EASTER 2014

We spent Easter in Flagstaff with every bit of family (minus Uncle Andy and Uncle Patrick).  My sister's in laws actually hosted a pot-luck Easter brunch and my Wheeler and Wyatt parents were there.  It's pretty amazing that everyone was so welcoming and on board with that.  It was especially nice to see my pregnant sister and her gang.  Charlie was recovering from a 3 day stay in the hospital and had to cancel his 5th birthday party celebrations - so we were happy to have at least Easter go somewhat as planned and to hold our little ones close.  My dad also got some crappy medical diagnosis, so it was at least nice to get some time with him.  We stayed with my in-laws, played outside, did some Easter egg hunting, played with Grandma's toys (Cameron/Andy lego stash anyone?), and Liberty and I went to Mass at the new-to-me church in Flagstaff.  I was reminded how super casual everyone dresses in Flagstaff (tshirts for Easter Mass?!) and was proud that Liberty and I looked adorable if I do say so myself.  It was beautiful weather and a short and sweet trip.

Easter Farewell Party for Martis!

We've celebrated Easter with good friends a few times in the past and this year we celebrated the weekend prior because our good friends Kelly, Ben, Adalyn and baby Nora were moving back to their beloved St. Louis.  We have a lot of good memories of meeting at bookclub and married women's meetups, GNOs, boating, Kierland Staycation, Flagstaff road trip, celebrating pregnancies and births - and simply starting a new friendship from scratch in 2008? 2009?.  We will miss them and their great family.  The Heppner's hosted as usual and outdid themselves again with another potluck feast that included Samineh's dessert like White Chocolate Cheesecake and the best sugar cookies I've ever had (that the kiddos decorated).  She also crafted bunny ears/tails for the girls to wear for a bunny hop race.  The Easter egg hunt was a ton of fun and it was great to sit outside and enjoy our growing families. Cameron was away in California getting his Project Management Certification from Stanford so he missed out on our farewell party - but Samineh took on the roll of photographer, thank goodness, to capture some of the fun.

EASTER 2013

We celebrated Easter in Fountain Hills with my mom and dad.  We had a great brunch and Easter egg hunt.  Liberty got so many goodies in her 3 baskets from grandparents and us.  She told us her favorite holiday is still Valentine's day but she liked dressing up in a new blue outfit for Easter.  We also celebrated Easter with friends the weekend before and I'll share those pictures later.

Easter!

A very special Easter indeed. After Mass we headed up to Fountain Hills for an Easter Brunch at my mom's house. Joan, Ted and Andy came too - so it was really special to have my entire two families there together. Kelly, Doug, Charlie and Lilly were there too! Even Patrick is home for good. My dad is away spending time with his mom in Georgia, but we skyped with them. We ate, had a great Easter egg hunt, visited and then said our goodbyes. Took Andy to the airport and Liberty to a nap - and then we woke her for Easter round 2 with our friend-family - the Heppner's and Marti's. Another feast of a potluck and a wonderful Easter Egg hunt! It was gorgeous outside, and so relaxing to spend a holiday in the company of great friends.

Easter Weekend!

Last Easter I was still VERY pregnant (overdue), so this was Liberty's first Easter. Last year was spent with our friends in town since I had to stay close to the hospital, and this year since I'm seeing my Flagstaff family next weekend, we spent it with our same good friends and *NOW* our kids. What a jam packed fun weekend! We took Liberty to the Zoo for the first time with our friends the Pittman's, then tried a Gymboree play class with our friends the Marti's! Lastly we tried to go to Easter Vigil Mass but I had the Mass time wrong and we showed up to an empty parking lot. BLESSING IN DISGUISE! I went by myself at the correct time and it was a 2 hour 45 min Mass with 30 baptisms, all 1,300 parishioners holding candles...it was beautiful but Liberty wouldn't have lasted. She did however like the Zoo and had a blast at Gymboree. On Easter Sunday we went to the Heppner's for a great Easter Egg hunt and a lunch feast!

Overdue at the Zoo! and an Easter BBQ!

Hey that rhymes!

We spent Easter weekend trying to walk this baby out at the Zoo and with friends at an Easter BBQ. We figure we had better make plans or go crazy waiting. I was asked both at the Zoo and at Church "When are you due?" and had to say "Four days ago!" which was strange to say. Sunday's BBQ was hosted by the Marti's who are expecting their baby in 5 weeks. The Pittman's and Heppner's came too - so we had a fun photo shoot with Ella (11months) and Sienna (6 months) and all their Easter dress glory. Liberty can't wait to join her little friends!