We left Friday, March 29 and traveled down to Oregon to celebrate Easter with PopPop and Nana, and Matt's sister Shawn and her family (Uncle Mike, Cousins Alex and Joshua). We missed the presence of Matt's other sister Traci and her family (Uncle Keith, Cousins Samantha and Sydney) since they live in Texas now, but they were certainly in our hearts and there in spirit.
Friday afternoon we stopped and visited with Shawn, Mike, Alex and Josh at their home. The boys were able to run and play at the park near their home and Amy was glad to crawl around and loved being cuddled/held in our arms after the long car ride there. We arrived at PopPop and Nana's house in time for dinner. PopPop and Nana left to attend a previously scheduled play with friends in a nearby town for the evening, so we settled in, relaxed, and made ourselves at home (including a quick errand to buy fresh tulips for the Easter dinner table).
Saturday morning was a BEAUTIFUL, sunny, Pacific Northwest day. It really couldn't have been a more perfect day, weather-wise. We left the house around 9:20 and arrived at the local community Easter Egg Hunt at a local park. We heard we should arrive early and we're so glad we did. We found parking easily and enjoyed looking at all the cool fire engines and also enjoyed seeing the live animals they had on display for the kids to pet.
David (2-1/2 years old) and PopPop watching Jay (4-1/2 years old) brush the heifer.
David's turn to brush the heifer!
Jay petting a super soft and tame bunny.
Jay and David smiling nicely and so excited for the easter egg hunt to begin.
A family photo!!
Matt holding 7 month old Amy and Nana
We're watching as the volunteer firefighters scatter candy-filled plastic eggs across the field.
It's getting closer to the time to hunt the eggs!!!
A short video clip - GO!! at 10 a.m.
Checking out one of many fire engines.
David enjoying a bite of Easter egg candy. :)
Amy took a good late morning nap. Meanwhile the boys opened their special Easter bag treats from Nana and PopPop.
Shawn's family arrived mid-afternoon and we set to work on preparing the table for an early Easter dinner celebration together Saturday late-afternoon.
Thanks to my (not-so-fabulous) camera skill, the family dinner photo, minus Aunt Shawn. Ha! (Special apologies about that, Shawn)
Thanks to PopPop's camera skills, here is a nice family photo.
After dinner we decided to enjoy the beautiful day by taking a family walk around the nearby walking trail. We had a great time. Here is a cute photo of Matt, Jay, and Amy...
David, PopPop, Jay, Aunt Shawn, and Amy
Happy 7 month old Amy
We were serenaded by David a few times.
Here he sings "Jesus Loves the Little Children"
Then David sang, "Jesus, Name Above All Names"
followed by his current favorite song, "J[D]ingle Bells"
After our walk we sat out on the deck and continued to enjoy our time together. I was able to take lots of photos of Amy with PopPop and captured many of her "looks."
Easter Sunday morning the boys enjoyed some last moments of playtime. Here they are happily coloring together. We were all dressed in navy blue and white, but unfortunately I forgot to have a family photo taken. Another time, perhaps.
I hope you all had a terrific Easter!! Hallelujah! He is risen! He is risen indeed!
