Easter

Saturday Night's Project

Proud of their creations.

After a lesson in how to place, not drop, an egg into dye we let them put their own eggs in...even Lynneah. I will live to regret it one day, but last year and this year have gone ok. The only reason I keep white crayons around is so they can put designs on Easter eggs every year. They did a good job of sharing, patiently holding the egg half submerged so they could make a multicolored one, and creating cute pictures with the crayons.

After scriptures and article of faith (we have them all assigned to a month and say it every night after scriptures) Stephen talked about where colored eggs come from and some of the history associated with them and what they represent.

They got baskets the next morning, and Kenzie was really into it this year.

Then it was time for the hunt!

Last year was busy, and they didn't get an egg hunt, or birthday parties. Garrett specifically asked me to write a letter requesting that that rodent leave an egg hunt for them this year. I told them if the bunny got here and saw dog poop in the backyard he'd turn around and leave because he doesn't like getting dog poop all over his furry feet.

It worked. The yard was poop free by Saturday afternoon. Feel free to judge...it worked.

The next morning they saw the eggs in our yard, then peeked over the fence, saw no eggs and "lots of dog poop" in the neighbor's yard; and came running into the house saying, "Mom, you were right! There are no eggs in the neighbor's yard and they have lots of poop in it!!" I so hope they were not within ear shot of it. They're a nice couple that just had their first baby. I know they judge the wild and noise over here, but if they have a few they'll get it, and they're still nice people anyway. Ignorance is judgmental bliss after all.

Thank you neighbor's dog for having my back on this one. ;-)

 Why use a basket when a stroller works so much better.

She discovered some make noise when you shake them and was super excited.

He grabbed Kenzie's basket and started putting eggs in it for her all on his own.

 He thought the monkey egg he found was awesome.

Doesn't she look so big in a tiny little girl kind of way?

 She was pretty proud of her stroller haul. That outfit was all her choosing.

 He was the first to discover some of the eggs had change and thought it was "COOL!"

 Never one to let something go, he was all over the eggs with change in them too...and very proud of his super full basket.

"Mom, I don't have very many because I shared and helped Lynneah and Kenzie."

You're a good big brother, my boy.

Later in the day he was talking to me about helping the girls and having fewer eggs. I explained that that's one of the ways he can tell he's growing up. He looked at me funny. I told him that when you notice others that need help and are willing to provide that help even when it means less for you it shows that you're growing up and becoming a good person. He smiled; pleased that he was growing into a good person. He's always had a good heart. Sometimes it's really hard to see it, but I've always known it was there and am so happy to see him tapping into it and acting on the kindness that I know he has.

Now that the all the pagan (sp?) part was done it was time leave it and prepare for church.

There were many years that Easter dresses were NOT a part of my life. Well, not within my home. I bought lots of dresses I thought were cute and just couldn't leave sitting on the rack. Lucky for me I had super cute nieces to send them to so they could actually get used. Every time I came home with another one Stephen would say, "You don't have girls." Then I would say, "No, BUT I KNOW GIRLS." ;-D

Regardless of the gender status of my kids, Easter is special and I wasn't about to have my cute boys left out because they were boys. 

The solution?? 

EASTER SUITS!! 

Yes, much to Stephen's chagrin, I've been buying Easter suits since Gabriel was a baby. I still think they're so darn handsome in them too!!

All dressed up...and an attempt at a cute Easter picture.

 Not bad...wish Lynneah was smiling.

 Now she's biting her lip, and not sure what Lincoln's doing.

 Probably the best overall...and still she's biting her lip.

 Just to remind us she LOVES all things girl. I didn't prompt the skirt thing, she just did it. (Stephen picked her dress, he's got a good eye.) Aaaand, we lost Kenzie.

Then she gave us this. It means The. End. in Lynneah speak.

He had already lost the suit coat that went with his outfit, but was still cute as can be.

He's recently gotten reacquainted with his natural-ish smile again. Every time I'm able to snap a shot and it turns out the first time he kind of stands a little taller. Too cute.

I just thought he was such a handsome little guy here! 

 She is a walking pro now!! Her new found freedom is getting her into all kinds of trouble stuff. Crawling in a dress every Sunday really frustrated her, so she's enjoying church more now too.

 In all her Easter cuteness.

Love. Love. Love.

Stephen is SO cute with little ones this age!! I've loved watching him each time one of them hits this 1 year old stage. Makes my heart go pitter patter.

We ended the day watching He Is Risen...just to make sure the emphasis was in the right place before we ended the day. They watched it quietly. Rare around here...must mean it's sinking in.