Easter Weekend

We had such a wonderful weekend in Utah.  Dave and Jackson had Friday off, so on Thursday evening we headed to my parents house.  It was an easy short flight compared to our last two.  Mariah is getting tough on the plane, so it is much harder to fly long.   We spent Thursday evening talking and catching up with my parent.  The kids love their house and ALL their toys and games and puzzles.  Jackson was so angry he had to go to sleep (Thus he woke up at 4AM!! so he could get back to playing.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go back to sleep so it was a long day for me too). 

Friday Dave, my dad and I played racquetball.  I wish we had somewhere to play in AZ, I really like it!  We cleaned up and headed to BYU to see the Carl Bloch Art exhibit (Sacred Gifts).  I am SO happy we did this.  I felt the spirit and I felt close to the Savior through the art pieces.  It was a perfect beginning to Easter week, to turn our minds to Christ. 

 We then toured BYU campus. We bought books and shirts at the bookstore and then ate at the cougareat.  I have so many memories there and loved sharing them with my family.
We went to a small egg hunt in Lehi (by small I mean that each of our kids got 2 eggs).  Mariah was anxious to walk everywhere.  She is really getting it.  I'm so glad my sister came to hang out all day.  She is a great mommy and it is fun to see her with 2 little kids.
My mom spoiled us with a 7 course dinner and appetizers and dessert to boot.  They really treat us well when we come.

Saturday we woke up early to meet some friends for breakfast.  Dave and Joe were good friends in college and actually were with us on our first blind date.  Emily and I became fast friends and probably know more about each other because of social  media than our husbands do, but they pick up right where they left off (basketball) when they get together.  Our 3 kids are very close in age, so we have a lot in common.  The Morins came to Lehi for Egg dying (and painting and coloring and hiding) and lunch.  Once again, my parents spoiled us with amazing food and company.

We packed up and left for Bountiful and spent a wonderful evening with the Harpers.   There were 9 cousins all together (missing 5 out of state) and they had a blast searching for hundreds of eggs and running wild basically.  It was chaotic and Bethany and Tom were such gracious hosts.  Their home is so warm and inviting, we just love being there.  

Sunday morning the kids enjoyed new Easter clothes.  Shopping with Hallie was the highlight of my week.  She carefully chose her favorite, stuck with her choice and wanted to surprise everyone she knew with her beautiful sparkly dress. It was so fun!  I can see why mothers and daughters like to shop.  Jackson got in his handsome suit and asked if he looked like a sacrament passer.... Yes, yes you do... please don't grow up too fast!

We spent the morning watching Easter videos and eating an amazing breakfast and lunch (Thanks again Tom and Bethany!) 

Church filled my soul with gratitude and thanks to the Savior.  The music and the talks inspired me to live more like him and praise him with my life.  My life is what it is all because of Him.  Every blessing I have is because he lived, loved and taught me how to create a good life.  He helps me to try again and not give up.  He gives me hope for a better me and brighter future and a forever family.  I am so thankful for my Savior and His sacrifice in my behalf.  

So thankful for a wonderful life, good friends, amazing family and all that we have that blesses and enriches us.