be doing it too!
One of the biggest problems we've dealt with lately is Laex's behavior at the dinner table (and therefore, Loa's behavior).  If it's something that doesn't look, smell or feel exactly right he says he doesn't like it, pushes the plate away, refuses to eat, etc. (If only he was still the toddler who ate absolutely EVERYTHING I put in front of him!) Loa then does the same, even though she's already tasted it and responded with a, "Mmm, yummy Mom!"
LeGrand & I decided we needed a lesson about being an example and behavior at the table.  So I played the 'ol "April Fools" game and whipped up some of this for dinner...

 Meatloaf & Mashed Potato Cupcakes

Pudding & Candy Chicken Pot Pies

Laex thought it was a bit weird we 'wanted' him to eat his cupcake first & it took us a good 15 min. of convincing to get Loa to taste her 'Pot Pie' even though Laex was devouring his :)  Our point was that food isn't always what it seems to be so we need to taste and try everything and never make inappropriate comments we accompanied the dinner with a story and discussion about being an example.

Laex now talks about our crazy dinner at nearly every meal time, I'm glad it stuck a little :)