An Easter to Remember...

Typically, when our family leaves to go anywhere on vacation I am exhausted before I start the preparations. I have to leave the house spotless, have all the laundry done, pack for 5, have the fridge cleaned out, garbage gone, car detailed, and anything that I deem can't wait 2 days. This requires what my mom and I affectionately refer to as an "all-nighter". That's what crazy women do before travel. My husband is scared when he hears this phrase. While he knows that the house will be glowing, I usually sport a "non vacation attitude the size of Texas" for the first half of the road trip until I decide I should apologize to my family for being a "crabby patty" due to my lack of sleep and the fact that I do all the work...well I do! This time, I was so excited to get away for some alone time and really needing it that I didn't. I just didn't. I tidied the house. there was still a load of laundry in the hamper. I didn't do the fridge. And guess what...I lived. It was a good start!

Erik got off work at his normal time and was home by 5:30 and we were on the road with coffees in hand by 7:00. I glance in the backseat and immediately start praying. The girls are jammed in the back like sardines and the only thing we have going for us is how excited they are to see nana and papa. They had great attitudes and did so well though! Overall, our drive was painless. We arrived to the condo in the Okanagan at about 2:00 am B.C. time (we are an hour ahead in Alberta) and the girls helped daddy unload while I got Demi's playpen set up and her back to sleep.

We had a couple really mellow, movie watching, sand playing, eating, sleeping, reading, gameboy and x-box playing kind of days...it was PERFECT! Then my parents arrived and the only thing that changed was we did all of the above mentioned with them. Nana made a wonderful dinner for Erik's birthday. He chose steak for his birthday dinner...woooo, big shocker there! Mom brought all the supplies and helped us make these adorable little nests that we filled with eggs. There was stiff competition in the creativity department and Erik took this craft time very seriously! I thought they were just adorable. They would be so cute if the nests were little with only 3 or 4 eggs in each. If you would like the recipe just email me.

On Sunday, our extended family joined us and we celebrated with my Grandpa and Grandma, Aunty Penny and Uncle Jim, my cousin Lorelei and her hubby James. We all contributed to a beautiful meal and then came time to hunt for the eggs. If you have never done this with my family you will probably want to get your name on the waiting list for next year (especially now that Ross and I have both moved). Dave and Deb wrap Easter candy in CASH!!!!! Yup, you are searching (taking out relatives...people you claim to love) for $20's on a peanut butter cup! It was so fun!

We had another day of just being with Mom and Dad, the girls soaked up all the attention and snuggles and sing-song time with them. At one point it looked like dad and Erik were going to attempt to fish, but I think it was mostly playing with the rods and gear.

As Christians, Easter is such a special occasion and for me personally I am so thankful for Jesus and the price that He paid on the cross for me and my sins. So, amazed, in awe and grateful knowing He would have done it...even if it was just for me. I hope your Easter was as meaningful and special as ours was.