These Days: April 2017

Easter was the big event of April, but here are some bits and pieces from the rest of the month. 

Grandma and Grandpa came for a short visit. Tim tried out his smoker and whipped up some very tasty ribs. 

Tim took a class to my family's rock crusher.

My handsome guy and I went out for a fun evening. I am on the board for the Tulsa Habitat for Humanity. In April, they have their fun gala. It was fun to get all dressed up and eat some amazing food. 

Tim took a picture with a local news anchor.

I had some help getting ready one morning.

Cute girls ready for spring.

Troy's birthday party... super fun lego toys and trampoline jumping.

Picture day. This girl is always miss fancy.

I cut off some of my locks.

Addy's class led chapel.

Probably the biggest thing that happened was saying goodbye to my dear grandpa. Man, what a guy. He was so well respected by everyone, the patriarch of our big crazy family and just the best grandpa ever. He would ALWAYS greet you at the door with a "get in here" and a pat on the back. When he spoke, everyone listened. He was our leader. He held on to traditions. When we had family dinners, we always sang the doxology, led by him. He was very artistic in music and sculpting and really anything he touched. Years and years ago he wrote the Christmas story with speaking parts for all of his grandkids. Every year he would adjust it for spouses and then great grandkids. That is something I hope to carry on, even if it is just my own little family. He and my granny were always together, an amazing example of a marriage. He was physically the fittest 89 year old ever, running a 5K last summer. This past fall he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Fortunately for him he passed with little pain and now is in heaven with his daughter. 

The Eagle is just a taste of his amazing sculpting skills. The weasel (or otter or squirrel as my kids think) is something I made with grandpa. He was making a weasel and this was one that didn't make the cut. So he and I finished made this one together. Another memory I have is working in his shop together. I always loved sharpening nails for him. Lots of fun in that shop.

We got in some cousin time while we celebrated grandpa.

We celebrated Addy and Lilah's daycare director. After 37 years, she is passing the reins and retiring. They had a carnival to celebrate all of her hard work.

Addison's spring concert was Disney inspired

So of course Anna, Elsa and Olaf were there.

 Anna also happens to be our sitter.

  

Lilah scored some balloons at the basketball banquet. 

Easter 2017

This year Easter fell right on the end of tax season. Luckily I do most of my Easter baskets during December/January, so it is always ready to go. We have also started traditions that we have done for several years now. So getting everything ready is a snap. 

Our Easter activities are usually kicked off with a trip to the Easter Bunny. This year was extra special. While in line we ran into cousin Mason, so of course, we needed a picture with him. Lilah didn't cry this year, but you can tell she is still not super thrilled by this bunny.

 And Palm Sunday....Little Lilah saw me and stopped dead in her tracks and started crying. Luckily big sis was not far behind. Addy came up to Lilah and put her arm around her. They walked up to the alter together and laid their palms then walked out with Addy holding on to Lilah. Addy is such a good big sister.

During the week leading up to Easter we have holy week breakfast every morning at our church. Our Sunday School always picks a week to help supply the meal. Even though it is early, I love getting together and refocusing on what Easter is really about. Addy was especially cuddly with some of the other dad's of our class. I love that my girls feel comfortable with all of the people in our class.

Emily and I threw a super fun outdoor Easter party for our 1st graders. It was a bit windy but nice to play some games outside.

The Saturday before Easter we went to the annual Easter Egg Carnival at the Assembly. This year my mom and Avery attended with us.

Finally, Easter morning... Avery stayed with us so she got to participate in all of our traditions. We started out making resurrection rolls, opening Easter baskets and taking the traditional Easter morning pictures before church. After church I hosted dinner, Easter egg hunt, and of course, decorated a bunny cake. Oh and I can't forget, we celebrated a very special 30th birthday!