Easter 2012

We had a very unique and special Easter this year. We loved every minute of it.

When I went to go pick up Zachary from daycare the Friday before Easter, his classroom had a tank full of baby chicks.  Something about how adorable they were got me excited for the holiday.

Spring had arrived and the tulips were in full bloom!

I was able to spend some time with Lauren the Saturday before. She is a new friend that I get to work/hang out with here in Philly a few Saturdays per month.  She is in a wheelchair and needs assistance when she goes places.  Such an inspirational person to be around, and makes me want to be a better person and live my life to the fullest. I feel lucky to be able to help her.

This particular day, she wanted to go to a candy store and get candy for some friends for Easter. 

I was so tempted to put together a big Easter basket for Kade, but remembered that he probably wouldn't eat the treats before we left, and the basket wouldn't be able to travel with us.  Next year will be a year to catch up on all the holidays we half celebrated.

Amber and I decided that since we didn't have family around to be with for dinner, 

we would cook our own for our husbands! We bought our very first ham and, of course, had to document it. 

Our Easter Sunday started out with early church.  The Sacrament meeting messages were powerful, as usual, and then we had an incredible meeting in the Primary.  My little sunbeams probably didn't know a lot of what was going on with the actors, but the spirit that filled the room while they patiently watched was is incredible. I feel lucky to have been able to spend so much time with those little people while we were here in Philly. 

We took some pictures after church, and then headed to our apartment to start the cooking.  

We ended up cooking for what felt like twelve people, on accident, and had way too much food! Salad, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, ham, deviled eggs, and fruit. We were pretty proud of ourselves, and like to forget the fact that we might have needed Jeff's help a little bit towards the end. 

We topped the meal off with homemade cinnamon rolls thanks to Amber's delicious recipe and Kitchen Aid mixer!

Kade was pretty excited to say the least.

Being away from family on such a sacred and traditional holiday was supposed to be hard, but we had so much fun with Jeff and Amber.  We will miss them so much!