Easter 2013

Easter was wonderful - but cold. We had the Easter Bunny come on Sat. morning, but there was frost on the ground. It was a quick hunt.

Here we go!

There were some crazy ensembles:  robes and pajamas with coats....

My beautiful girl with her Easter dog.

A little later in the day, we went to the DeSisto's for a great Easter party.  My get-togethers are always simple, but Jeri's was fancy.  Her little girl is so lucky to have an incredibly crafty, talented mom.  The Reugers also came with their little boy, Darius.  First the kids decorated bags for the egg hunt:

The weather was better by the time we went out on this egg hunt.  They hid a large golden egg that had a grand prize.  The kids were so excited to try and find that one.  (Tori eventually did.)  They had coins in some of the eggs, and I will do that in the future.  My kids were more excited about those - and it meant a little less candy.

Here is the beautiful lunch Jeri prepared:

The boys changed on Easter Sunday before I got their picture taken.  I should take one this next Sunday and add it.  We planned to have Sunday be a day focused on the Savior and his resurrection.  We had some really nice moments, but the kids were a bit crazy that day.  Too much sugar?  Possibly.  In the evening, I heard raucous laughter coming from the girls' room, and I found John wrestling with the kids.  It was so cute, I recorded it, but I'm not sure it was the spiritual day we had envisioned.

I am so grateful for the Lord's atonement.  I feel like I have come to a better understanding recently of how to apply it in my life.  I am so grateful for the hope it gives me that I might overcome some weaknesses that are such a annoyance to me now.  But the largest part of my testimony of the Atonement is still wrapped up in the joy I feel at never having to be permanently separated from my family.  And the glimpses I've had of my Father's love make me long for a day when I can be with Him and remember.