Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! and happy Spring! I love that the flowers are blooming, the blossoms are popping, and the sun is finally warming up! On top of that, we get to celebrate another holiday. This year we kept it smaller than in years past. It was just us, Katie, and Gma and Grumpy. Because of the duality of this holiday (spiritual vs. commercial), I have always preferred to split it up a bit. On Saturday (4/20), we celebrated the commercialized aspect of the holiday, starting with decorating eggs! I'm pretty sure Jonas and Danny enjoyed decorating eggs the most. I think the novelty of it has worn off for Dallin and Amber. Still, the youngest two got creative. Actually, Jonas simply liked to drop the eggs in the dye and quickly take them out. Danny was more methodical in his decorating methods.

After coloring eggs, each of the kids picked an Easter basket with a specific colored egg inside. They then switched baskets with a sibling and all went to work! First, they hid each other's eggs then they went to hunt for their own. As an added bonus this year, Jeff and I put some money in two metallic colored eggs and hid them. Dallin and Danny were the lucky recipients of the cash eggs.

Jonas hid Dallin's eggs then proceeded to tell him where they were!

Finally, we enjoyed a yummy burger dinner with potato salad, raspberry jello salad, veggies, and Fruity Pebbles krispy treats in the shapes of an egg and bunny. 

That evening, the Easter Bunny came to visit each of the kids. They all got their favorite candies plus a little something extra in their baskets. Jonas happened to wake up at 2:00 a.m. to discover his basket! He burst into my room and exclaimed, "Mom! The Easter Bunny just gave me the best basket!" How could I be upset? We played for nearly an hour before I could finally convince him to go to bed.

I really enjoy these traditions, but I hope they never overshadow the true meaning of the holiday. This is why I try to separate the two. Yes, Sunday morning they enjoyed the spoils of their baskets, but the rest of the day was spent reflecting on the atoning sacrifice of our Savior. This week, we took time each day to read the accounts from the Bible that depicted the last week of Christ's life. I was grateful for the daily reminders of His sacrifice. I enjoyed the beautiful music and Easter messages at church on Sunday. I am thankful for the knowledge of what I have because of Him. Because of Him, I have this beautiful little family...for eternity! Because of Him, I can find peace in the storms of life. Because of Him, I can receive strength when I feel weak. Because of Him, my joy is full.