Easter with the Family

First of all, I have to say....I love this time of year. Not just because of what Easter means -- that is of course the most important thing. But also because of what is happening....it is a joyful time spent with family -- and there is always lots of laughter, smiles, and happiness when we all get together. It is also the beginning of spring, when the flowers are starting to bloom, and that just also reminds me of renewal and growth -- and I always feel that at this time it is a time of change. To be reminded of Christ's death and that He died for our sins, well, it just gets me reminded of why I am here and really puts a lot of things into persepective for me.

My mom has been on her "sabbatical" (as my sister calls her unemployment) and has taken this time to work in the yard. And if you don't know, my mother has a green thumb. She can make anything grow and her gardens are always beautiful. And this Easter, well, we were not disappointed. The roses were blooming and there was just beauty surrouding us everywhere we looked.

And this Easter was special in a lots of ways - but most significantly because it was L's first Easter back...it was fun having her around - we were just sad that her husband J was on a boat somewhere and not able to take part in the festivities. It was also fun to get to explain to her the "rules" of all the hunts and what to expect. It was like giddy little girls so excited to get to play together again. (and yes, there was a bit of trash talking - which yes, was not in the Easter spirit - about who would get the most eggs). Above is the whole family after church.

And in usual Lippe style, we all hang out front and take pictures upon arrival (and then so the kiddos can go change into the appropriate afternoon running around crazy outfits!). Here is my Sweet Aunt C and her daughter E and her great boyfriend S. We had the most fun before Easter as it was S's first time with the family...and lets just say that there were some quotes on facebook that were priceless.

"I have decided I don't want to get any eggs...and neither is Karen". - S

"I have my three shirts ready - one for before, one for during the hunt, and one for after so I don't have K's blood sweat and tears on it". -S

Yes, the Easter egg hunt is a big deal in the family - and more than anything it just promotes laughter and joy (and just a little bit of competitiveness). It was fun having a newbie around - to you know, have someone to gang up on. I will say, though, that he did come over during the hunt and try to tackle me...I just happen to have a confetti egg in my hand and I smashed it on his head. that stunned him a second. ha, ha.

Here are the girls with Papaw. I swear he is shrinking or hunching down, because he is usually about a foot taller than that! (and no, I am not exaggerating!)

And as always with any Lippe family gathering - there is a TON of food, and this year was no exception. I will say that I made the BEST ROLLS EVER. I will totally post that recipe - my cousins found it and we have made it the family favorite!

And after lunch, there is another family tradition -- the men napping. Ha! My sis caught my dad and uncle totally napping (and snoring I might add) on the chairs in the living room. It just cracks me up looking at this.

And then the hunt started...I loved this year that we found BAGS of confetti eggs along the side of the road that were about $2 a dozen. So we bought quite a few and hid some for the kids to find (and just to be mean, gave some to the adults for retribution if the kids came after them) and we had an absolute blast. My favorite of all the picts was probably this one -- Both of the kiddos found eggs and went after Dad at the same time. PRICELESS.

It was an absolutely FANTASTIC weekend....filled with family and friends, and lots of joy, happiness and smiles.