Easter 2011

(Once again most of these pictures are taken by someone else.  I think I'm training up some photographers, right?  That's my story and I'm sticking to it)

A big nest that Alina and Elijah made to hold their eggs (and themselves).

Yeah!!  Peach blossoms that made it past the deer.

And apple blossoms.

Flowers that Keith bought me for Easter.

Anastasia's Easter basket.... almost as big as her grin. At our house the Easter bunny comes on Saturday, while Sunday is reserved for discussions about Easter and why we celebrate it, what are the symbols ect.

This year we distracted the "little" kids with a movie while the older kids (Caleb, Jonas, Kristina and Miriam) stuffed and hid Easter eggs. 

Then they helped the younger ones find them.  Turns out that was THE funnest way to do it.  All the kids asked if we could do it that way again next year.  (with the possible change of letting Alina and Anastasia join the "big kids")

Someone else joined in.

Even Tessa enjoyed the commotion.

Our yard isn't much to look at, but boy is it the bees knees for an egg hunt.

I love that my kids love to hang out with each other. despite the obvious differences (in age and other things).

Of their own accord, they emptied out the eggs and divided up the candy evenly.

Yup, part them flowers so I can get to the real view!!

Decorating eggs.

Anastasia's homemade bib.

I catch the "after-holiday" sales and get lots of different kinds of  egg dying kits.  It is always fun to see what ones are fun and what ones are duds.  This one was a BIG hit!!!

Keith tolerates the whole egg dying thing.

They all also liked the stickers.

And the marble kit.

We also like eating the eggs.  We do about 10 dozen eggs and the kids get to take one for lunches and  if (I stress the IF) there are any left over after a couple days we make egg salad sandwiches.

They like the candy also.

One big happy family.

Misc Spring Pictures

Reading over this blog has taught me several things.  1. I'm WAAAAAAAAY behind.  Way behind.  Way, way, way behind.  2. I'm really behind. And 3. the errant family photographer has been (rightly so) replaced by a myriad of amateur, if enthusiastic, photographers.

You will probably get a lot of posts in the next couple of days (weeks) that will be mostly pictures (mostly not taken by me).

Elijah playing with Alina's math blocks.

He did this by himself.  All by himself.

Alina trying to look like she is doing school work.

I  get lots of these a day.

Elijah's book path.  what is not seen is that it goes from one house (a random box) to another.  Friends can visit each other.  He took this picture and many more.

Miriam boxed herself up in this box in preparation of dad opening his "mail" and then promptly fell asleep.  She was very patient and waited at least an hour even after she woke up.

These popsicles have been a lifesaver.  Ever since  we  had a week to paint the inside of our new house we have used these popsicles for rewards and breaks.  We wouldn't have made it through that week without them.  And we wouldn't have been able to make it through all the working-outside-sessions that we have had since then... Especially since the girls have come home.