Easter 2015

We somehow managed to get to 9am service on Easter morning even with baskets and a slightly fancier than normal breakfast.

After church we spontaneously headed to the river. It was a beautiful day and I wanted to enjoy all of them with one activity (we often divide up). Too bad I worried most of the time that someone would fall in :( Even still it was a lovely morning to be outside.

 They are eager (more than me) to go back!

After naps we headed to my parents house for an egg hunt and dinner. 

I made everyone get their nice clothes back on. That went over well ;)

 

The kids LOVED the egg hunt.

 This gorgeous dress was handmade by a cousin of mine. She gave it to me right before we left to get Avery. It's been hanging in her closet (too big) until now :)

Dinner was yummy! EJ felt too sick to eat. He finally caught the stomach bug that circled our house twice :(

 We "celebrated" mom's birthday. Lissa made a delicious choc cake with caramel frosting.

I spent much of Lent every so grateful for the cross. Shouldn't I always? When life is full and happy, sadly, I don't "need" to think about his sacrifice quite as much. Lately, there has been a lot of sad, difficult, troubling, and depressing news amongst my friends and family. There is really only one place to go where the news is GREAT and full of eternal LOVE. Jesus! My redeemer, lives!

"And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ"

"In Christ Alone"

2nd Annual Run for the Fund

Ryan and Avery's Preschool holds a Kid's Run and 5K to raise money for the scholarship fund. EJ is part of the race committee and the kids' smiles make all their hard work worth it ;)

Both Owen and Mason on on the left in this picture if you look closely.

 Owen came in second place (again) but beat last years time by quite a bit!

 Mason did great despite his brother's jeers at the finish line

 Ryan joined the preschoolers in a dash. He is in the red shorts.

After the races, our church held their annual egg hunt. I didn't get any pictures of the actual hunt. It's over quick.

We were very thankful for the weather and the turn out.

Egg Dying

It was worse than I expected ;) I should have known not to attempt without EJ. Seconds after this picture was taken, I knocked over this cup of blue dye. It splattered everywhere and took a lot of elbow grease to remove from floor, island base and counter. I almost cried and fortunately the cuss words stayed in my head. Ah, the subtle reminders of how much I need Jesus ;)

I threw her shirt in the trash and most of the dye came off later in the bathtub.

He was hesitant to join us but was glad he did ;) 

He has been begging to dye eggs for days, not nearly as often as last year.

 She is one messy artist, just like her mama.

His Turn

Ryan had a chance to play basketball and he was excited that it was HIS turn :)

 He played on Thurs nights for 4 weeks with daddy assisting (even better). 

It was the perfect introduction.

He can hold is own out there. Not surprised because big brothers do not take it easy on him.

Sadly, he is not as enthusiastic about t-ball which is a WHOLE season long. Hopefully that will change soon.

Sisters Celebrated

We had separate birthday celebrations, but I figured I might as well post them together.

The last two weeks of March felt insane. Between the beginning of spring sports and 3 birthdays in 5 days, we had full calendars. 

I got to celebrate Lissa, two times. Once for dinner at our house and also for donuts with her friends on her actual bday. I love having her nearby and am thankful we see each other as often as we do.

 

 The night before my bday, two friends took me out for dessert. I am blessed by their friendships and felt very loved by our time together. When I came home I found this waiting for me :)

 

On my birthday, my mom surprised us with donuts!

 Lissa and Tripp brought me a yummy mexican lunch!

EJ and I celebrated the following weekend with a dinner date!! Much needed after our busy two weeks. Thanks to Lissa and Alex for babysitting our crew!