Easter

    This year's Easter was extra special because we had a new family member to celebrate it with.  It's crazy that last Easter we didn't even know about Graceyn, and just a year later she is here.  Since Graceyn is still so young, we had a very laid back Easter.  The kids were so excited for the Easter bunny to come.  He is kind of a big deal around this house.  The Easter bunny tends to really go all out at our house because he realizes that these kids are only this young for a such a short time and the joy they get is priceless.
    The night before, the kids always leave out their baskets for the bunny.  I didn't get around to getting Graceyn one with her name on it yet.  Ashlyn took it upon herself to make a special sign with her name on it so the Easter bunny would know it was hers.  Ashlyn also left out the sweetest picture that she drew for the Easter bunny to take with him.
    After the baskets and carrots were out, it was time for bed. Both kids spent a lot of time playing outside that day, so they were asleep very early.   I was up around 3:00 a.m. to with Gracie.  I could have sworn I heard Ashlyn, but i thought maybe I was hearing things.  About 30 minutes later, she came bursting into our room with excitement.  She told us that she had scouted the whole house for eggs.  She even went out into the backyard to see if he left eggs out there.  She even counted how many eggs were in the house.  She was literally talking a mile a minute and I have honestly never seen her so excited before.  Joey went and laid with her and she fell back asleep.  It was one of the funniest things she has ever done.  I got a really big kick out of it, because my brother is the oldest and he used to do the exact same thing.
     Around 6:30, the kids woke up for the day.  They ran downstairs to check out all the Easter bunny had left them.  They were so excited with all they got.  They were literally jumping up and down.  After they checked out their baskets, it was time to start looking for eggs.  The bunny left a lot of eggs throughout the entire house.  Ashlyn already knew were most of the eggs were from her adventure in the middle of the night, but she was really good at letting Dawson find some too.  Dawson really enjoyed looking for eggs.  I carried Graceyn around the entire time and she just watched the kids.  Giggles, laughter, and smiles were abundant!
     After all the eggs were found, the kids ate breakfast and played with all of their new toys.  They had a great time.  Around 11:00, we headed to my grandma's house for Easter lunch.  She hosts every year and always does an amazing job. How that woman makes all the food with no help, will always amaze me!  The kids had a great time playing with their cousins in the backyard at my grandma's house.  After lunch, we headed home with very fully bellies.  We spent the rest of the day playing outside and relaxing.  What a great Easter we all had!

On Friday night, we went to dinner at the restaurant at Bass Pro Shops.  They had the Easter bunny there and they took your picture for free.  I loved the way the picture turned out. 

The baskets all ready for the bunny.  The white paper says Graceyn's name on it. 

This is the picture that Ashlyn made for the Easter Bunny.  I love that she wrote "This picture is for you"

Coming down the stairs ready to check out her loot

Dawson looking at his basket for the first time

Getting a better look

Ashlyn trying on the hat that she got

Graceyn was very festive in her bunny pajamas

Ashlyn on the hunt for eggs

Dawson was a pro

Look at all those eggs!

Eggs everywhere!

Dawson wearing his new hat

All the excitement really wore Gracie out

The handsome little boys in their matching shirts

My three angels.  I love this picture

Our attempt at a picture of all the kids.  Jameson has a new fear of the camera so he didn't cooperate too well.  Dawson looks awesome in this picture. 

Ella in her pretty Easter dress

Love that smile!

Graceyn in her pretty dress.  It's the same dress Ella wore for her first Easter. 

A little better picture of her dress

Daddy and his baby girl

Daddy and his big girl

Graceyn changed into her other outfit

The kids all eating at their kids table.  They all decided that they love sparkling apple cider.  Dawson was calling it spider apple.  It was pretty funny. 

On the car ride home, Dawson was very quite.  We later found out why.  He had gotten into his chocolate bunny.  This is the mess he made!