Hippity Hoppity

I'm a sucker for Easter, always have been. I'm not sure if it's the promise of a frilly new dress, brightly colored eggs or endless amounts of candy, but Easter has always been a favorite. 

Lately, and maybe it's just me maturing (cough!), but the *meaning* of Easter is really resonating with me. I guess as a parent, the thought of giving up my child to sacrifice the lives of others seems like the most incredible feat, ever. I'd like to think I've done some pretty selfless things in my day, but sending my child away, knowing what they'd endure, and yet doing it without concern for my own heart? 

There's no gesture that will ever match that. 

Ever.

I'm grateful that God was willing to sacrifice His heart so we'd all live. I'm grateful that God put His parental wants aside and gave me the gift of everlasting love.

And if celebrating that with lovely new clothes, festively decorated eggs and a mouthful of Angel Food Cake is what it takes to say thank you, then there's really no better reason to celebrate!

He is risen! The least we can do is say thank you for the sacrifice.

First things first - gotta make some Easter Jell-O molds!
PS Notice the Christmas jammers? Must be a new tradition to spend Easter morning in Christmas jammers! Check out the next 2 pictures of Easter mornings past...

Ashley Easter morning 2009

Easter morning 2011

Late to leave for church, couldn't find my tripod, but it didn't matter because all I wanted was a family shot before they girls had a chance to get all tussled up!

Ever seen a cuter Midget before? I doubt it.

Easter brunch time! Look close and you'll notice a Peep at each setting - some even without heads thankyouverymuch Ashley and Natalie.

Got a little festive with the deviled eggs this year

Get over here Wy Wy!

Happiest cousins

Must be a special day - even Wyatt smiled for the camera!

Knock! Knock! Now who could that be?

Surprisingly Midget wasn't thrilled about our after-brunch guest and opted for safety and comfort under the table

Natty, on the other hand, was all over Peter Cottontail

Natty Katy's new bestie

Even Pippin and Wyatt were happy to see him

Andy getting a little Easter loving

Aaaaaaaaaand finally Ashley figured he wasn't all that bad, as long as he was kneeling down and not standing tall, hovering over her

Pippin's ready for some sunshine and family pictures

Beautiful Ashley

Wyatt sporting one heck of a pink shirt!

Cousins loving on Peter

Ashley figured if Natty wasn't afraid, then she shouldn't be either

Now that's one frisky bunny

Girl time with the bunny

Pippin and Lindsay

See, he's not so bad after all, Ashley

Lee clan

Even Danny and Kathy got in on the bunny fun

Kiddos and their mamas - too bad the mini's weren't about to cooperate

Getting geared up for a new shot, Ashley started squeezing on Grandpa

Danny and Kathy with their adorable and energetic grandbabies

Quickest way to see what the bunny brought you? Dump the basket and its entire contents all over the floor.

Bunny business is tiring business

Finally time to hunt some eggs!

The Easter Bunny filled a few eggs with coins, which meant Natty had to crack them open immediately

Checking out her money-to-chocolate egg ratio

"Mommy it's boo!" (Natty talk for 'blue')

That crazy bunny even brought the girls a giant dollhouse - talk about spoiled!

Happy Easter from the Enos Crew, all 4.5 of us

Easter 2011

Easter 2010

 

Easter 2009