A Blessed Easter

We had a wonderful Easter this year! It was full of family, friends, fun, and the perfect blend of old and new traditions!

We woke up to a beautiful Spring day.  Lily heard me and followed me into the bathroom.  While sucking her thumb and staring into space, something caught her attention in the bathtub.  The baskets were hidden in the tub, and she could see the bright colors through the shower doors.   She slowly withdrew her thumb, pointed, and said, "I want that."  I quickly ushered her out of the bathroom so the other kids had a chance to search!

Everyone woke up and huddled together on the couch.




It took them a few minutes before they realized it was Easter, then they excitedly ran off to find their baskets!  A bitten carrot and powdery bunny footprints led them to where the baskets were hidden. They grabbed their baskets and dug in!






Liam was very interested in his first Easter basket!











Our Easter mornings are always rushed.  We try to fit in baskets, breakfast, and getting ready for church in a short amount of time.  We started a new tradition this year.  Easter Breakfast is now Easter donuts!




After breakfast, we got dressed and went to church. The church we attend is just a 1/2 mile away.  The kids are always very well behaved in church, which makes the service enjoyable! We always sit with Grant's family on Easter Sunday.  As usual, Grant's mom, Nannie, Uncle Scott, and cousin Carol were there.   I couldn't help but stroke Lily's hair and kiss the top of Liam's head every chance I got. I love Easter Sunday service! It moves me to tears.



After the service, the kids had donuts, cookies, and refreshments, and we talked with Grant's family and some friends.  We had to snap a few family pictures before leaving!




When we arrived home, the kids played while I started preparing for Easter dinner.







This was the first time we hosted a holiday dinner in our home.  Grant was tired of running from place to place on holidays, so we compromised.  I offered to host dinner at our house.  I was bummed that none of my family was joining us, but everyone was doing their own thing. We had wonderful company, so I can't complain. Plus, my parents stopped over to give the kids their Easter baskets. I'm glad we got to see them!



We invited some of our best friends to dinner, and it was a really nice day!  My friend, Steph, and I set to work finishing up dinner while our kids played and our husbands disappeared into the man cave. It was relaxing, fun, and dinner was delicious.  Soon after dinner, my niece dropped off my great niece, Aubrey, to spend the night. Then, some more friends came over to join us for dessert.  I was so busy cooking, chatting, and eating that I didn't think to take many pictures!












Before we knew it, the day was almost over, and everybody had to head home.  It was a wonderful Easter with some of the most wonderful people I know.  I can't WAIT to do this again next year!



My sweet Liam celebrated his first Easter.  I can't even begin to explain how much joy he brings to our lives.  I am so thankful for the multitude of blessings in my life.  I am so thankful for this little family Grant and I have created.  New life has a way of making Easter seem so much more special.







This Easter was the most special Easter.  It was our first Easter as a family of six, and it was perfect.