easter weekend

Good morning! Hope everyone had a joyful and relaxing Easter weekend. I've said it about other holidays, and I can't help but repeat it about Easter: it is so much fun to experience it with small children! I had a lot of fun putting together Easter baskets for the kids, and trying our hand at dyeing eggs (big mistake with a 21 month old, btw), but even better was the chance to share with them why we went to church 3 times this weekend, and why Easter truly is the most exciting day - and not just because of the chocolate!

While the kids may not grasp the intricacies of the fall into sin, God's grace, and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us, they can absolutely understand the most basic pillar of our faith: Jesus died to take away our sins, then 3 days later he rose from the dead! Now we get to go to heaven! Although I will say that Pippa thought that Jesus dying on the cross meant he took away the power at church since the lights were all turned off at the end of church. When we pulled into the church parking lot on Sunday morning, she asked, "Did Jesus bring the power back when he rose from the dead?" Well yes, yes he did! 

F R I D A Y

We spent a very relaxing Easter weekend with my sister-in-law who came to visit, and it was so nice to have the extra help with the kids since my baby bump is basically taking over the world right now. We started the morning leisurely sipping our coffee on the lanai before deciding to hit up the beach, and our favorite craft donut shop. Justin basically won Husband of the Year award by packing up for the beach by himself, and remembering to throw in a beach chair for me, so all I had to do was relax and listen to the waves. 

When I started to feel some cramping while sitting in the beach chair, I thought I would take a stroll along the beach to see if the "contractions" were the real thing or not. By the time I got back, my belly was still as tight as could be, but the cramping had subsided. We finished the day with some afternoon naps, pizza for dinner, and our Good Friday church service. 

Pippa's Good Friday outfit

Teddy's Good Friday outfit

S A T U R D A Y

I spent Saturday morning as I do every single Saturday morning of my adult life - grocery shopping! I knew Justin and his sister had the kids at the park, so I decided to take my sweet time and hit up a few other stores while I was out. I wanted to pick up some nursing-friendly pajamas for my hospital stay, and a few other travel-sized toiletries for when I can't get up to get ready in the bathroom post-surgery. 

After nap time we decided to dye Easter eggs, which turned out to be somewhat of a disaster. Teddy really wanted to help, but just ended up smashing eggs and spilling dye. We mostly spent the entire time trying to distract Teddy while Pippa dyed every single egg pink. Ah, Easter with young children. 

S U N D A Y

Sunday began bright and early, as Justin was out the door for the sunrise Easter service to sing with the choir. The rest of us finished getting ready and out the door for the egg hunt and brunch at church before the Festival service began. The kids behaved so well, which surprised me, since we were basically at church from 8 a.m. until well after 11. 

As soon as we got home, Pippa and Teddy got to search for their Easter baskets and open their little gifts. They got hats, sunglasses, puzzles, and candy, which kept them busy until lunch and nap time. It was a perfectly low key afternoon after the excitement at church! 

Sunday was bitter sweet, as we were sad to see Justin's sister head home in the afternoon. Pippa takes it especially hard when people leave, since she loves having an extra playmate around the house. However, we more family visits to look forward to when baby comes, especially the weekend of the baptism. 

This is what happens when you get to church 20 minutes early to get a seat on Easter Sunday, and your kids steal your phone to take selfies.

Now it's back to reality and trying to restrain myself from eating all the Easter candy, at least for a few days while we wait for baby to arrive.

What did you do this Easter weekend? Any fun family traditions?