Warning: Seriously Long Post Ahead!
Well despite the weather we tried to spoil the kids with Easter festivities. A few days before Easter we got together with some friends (the Thornleys) and had hamburgers and hot dogs (we had to to it inside instead of outside BBQ) after we ate the kids colored eggs and we had an indoor egg hunt. Each of the kids had a specific colored eggs to collect so it was fun for them to run around and try and find "their" eggs. Each one got a few fun toys inside the eggs and come money. They were all excited.
The day of Easter happened to also be General Conference. (I love it when that happens!!) So we were all able to sleep in! Parker woke up and ventured out into the kitchen where he discovered that the Easter Bunny had been to visit. He cam running into our room and announced "The Easter Bunny came, the Easter Bunny came!" He was very excited about it. At this point Paige was awaken by all the excitement and both kids came into the kitchen to look at their baskets full of goodies. Parker's basket was filled with Spiderman stuff. He got a 2 new place mats (one of which was Handy Manny) A spiderman plate, cup, and bowl. He also got 2 spiderman books, an activity book, markers, and a spiderman toy. Along with all the toy he got a basket full of goodies. Big Brother loves Reese's Peanut Butter Cups the best. This year I also learned neither of my kids like jelly beans! In Paige's basket she got 2 place mats as well, both princess ones. She got a Princess and The Frog plate, bowl and cup. She got a Minnie Mouse coloring book, Tinkerbell stickers, Peep chapstick, sunglasses, a hair brush and a little bag with flowers on it. He favotite treat in her bag was anything chocolate. Neither one of them liked the Peeps that were in the basket. I also think that you can't have Easter without Peeps, so no matter what they will continue to be in our families baskets year after year!
After enjoying the first session of conference and the wonderful messages about our Savior and the Atonement we went to my parents for Easter Dinner. We had dad's famous steaks on the smoker along with baked potatoes,rolls, salads and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Charyn, Mike and Jackson came down as well and we had a great time together dying more eggs and playing Tripoly. The kids each received an Easter basket from the grandparents filled with more goodies (at this point I knew we had over done the treats, we will have Easter candy for a year!!!) they each also receive a new shirt/dress. Paige got this adorable green dress with polka dots on it. She was so excited about it that she insisted on putting it on right then. She looked adorable as usual and will look even cuter in it on Sunday when she is all done up. Both Parker and Jackson got a new shirt. Neither of them got too exacted about new clothing, they must be Boys!!!
After having fun at my parents we headed out to Matt's dad's house for the annual egg hunt and weenie roast at their house. Well the weather was so horrible the most of us were inside the entire time, we only went outside long enough to roast a hot dog. The older kids hid the eggs outside for the younger kids and and younger kids were able to fill their baskets to the brim. Parker grabbed a second basket after filling his first and continued to find eggs until both baskets were filled. So now for sure we will have candy for 2 years!! We got so much!!!! Grandma and Grandpa C also got the kids each anew outfit and and Movie. Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeaquel. They each got a few other things as well. Big Brother got a dart gun, a foam sword, a bouncy ball, and a crayon set. Little sister got a Barbie, a bouncy ball, a book with felt pictures, and a pink lizard. I was spoiled as well and got a new cookbook that I am eager to try out. Matt received a bag of Reese's cups, his favorite. We had a great time and enjoyed spending the holiday with family.
As I end this enormous post I just want to express my gratitude for My Savior Jesus Christ and the greatest sacrifice of all He has made for us, the Atonement. I am so grateful for the true meaning of Easter and the opportunity to be reminded of that great and wonderful day each and every year. I am so grateful to be a member of the church and have the gospel in my life and to be able to raise my children with the gospel in their lives as well. I am grateful for the living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the direction he give us and for the opportunity to watch conference and to be edified and uplifted from the wonderful messages shared this day. I look forward to the May Ensign and to be able to read and study those messages more closely.
