Happy Easter One and All

It's Easter!

He is risen!

A few minutes in the morning to enjoy spring treats

then it's off to enjoy 9am Church (John was speaking!).

Then it's home to get ready for Easter dinner, but first they need to goof off a bit...

This was a much quieter Easter dinner this year - could it be perhaps because we broke from the traditional ham and green bean casserole and opted for barbecue baby backs and angel hair with tomato and pesto that scared everyone off? Either way, if it weren't for Shaun coming over, it would have been only our little family with a feast (enough for 13) and one giant layered carrot cake for dessert.

In full disclosure, my parents were away for the weekend attending my uncle's funeral and John's mom was very ill recovering from surgery. We missed having them! Afterwards, we watched Tangled (for the billionth time) because Shaun has never seen it - and that's not OK . . . it's a must see - while enjoying multiple servings of pineapple carrot cake with orange-scented cream cheese frosting.

Oh Yeah.

Where's the picture of THAT? :-)

Here's to hoping we'll actually make it to Knott's tomorrow for our last day of vacation. Madison has bronchitis again and developed a fever tonight so the outlook is not good. I fear disappoint on the horizon.

On a happier note, yesterday we chaperoned the youth for a temple baptism trip (which is a 7-hour excursion here) and it was Madison's first time in the temple. She was very excited and it was a beautiful experience. Grandpa even had a family name for her to do.

Happy Easter!

I love Easter and this time of year.  

Everything is green and in bloom.

On Saturday, we enjoyed a family hike in our local National State Park. 

I love having it practically in walking distance from our home.

We even brought Cole and he loved it! 

The weather is clean and pretty, it's fun to get out and enjoy family time, and sisterly bonding time.  

Easter Morning!

What did the Easter Bunny bring? 

John had to go to a meeting at church, so I took pictures of the kids before we had to leave.  The neighbors got a kick out of seeing them all in their Easter-best.  (We are the only church-goers on our street).  It was classic!  However trying to get the just right photo is next to impossible - at least that just right photo of each of them at the same time. 

Ashlyn is singing Alleluia already.  The neighbors must have loved it.

Madison

Christian and one of his unique poses.  Not quite sure what it means.

Brooke is always ready to strike a pose. 

Here Ashlyn is now leading the neighborhood in an Alleluia choir.

Well done neighbors!  A round of applause - You did beautifully!

Brooke taught Ashlyn how to strike a pose. 

I love how they actually want to match still.  I'll take it as long as I can.

It's time to get in the car for church . . . Ashlyn decides to take a nature walk instead. 

In the evening, over at Lisa's, the kids had fun with a little Easter egg hunt.

How silly of us to forget our baskets and have to use lovely grocery sacks. 

I made a bunny carrot cake for dessert and for Sharon's birthday.  He turned out pretty cute! 

I also made an Easter egg wreath.  The dyed eggs were baked right in the bread. 

Now for spring break!  Yay!  I am ready for a week off school.