HALLELUJAH!!!

So, after an interesting 2nd half of Easter Sunday mass where daddy ended up in the car battling it out with a toddler whose will of iron preferred throwing a tantrum over obedience while I was on the opposite side of the church campus with the other toddler on the run who  was just too squirmy for mommy's lap or arms (especially with the competing one in the oven), the day definitely took a turn for the better after some much needed rest time at Mimi & Bapa's. Worked out perfectly because our friend, the sun, showed up a tad late anyway...

It feels a little odd to be celebrating both in spirit and in external feasting after spiritually mourning and fasting for more than a month. I still think twice before putting a cookie or piece of candy in my mouth and then...it all goes downhill...

But we are definitely still experiencing the aftermath in our home of the most joyous occasion of our Lord's resurrection, which is the beauty behind the Liturgical seasons, in that it's not simply a 24 hour celebration but living out the spiritual calendar, if you will, of our Church.   We have been busy with family gatherings, barbecues with friends, spontaneous play dates, breakfast & lunch picnics out front on the porch or grass, spending nearly the entire day, other than naps, outside or in the water enjoying the gorgeous warm weather we've had this week and doing too much indulging in sweet treats given to us that I just don't have the heart to throw out for the sake of healthy eating. (ha) 

This little one sure can go from one extreme (being Spicy) to the sweetest little thing. It was pretty funny hearing ourselves, 5 adults all exclaiming to Spicy at the same time in our own words to  leave some eggs for Sweet as she calmly responded "I was just showing her!" as if to say "chill out guys!" Ha! I love you so much, Alizea Ann.

Some more highlights...

 

And a few more...

 

And now I am so very excited for another celebration tomorrow, in honor of baby Soren gathering with my closest and dearest lady friends. Incredible women of strength, integrity, honor, wisdom, beauty and just plain fun gals of all ages and backgrounds as we craft and share in each other's company! 
More to come on that & of course all the fun party preparations!