Easter Celebrations

What a beautiful weekend we had to celebrate Easter. The kids had a chance to see a ton of family and were spoiled with candy, egg hunts, trinkets and baskets galore. We are blessed with people who love us, that is for sure. I felt very peaceful this weekend. Every holiday that goes by, I realize how much older the kids are getting. Easter brunch- the kids lasted the whole time! They didn't need strollers, bottles or sippy cups and I didn't feel as stressed out. Jake sat through the Easter church service with us and was really listening. Watching their reactions to their baskets... A lot of joy in little moments for this mama! I was also thankful for the beautiful weather! The kids were able to be outside so much and we are all happier when that happens! 

 Each night, we tried to put more emphasis on the crucifiction and tell them about the Easter story. It is hard at this age though because you don't know how much really goes in... Jake understands it all and has a full and honest perspective of his belief. It's awesome and I am jealous of the awesome foundation he already has. My hope for the future is that all the boys will know Jesus was a real person who walked the earth, performed miracles and was the son of God. That they are thankful for His sacrifice for us and that he conquered the grave and we will see him again. This year, I mostly want them to understand Easter is much more than chocolate and eggs. (Although they are yummy) 

This year more than most, I am keenly aware of how precious our time is with family. We need to enjoy each moment together. Life is short. This I know. Although we missed a few of our favorite people.... I was very happy we got to celebrate together! Here are some pics of the fun and of course the coordinating outfits... Obviously. What's a girl without daughters supposed to do???? 

A typical morning with my Kev

Now that both brothers are in school in the mornings, it's just Kev and I. Our mornings usually involve errands, trains, hugs, cleaning, cars, kisses, more trains, a "show", more cars, maybe mom gets something done then more hugs. Love my littlest. He is a fiery, tough little guy who is by far the toughest two year old yet.... But he is as cute as they come and loves me so much and the feeling is mutual! He gives me more kisses and hugs than anyone ever has! 

Wolf says, "owwwwww"

This past weekend, we took a trip to the Great Wolf lodge in the poconos. The past few years have been very busy. With kids being so little, we are not big vacation people at the moment. However, I try hard to fit it in something small at least once a year. Nothing big, but a weekend somewhere that is simply not home. Being a stay home mom and being home the large majority of the time... I know I needed it. So, I started looking for something relatively close to home and yet suitable for little guys. We normally do Lancaster, PA and love it there. However, I wanted to try something different. I had heard of GWL awhile ago,but was waiting until the little guys were old enough to do most of the activities offered. Once we decided to go, I couldn't wait. I think I was more excited than the kids. I really needed some time to just have fun with Jon and the boys. The daily ins and outs of raising boys can get... well tough. Add on life and all that comes with it and I needed a mental check out. And that it was! It was the perfect little trip for us. We still had the daily challenges of having three little boys. For example, they didn't sleep too great at night and Jake was running through the waterpark and after being reminded 100 times not to run... He fell really bad and ended up with a huge egg on the back of his head (scary). However, not being home and having to deal with laundry, homework and making meals... Made it all worth it. Plus, the kids were occupied the whole time! At night they got to sleep together in their own little, "wolf den," which included their own TV! We got to bowl, play arcade games, listen to stories, watch shows, go on a magical "quest," together and the boys favorite... Go out for ice cream two nights in a row! I am incredibly thankful we were able to get away and I feel refreshed. Back to life.... But feeling grateful!