easter 2012

it was a lovely easter, as it is every year.
we dyed eggs on the back patio on the afternoon of good friday.
in the morning we had gone to the live stations of the cross that the 8th grade puts on.
second year we've gone, and it was tough to get out the door, but i'm so glad we did.
so very moving, let's just say it's a good thing i didn't wear mascara (no time for makeup!).

we have continued the tradition of no technology on good friday.

chris' family did this growing up - no radio, tv, internet, ds, itouch...nada.

it is such a good way to reflect on the day, the quiet brings so much peace to the house.

on easter sunday we went to the (school) courtyard mass that we have gone to for years.
it was the first year that christopher served the outside easter mass.
last year (his 1st year of altar serving), he served in the church.
it was nice to be back outside since it has been our tradition for so long.
(and we only get to be outside this one day a year for mass.)

since we had to be there extra early to get him there, we had our choice of seats.
andrew and ella went straight to the front row, they were so excited to be in the first row.
andrew was the first of the entire congregation to receive communion,
he was the one to bring that to our attention after mass, pretty neat.

we had a wonderful brunch at chris & carol's house.

then came home, napped, and got ready for my family to come over for dinner.

he kids got in a lot of outside play time with the neighbors and family.

and then it was time for the easter egg hunt.

this was my favorite part of our entire meal.
fresh salad greens, with warm grilled vegetables and goat cheese
(served with balsamic dressing).

the weather was so nice we all ate on the back patio.
and it is so nice to have spring break the week following easter.
we were able to just relax for quite sometime out there,
and not worry about an early school morning the following day.