Here was our Easter in a nutshell:
We went on a fun egg "hunt" (I'm using the term loosely because it wasn't really that much of a hunt as the eggs were just laying there - but the kids loved it). We also went on a train ride, hit up a petting zoo, and decorated Easter cookies. I photographed none of it though - it's hard taking four small kids somewhere alone (Justin was working) AND remembering to take pictures. I figured I'd forget the pictures and remember all the kids.
We also dyed Easter eggs. Yes, shirtless seemed to be the theme this year for egg dying (except for Josie). As always, it was a blast.
On Easter morning my kids found their baskets (which I, again, didn't photograph). The Easter Bunny left each kid an Easter outfit, a book, and some candy. Simple and perfect.
I tried to get a good photo of the kids before church. Surprisingly, the younger three were awesome. It was Clayton who was giving me grief!! He's at an age where he's a little surly about having his picture taken. I think we're entering that "tween" phase.
This is my favorite shot of the day. These two. They are on each others cases all day, but when they get along, it's magic. And now I have photographic evidence that they like each other!!
These next two crack me up. Clayton is trying to placate me so I'll stop taking pictures. Noah thinks he's Michael Jackson, Josie is dancing (gangnam style, in that bottom one), and Sammie is just in her two year old bliss.
Love these outtakes.
Then we moved indoors to try again. Clayton had a happier attitude, but Sammie had crossed over the line into silliness.
In this one, I'm just trying to get a good shot of my kids and Sammie's all, "Hey Mama! Do you see my bum!" (Literally, that's what she's saying.) Also, Clayton's mad that we're not done yet.
So we moved outside to try one more time. This one ended up being our winner. Love the shot of the girls. They are becoming so close. I love it. Also, even though he's a little grouchy, Clayton is oh so very handsome and grown up looking to me here. Finally, Noah. He's still got that little boy look to him that I just adore. Not going to be too much longer before my boys are men. Scary.
Love the way Sammie's looking at Clayton here.
Again, we crossed the line into silliness.
We had a great Easter this year. We went back to basics. We were less commercial with it and talked more about the Savior and why we really celebrate this holiday. My kids are at ages where it's really sinking in and we can have slightly deeper conversations about the atonement and resurrection. It was so special to bare my testimony to them and hear their sweet testimonies in return. Easter is always such a wonderful season and I'm grateful to my Savior for the blessings of the atonement.
It wasn't the best photographed Easter we've ever had, nor was it the most active one, but in my mind it's simplicity made it the best. I look forward to keeping our Easters simple and focusing on the things that really matter!
