Easter Antics

I love this time of year. I love the new life flourishing everywhere. Outside my window birds sing in their nests, the sweet smell of flowers blooming fills the air, and the hills are green. New life everywhere. What an appropriate time to celebrate and reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life that is offered to us on His behalf...

So, while we do love the 'commercialized' Easter traditions, we as a family for our FHE activity this week decided to send letters to the Missionaries who selflessly give of their time to bring the message of hope to those who wait to receive it. There are 5 young people in our Ward (congregation) currently serving missions. They are serving throughout the US, Japan and in Honduras.


I loved that Kayla prayed for inspiration as to what to write to them.
How sweet.



and because we can't resist good ole' Easter Bunny fun...

We made and dropped off treats to friends

and we started a new tradition...

Egging people's houses (hee hee hee)

You drop the note on the door, hide the eggs around the yard, ring the door bell and run.


Super Cute and Super fun.
We left a basket on the doorstep with treats with the "You've been Egged" note as well, so they couldn't miss it!
I got the idea for the Egging and the little peeps here.

Last Sunday was beautiful as well. There was Mother-daughter afternoon of scripture reading and special guests at the Newport Beach Temple. Krystin and I had a wonderful time.




One of the 'special guest'

One of Krystin's Young Women's leaders wore her wedding dress and shared how important it is to have high standards and look for those in your future spouse. She was really beautiful.

A beautiful day.

More Easter Antics to come...
I am sure.

Happy Easter!

Uncle Bill & Baby Jake

Happy Birthday to
my Uncle Bill & 2nd Cousin,Baby Jake!

On Saturday, we were able to attend a party in honor of my sweet Uncle Bill's 60th birthday, and Baby Jake's 1st birthday (Uncle Bill's first Grandchild).

Cousin Brock with his very sweet and cute girlfriend hosted the party.

ahhwww, aren't they adorable?!

We had such a wonderful time, and were so excited to meet Brock and Allie's (sorry if I misspelled Alli/Ali/Ally?) babies.

They are the two big babies.
Wheaten Terriers or as they called them Sweety wheaties.
Such adorable sweet doggies.

We were also grateful that Honey and Lily were welcomed at the party. Lily was still on the mend from her surgery and just wanted to be held. Both of our dogs were very happy to meet such nice new friends!


Ozzy -chillin'

My beautiful Cousin Nikki and Baby Jake

if only you could hear his precious giggles!...

Uncle Brock talking to Jakers


Yes, we are ALL in LOVE with this boy.

He really is the SWEETEST, happiest baby ever.


It was fun to look around throughout the afternoon and seeing the love that everyone had for him...

Hugs on Grandpa's shoulder

cuddles with Grandma

even a little lovin' with Honey

And of course my Dad wouldn't want to miss a chance to hold him.

Whatcha' lookin at?

Yes, that is a Momma, Daddy, and babies in a nest
in a potted plant above the patio. Magical to me.

Well, and to Baby Jake too.

We had a great day





Then it was time for presents...

and my Mom was funny with her look of surprise! (:

I love it!


What a precious little blessing this guy is!

Bonus: Happy pups finally allowed to be together again!

Lily-spay

My POOR SWEET Baby Doggy.

Yesterday she finally was spayed (and micro-chipped). She is the fourth dog that we have had spayed, but by far the one that has worried me the most. She is incredibly shy, and shakes just going into new environments, oh and throws-up whenever slightly upset. However, it was time.


She was shaking as we walked up to the door.
How did she know?

It killed me to hand her over, while she was shaking violently, knowing what was to come. Those sweet brown eyes, looked as though I abandoned her! UHG!

She made it through the surgery well, and we (the girls and I) picked her up at 1:30pm.
She was sent home with home pain meds, and I requested some antiemetic meds too (just in case).

She was SOOO miserable.
In obvious pain and nauseated.
and very drugged up...
:(


finally home

Honey was so excited to have Lils back.

All day she ran around the house looking for her.
Sorry Hon, no playtime today.

just rest

snuggle baby

all she wants is to be held.

I didn't get much sleep last night...

her incision... :(

ouch.

Here's to a quick recovery!

F.H.E.

Once a week (well, at least once a week) usually on Monday, we have a special night where our goal is to have a F.H.E. -

Family Home Evening or ...
what I like to think of it as ...
Fun and Happiness for Everyone!
Cheesy, I know, but that is me.

Well, last night we went to DISNEYLAND!!! I know, shocking, but it was a rather wonderful night. The weather was perfect, the lines were not very long, the children were extra cute, and best of all - we got ice cream. How I love ice cream.

So much fun! I sure love my family!

(we are all addicted to this ride)

ok. one more time...

(Thanks Melanie for the justification to head over there last night,
not that it takes much for us) (:

On the eve of a Full Moon....

The moon was full...

and Mysteriously....

There was a KNOCK on the door - yet, no one was to be found...

Upon our door step sat a beautiful plate of cookies, with a message to our princess...


An invitation to a ball,
bestowed in the form of Princess Kay's favorite treats...

As Kayla read the invitation, took in the aroma,
and finally bit down into, what she has described and since gone on to continue to exclaim "the best cookies she has ever had" - only one response came to her mind-
Yes - She would go with this sweet prince to the Ball!
(Ok, Kayla don't kill me for my cheeseyness - I can't help it)

So, alas, Kayla being a sweet girl herself decided upon a quick response.


A card on top to be opened and read.
Underneath the card lies her answer indeed.



Days did pass...
Hours upon hours spent...
Choosing the perfect dress, shoes, accessories and even hairstyle...

Finally the day of the ball did come...

Minutes before Prince Matt was to arrive,
we (Todd and I) partook of how pretty and too grown up she appeared..


Down to her toes




Days before the ball, a hairstyle was still undecided,
so we felt we needed some professional help...
We Loved Sara's creation..
Beautiful. Perfect!






Matt's parents, whom we love a lot, followed him over to our house when he came to pick up Kayla - to take some 'pre-ball' pictures with us. It was fun to share this moment with them, and they also were able to share some of their talents too!

a corsage was gently placed


And boutonniere carefully pinned...

hmn?


Luckily, Matt's Dad was here to assist, so the flower could stay upright on Matt's Lapel.


Cute as can be!


Adorable!

(Cute positioning by Matt's Mom- thanks!)

Ok, just one more pic before you go!