Easter 2011

Here in TX the schools and many businesses close for Good Friday. (Have I mentioned that I love Christian communities?) So the celebrating for us began on Thursday.

It was Caitlyn's week for snack bucket at preschool. Since the theme for Thursday was Easter, we took grapes (they're shaped like eggs) and these adorable Rice Krispy treats. We had fun creating them together!
After preschool and lunch, Caitlyn and I headed to Madisen's school for the kindergarten egg hunt. Each kindergartener was to find the 4 plastic eggs that were labeled with their name on them when the whistle blew. It was like finding a needle in a haystack since all 10 classes were on the playground together! But it was sweet to see the kids helping each other.

Madisen with 2 of her classmates and friends, Ashlynn and Lily (and Caitlyn of course).

Later that night while dad was at scouts and Brooklyn was in bed, the girls and I peacefully colored some eggs. I enjoyed watching them experiment with 2 sided eggs and the length of time in the colors.
Friday: A holiday turned into a complete work/errand/finish projects before the baby comes day. Our dad has been working late most nights and on Saturdays so we had to take full advantage of his help! Bill and I fell into bed at 1 a.m. exhausted after cleaning the carpets, couches and car mats.

The Easter Bunny sent a note to mom and dad saying that he'd be arriving at our house on Saturday since we have early church. The girls were thrilled with their new swim goggles and water squirters. Brooklyn caught on quickly that the plastic eggs contained 'tany'. (Note to self: colored hard boiled eggs just make a mess in the dewy mornings outside!)
After checking off a few more things on the 'to do' list, we headed to grandma & grandpas for the afternoon. We swam, attended the neighborhood Easter egg hunt and enjoyed a lovely dinner.
I only have pictures of Caitlyn b/c they broke up the hunt by ages so all 3 girls were hunting simultaneously but in different locations. So the adults had to divide and conquer. I love the picture of Caitlyn showing off her sparkly cowgirl hat and sunglasses from grandma.
Yes, Caitlyn started the day in matching clothes but when a painting incident ruined her BRAND NEW khaki shorts, she changed into the plaid shorts. I didn't have the energy to insist that she match.

Sunday morning was perfect since we opened a package from Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Kellie & got to have chocolate for breakfast for the 2nd day in a row! After church and naps, we drove to the temple.

It was such a peaceful way to spend our Easter Sabbath. We had a non-traditional egg hunt. Twelve plastic eggs were found- each containing a scripture (and object) about the death and resurrection of Christ. I grew up doing this and was excited that my children are finally old enough to appreciate it. The older 2 were wonderful and engaged as we recounted the Easter story together. I loved that we were alone on the temple grounds, just our little Eternal Family.
We walked around a bit after because it was a PERFECT day- slightly overcast, a slight breeze and no humidity. I love this picture of Follow the Leader.
For dessert we made Resurrection Rolls- we rolled the pure white marshmallow in spices and placed it in the tomb. After 10 minutes in the oven, the tomb was empty- the rolls were hollow.
We ended the evening by watching/discussing "The Lamb of God" together. It was a perfect Easter Sunday, we got to focus solely on each other and the true meaning of the day. I love my little family.

**Side Note: My mom and sister were in the SL Tribune yesterday. You can check it out here. My mom is pictured with my nephew Caden, and my sister (Tiffany Scherbel) is quoted several times in the article.