The kids woke up pretty late this morning (around 8AM), giving me time to make "bunny biscuits," a special treat I enjoyed as a child at the Dickerson's house and I'm happy to share with my kids today. The kids also tore into their baskets - I didn't say they were from the Easter Bunny, just some special Easter presents. I tried not to go too crazy with candy - they did get chocolate bunnies which they devoured and a bunch of gummy treats. We've also made a point to put a lot of their spring clothes in their baskets along with a toy or two. Kendal had already left for church when they got up, but we left a bunny biscuit for him! He has started coming home around 9AM to help us get to church and it is an invaluable help!!!!
Church was great. Breanne and had some special activities for the kids (and helped us get some quick pics). Kendal had to rush to get ready for the service, so we didn't get one single family picture! But, we have my sister's wedding coming up and are wearing our Easter outfits, so we'll get a second chance at a family pic I hope!
As always, the Easter service was really special. I have come to love so many of the Presbyterian traditions. We've been taking communion every Sunday during Lent, and each time it's meant more and more to me. The kids have even come in a few times to take it (Carlisle loudly exclaimed to the church
"That's some good apple juice!" when she drank the grape juice) and I love that they are developing those experiences early. Kendal's sermon today took a closer look at various theories of atonement and the fact that so many are focused on the violence of the crucifixion and the pain the Lord endured, yet Christ lived and preached non-violence. He challenged us to look at Christ's atonment in view of his entire life and ministry and not that one singular act (I may have butchered that, sorry Kendal!) and I thought that was really powerful. We can get so caught up in the horror of the crucifixion that we forget the servant ministry of Jesus - the miracles he performed for everyday people, the parables he taught his followers that are still so relevant today, the fact that he had a mother who loved him deeply and friends who would (and some did) give their own lives for him out of love. Jesus was a servant and, though he died a violent death, the key is that he rose from the grave and lives in and through us today. This is a message of hope and truth and one we are sharing and will continue to share with our children.
Look at how quickly sweet Evie Claire is growing! She is just about ready to sit up on her own and here she is "standing" with barely a wobble! I almost put some Gerber baby food in her Easter basket, but I'm trying to wait until she officially hits six months... in just a few weeks. Just another attempt to keep her as much of a bitty baby as I can! As always, she was so attentive and serene throughout the day. The only time she really fusses is when she's hungry or tired, that's it. Otherwise, she just looks around with those big blue eyes and takes it all in. And she's still such a snuggler!
Right after church, the kids had a egg hunt - they made quick work of those eggs and had eaten most of the candy by the time we got home! Naptime was NOT easy! We enjoyed a 5PM Easter dinner with some friends and were able to share a delicious meal and fellowship. Kendal grilled pork loin stuffed with blue cheese and glazed with a raspberry sauce (fabulous!) and we enjoyed home-made bread and mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, fresh carrots from Mary Beth's garden, grilled asparagus, "bunny cake," "Easter train cake" and more. We had planned another egg hunt but the kids were enjoying time on the swings so much that we just let them be. As it always happens, the ladies ate inside and the guys hung out on the porch - but they got to watch the kids, so that was great with us! Good day, wonderful Easter!
Happy Day! Not only is Miss Evie Claire sleeping in her OWN ROOM now, she celebrated her half-birthday today with her first taste of real food! Her dish of choice was none other than peas! This was also the twins' first "real food" so we thought it appropriate to introduce the green foods first again before bringing on the fruit. She did pretty darn well and ate nearly half of of the container. She is, however, nearly too wiggly for the Bumbo so we think it's time for an official high chair. She is the grabbiest girl I've ever seen - she can pick up an entire glass of water from the table if you turn around for one second! She is strong and is developing quite an opinion, but we like outspoken women around here!
