Easter

Easter was so late this year, which made for a long stretch until we had a break from school and the mundane work routine.  It was a welcomed break in the action, and we were fortunate to have lovely weather to go with it.

Our celebration began with Easter with my family.  We still have our moments of absolute chaos when we're all together, but overall it's getting a little calmer.  (Or else we're getting used to noise...)

These boys have to stick together.  The girls have them outnumbered.

And these girls wish Scarlett would've felt well to join them in their picture.

There are so many things we can say about this picture.  Makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Round 2 was Easter at Paula's house with the Bertke family.  The kids had another egg hunt and fun outside.

Annie knew exactly what was up with the eggs.  She ate so much more candy than she should've.  I always tell Adam that she eats way more junk food than the older 2 ever did.  She has to keep up with her sibs somehow, and when it comes to eating, she knows how to dominate.

Vince made an adorable Easter craft with Patty.  He was so proud of his marshmallow bunny, and these race cars were right up his alley.  He was thrilled to tell me all about them when I came home.

Event #3 was the Easter egg hunt in town.  Vince and Annie were in the same age group, and they made a haul-in of eggs.  Vera's age group was a bit more competitive, so she came home with less loot.  Again, the kids knew just what to do, and (for some) it was quite the thrill to find money inside.  For others, it was disappointing to not find candy.

Right after the egg hunt was our final party at Grammy and Papa's house.  It was a pretty day with delish food and another lucrative egg hunt.

10 months difference, the same height...

...and buddies!

 The next day was Easter Sunday and the kids woke to Easter baskets filled by the "Hop Hop" himself.  I heard Vince moving around in the living room early on Easter morning, and then he quietly came in our bedroom and whispered, "My have new dump dump."  He was so excited for a new dump truck sand toy.  This boy loves trucks, especially "dump dumps."

More candy, this time for breakfast.

And then off to church.  Sharp-dressed  (and super ornery) gang!

 Easter Sunday was a quiet and fun day with no plans at all.  We enjoyed the nice weather and a relaxing day at home.  A day off on Easter Monday is always a God-send.  After a busy weekend and lots of sugar, it's nice to have one more low-key day to regroup.  We opened all of the eggs from the many hunts, put the money in the piggy banks, and consolidated the candy.  (And then promptly put the baskets and plastic eggs away to avoid finding Easter eggs around the house for the next 5 months!)

Three kids.  Four egg hunts.  Way too much candy!  Happy Easter!