Easter Sunday

This cutie helped me make Hot Cross Buns in the morning.

We usually make Resurrection Rolls but this year, we decided to change it up. And my, were they delicious!!

Raisins, cinnamon, brown sugar, and icing. Yes, please!

A photo of my little peeps before church.

Cute outtakes. :)

Blessed!!!

Easter service was held at Shadow Hills High School this year and it was AMAZING!!

Our dear friends, the Blodgett's.

The Smith family in their beautiful Saris.

 Our beloved Mr. Roy always gets his hug from the girls.

Jacob & Ellie.

Isaiah looks like a prince!

Elizabeth getting some bunny ears from her brother Joshua.

We were so happy that Grandpa joined us for brunch.

I made this easy ham and cheese puff pastry. It was SO good!

Layers of flaky and buttery puff pastry, carving board ham, dijon mustard, and gruyere cheese.

A big hit! I will definitely be making this again.

We enjoyed a simple brunch that included deviled eggs (the girls' favorite) and fruit.

And these! We made Bird's Nest Brownie Bites in the morning, too. Think German Chocolate Cake filling. Yum!

(The one in front with 3 eggs represents our little chickadees). :))

Zach's first egg hunt!

There he goes!

Faith stops for a quick photo.

He found one!

This boy is ball crazy so naturally, all his eggs were "balls."

He ended up either kicking them or throwing them into the pool.

Which then led to THIS when he tried to go after them. Silly boy!  

A change of clothes later and he was back at it.

Zach's eggs were filled with cheddar bunnies. One of his favs.

Faith found the Golden Egg!

They had a blast!

The girls took an afternoon dip in the pool.

And had fun racing in their floats.

I love Easter.

Perhaps it's because we celebrate the GREATEST day in all of history when God raised Jesus from the grave. Without Easter, all hope would be lost. But because of Easter, we have the assurance that even when we die, we will live (John 11:25).

I don't know about you but that's the best news ever! An eternal life-- free from tears, pain, fear, sickness, sin, or evil? Spending forever in the presence of God and Jesus and all of our loved ones who believed and went before us? YES, PLEASE!!

That's why Easter service always gets me. It has me in tears as we sing and worship the One who bore our sins and gave His life so that we could live. For some people, I know Easter may be one of only 2 days a year they attend church but when you see some of those same people, moved by the Holy Spirit, to come forward on Easter Sunday and receive the free gift of salvation... well, let's just say, I'm so thankful God created waterproof mascara! I don't care how many times I see it, there's something so awesome, exciting, and incredibly humbling about witnessing people of all ages surrender their lives to the Lord. 

As the world becomes increasingly violent and evil, I sometimes wonder why God just doesn't return and take us all home. But it's moments like the one I witnessed on Easter that remind me...

 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." -2 Peter 3:9

God loves me and He loves YOU.

That is the resounding message of Easter.

Hallelujah! He is Risen!!