Easter

We had lots of fun this Easter. It seemed to sneak up on us rather quickly. On Saturday, we went to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at our church. The kids all enjoyed finding plastic eggs with candy in them. They were each in different sections, so between 2 adults and 2 cameras, we were able to get some pictures.

Ian picking up some eggs:

 

Audrey, getting serious and walking through the bushes. It was interesting to watch her be so selective. There were a lot of eggs she passed up and definitely certain ones she really wanted.

 

Audrey with her full basket:

Rachel hunting (more like gathering) her eggs:

 

After Ian picked up a few eggs, he was more than happy to watch the others and play with his eggs in his stroller:

 Our happy three:

Andy then took off to work and I headed home with the kiddos. We dye Easter eggs as well for the Easter bunny to hide. I was surprised as I talked to several different friends and not many of them so this... Interesting... I guess Andy and I had this tradition growing up, so we've continued it with our children. I was going to have them dye their eggs while Ian napped. However, right as Ian was going down for a nap a neighbor friend called and invited both of the girls over to play. We didn't want to pass that offer up! While Ian napped I was able to get stuff done around the house and the girls had fun at their friend's house. Once they got home, we then dyed eggs. Andy was still at work and Ian was up by now. The girls had lots of fun dying their Easter eggs:

  

Ian wasn't a huge fan of the tradition (maybe next year when Daddy can hopefully be around):

The finished eggs, I think we ended up with about 27:

The next morning there was lots of excitement as the kids checked out their baskets. They each got new swimsuits, floatation rings for the pool this summer, and some other fun little items. I think they got one piece of candy and then a few snacks (goldfish and fruit by the foot - things I usually say no to).

Swimsuits were quickly put on and we headed out to find the Easter eggs. The Easter Bunny was very creative this year. One of the favorite hiding spots was two eggs in an actual bird's nest that has been abandoned for about a year:

 

 

 Happy girls who have found all the eggs:

 

Ian just observed the girls finding the eggs outside, since he still isn't walking. Once we got inside he was excited to check the eggs out and make sure they really were hard-boiled:

We then got ready and went to church. After church the girls were quick to get back on their swimsuits, have us blow up their flotation tubes, sport their headbands, and play with their flashlights:

We had a relaxing afternoon. That evening we met up with some friends and family for Easter dinner. Our friends have the tradition of making a bunny cake every year for Easter. The kids thought the bunny cake was pretty cool!

We definitely enjoyed our Easter weekend. The girls and I enjoyed doing their "Resurrection Eggs" starting 12 nights before Easter Sunday. Each night we read some scriptures and learned about the events leading up to our Savior's crucifixion and resurrection. This has become a tradition in our house and they look forward to it every year. They are getting so smart and learning so much. We do have fun with the Easter bunny, but we also truly know why we celebrate Easter. And it's a very tender thing to watch your children learn and grow in the Gospel. We feel blessed!