Happy Easter!

From our family to yours - Happy Easter!

We had wonderful day from beginning to end. When we woke up the Easter Bunny had visited and left goodies for the kids (never too old for an Easter basket!) and then got ready for church. The talks in Sacrament Meeting by Reid and Foye were wonderful -- I love Easter and the reflections especially on this day of the Savior and what he has and continues to do for us, his children. Then Ethan and I attended another church at 11 because several of my co-workers sing in the choir and since I missed their Easter concert last week we went to hear them sing "How Great Thou Art" today. It was truly the most beautiful I've ever heard that song performed -- just incredible. My boss, Paula, and another dear friend of mine, Glenn, from work are in the choir and wow, it was so good. The sermon there called "He is Risen" was also a great sermon. I do believe my testimony of Jesus Christ and what he went through before his death and resurrection was really strengthened this day and I hope to do a much better job showing my love for Him and being a better example and servant of Thee.

Following the church services we went to Mom's for the most delicious Easter dinner with family, friends, and loved ones. It was SO FUN! We ate, hid and found eggs, talked and visited outside in the beautiful spring weather and just had a fabulous day. We talked to Erika and Jack in Idaho and they were having a good day and both had to work this evening. We miss them but will be so thrilled to have them closer this summer!!! (Wilmington's only a couple hours away!!!) I got to visit with Joey's family after leaving Mom's then to Lexington to take Addison to spend the night and first day of spring break with her dear friends, The Gilbert's. They are an incredible family and they took Ivy (Erika, Ethan, and Addi's 4 year old half sister at their dad's) to church today at the Lexington Ward! Ethan and I had a nice visit on the way home tonight from Lexington and he's just left to head back to Florence. It's been a great Easter day. The following are photos from today's events:

Abby and Alex enjoying lunch.

Ginger - I love your outfit! She always looks good in any pink!

Daddy and Ethan talking and enjoying lunch together!

Yummy! "Lana's Cafe" is the greatest!

Oh how wonderful it felt outside today! Beautiful South Carolina Springtime!

Enjoying time with my sweetheart...

Brandon had a "mishap" with the ball and Jenny was after him! It was so funny and Tiawanna got it on video of her chasing Brandon - even Spencer got in on the excitement. Sorry you scratched your leg on the shrub in the process, Jenny. You and Brandon are so fun!

Sister Oakley - isn't she beautiful?!

The boys so enjoyed finding eggs -- and loved when a surprise was inside!

Looks like Ethan enjoyed a nice nap after a big Sunday dinner at Grandmother's!

Maddie and Will - Will's hiding under the chair!

Shaun and Carson (aka "Little Shaun" - he looks so much like his daddy!)

Chloe seems to like Easter pretty well, too. She loved all the attention from Spencer and the kids.

Easter was a very nice day for our family -

I hope to carry this feeling in my heart for a very long time.