Easter Weekend

I love traditions! I love the predictability of doing the same thing year after year. Sometimes, however, it's fun to do things a little differently. That's what we did this Easter. We decided this year to go to the Tri-cities for Easter. Our change in plans was mainly due to my sister-in-law's annual Tea Party being scheduled on the same weekend as Easter. My sister-in-law is an AMAZING woman, who loves to host a party each year just for the mothers and daughters. She literally spends days cooking for it and makes everyone dress up for the big event. After our delicious treats, we are always entertained by my fabulously talented nieces who play the piano and violin like they should be in the symphony!

It's such a fun day for everyone and I truly appreciate all the hard work my sister-in-law puts into this yearly event.

Natalie with her "tea" (i.e., hot cocoa)

My wonderful in-laws

Cousins

Cousins

The weather was wonderful in the Tri-cities. On Saturday it was 60 degrees! So while we were at the Tea Party, the boys took full advantage of the nice weather and played lots of baseball and tennis. They even walked to the park near my grandparents' home. (NOTE: There was snow on the ground when we left Spokane on Friday!)

On Easter morning, we had an Easter Egg Hunt and then off to church. At my grandparents' ward, the Primary sang "He Sent His Son." When they asked the Primary children to come up, Natalie marched right up to the stand. She stood in the front row and sang her little heart out. My grandparents were beaming. While we did things a little differently this Easter, it was still a wonderful weekend.

Hunting for eggs on Easter morning

Easter Morning

Easter Morning

Easter Morning

Joy

It's always exciting around our house when these cheerful spring Crocuses start popping up around our yard. It's so wonderful watching my children run from flower bed to flower bed, trying to find tiny flowers budding. I attended Time Out for Women this weekend and feel transformed. I have such a blessed life and I want to show my appreciation to my Heavenly Father for these blessings by making each day count. So, this afternoon the dishes sat in the sink, the bedding I piled up to wash today sat in the laundry room, and the e-mails waiting for me just had to wait a little longer. I spent the afternoon with my children.

Little Ones

We've had a lot of excitement around our house lately! Natalie and Adam's birthdays are only a week apart (well, technically a week AND 2 years.) I always refer to them as my "little two," which makes Ally and Nicholas my "big two." Ally and Nicholas are 20 months apart then we waited 3 years to have Natalie and then just 2 years later Adam came along. So they are kind of grouped in pairs. Now that Natalie is 6 and Adam is 4, the term "little two" is suddenly not so appealing to them. I will be working hard to stop using that phrase, but until then, here are some pictures of my BIG "little two."

p.s. I'm taking up a new hobby . . . photography. I just purchased my first SLR camera (I've relied on my point and shoot for MANY years). These are some of my first pictures. As you can see, I've got a lot to learn. I'll keep posting my progress.

Thank You Andrew

For the wonderful weekend get away!

While my family and my faith are tops on my list, close behind are friends and snow skiing! This weekend Andrew watched the kids so I could enjoy both. Thank you honey. And, thank you to the person who made it possible - Kariann. Your cabin is so cozy and comfortable. It was the perfect setting for a great get away.