Easter

Happy Easter, everyone!

We have had a fun few days celebrating this special day. It all started a few nights ago when we had some friends over to dye eggs! The kids were very creative and made some beautiful eggs!

Saturday morning, we held our 3rd annual Easter egg hunt! We had to move to a new location this year, but it turned out beautifully and we really liked the new park. We had 42 kids join the hunt, and we estimate that we put out 1018 eggs - FUN!

Blake all bundled up watching us hide the eggs. :)
Beautiful blue eyes!

Katelee scoping out the park; she was an exceptional egg-hider this year!

Some of the kids lining up before the event.

And they're off!

There's Katelee picking one up . . .

My friend, Michelle, was so sweet to hold Blake for me during the hunt!

My sweet nephew, Elijah, found an egg!

Cute Ashlyn!

After the hunt, we gathered at a pavilion next to the pond and enjoyed a potluck breakfast. Katelee LOVED the pond, and insisted on sitting right next to it the entire time.

We were so lucky that our dear, dear friends the Hansens happened to be in town this weekend and joined us for our hunt. Katelee and Gracie are BEST friends, and were so cute spending that time together.

The Easter bunny also found our house this year! The Easter bunny always hides the baskets, but being that it was Blake's very first Easter he went easy on him and left his near the front door.
I think he likes it!So sweet!

Katelee had to search harder for hers, but finally found it on top of the washing machine!

Today has been a lovely day, made especially sweet and full because of the focus on our Savior and His resurrection. Unfortunately, the kids and I all woke up sick this morning, and had to miss church as a result. :( However, we had we watched short videos about Easter, read the account from the scriptures, and shared our testimonies.

Gerald's testimony of Jesus Christ: Jesus, the Christ is my savior. He atoned for my sins and shortcomings. Because of his sacrifice, I can be forgiven and not have to be burdened with guilt in my life--and I can learn from His example to forgive others. I'm grateful for His life, His teachings, His example, and His love. I know that because he overcame death when he was resurrected, that everyone who has or will live on this earth will be resurrected. Because of His selfless and infinite sacrifice, families can be together forever. I'm grateful to remember with reverence His atoning sacrifice, His death, and His resurrection this Easter weekend.

Jennifer's testimony of Jesus Christ: I am so grateful for my Savior and for this Easter weekend we have to remember His life and resurrection. Because of Jesus Christ, I know that I can be with my family forever. As a result of his resurrection and sacrifice, I will see my dad (who passed away last year) again someday. Because of His atonement and example, I can be forgiven of my many mistakes and continue to improve and grow and become a better person. I have personally felt the Savior lift my burdens in times when the load seemed to heavy. I know He loves me, that He loves each one of us, and that he truly can bring peace and joy to our hearts, even in the midst of this troubled world. I am so grateful for His love and the way it blesses my life.