Easter

Easter was fun this year. We got home from Tahoe Saturday afternoon and decided by that night that we were going to opt for the "sleep in" option and go to 10:00 church. And good thing we did. Kids slept in, a little, but still...it was like Christmas morning when they woke up. They ran out into the living room to find their Easter baskets and eggs hidden all over the house. It was so cute watching Cole turn around and say every time, "I found an egg". And if he found two at the same time he'd give one to Samantha. What a guy.
Then it was off to church, where we celebrated outside. It was a little warm, but under a shade tree it was beautiful. Sitting together as a family singing songs together-my favorite part of the day for sure.
When we got home Peter made a delicious Easter lunch-steak, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, warm bread. It was good.
After we woke up from our food coma naps we dyed eggs and had a quick little trip to the park to fly our kite-it was quite breezy on Easter! Then home for Easter-egg-salad sandwiches. New tradition-I think so.
Ok, so I said that church was my favorite part of Easter but I think I lied. I think my favorite memory was asking Samantha why Easter was important. I was fully expecting to hear something about a bunny, candy or presents and she blew me away with this: "Easter is important because Jesus died on the cross. He died to save us. On Easter God made him alive again so we can be with him forever." That pretty much sums it up.

Family Time

Last weekend we celebrated my aunt and uncle's 50th anniversary. It was a huge party, but the best part was being with all my family. We had family come in from all over to be here for the weekend of partying:) I especially loved spending time with my sister and her husband who live in Virginia. We miss them when they're not here...


Me and my sis.


Sammer Jammer.

Sammie, Katie and Allison.

Grandpa and Cole.

Cole and his new BFF Uncle Adam.

Grandma's 90th

So I am a little behind on the blogging. That's what happens when you have anniversary parties, 90th birthday parties, weddings, and holidays within a month of eachother!
Last weekend my famiyl celebrated my Grandma Loughrige's 90th birthday. 90 is a big deal and deserves a big shabang. We had the party at the First Congregational church of Tempe. This is the church that I went to when I was a little girl and my grandma still goes there!
Many important events have taken place at this church and it was very special to be there.





Me, Dad and Katie.



The red door!

First Congregational church of Tempe.

Love my Grandma.

Great Grandma.

My cousins.

My entire family.

Sammie is FIVE.

Time flies. It is so true. It's one of those sayings that people just say but actually is true. Here is the proof. Five years ago we were blessed with our beautiful daughter. As her birthday approached I was filled with memories of the last five years and what joy they have brought. It only makes me excited for what's to come.
Sammie is really excited about being older too-it's sweet. When I asked her what she is most excited for about being five she said, "going to Kindergarten." Guess she's ready. And I know I say this every year, but 5 seems so much older than 4. It really does.
For her birthday, she invited over a some friends and cousins to celebrate with her. And Peter and I surprised her with a giant, princess castle jumpy house. And I mean, this thing was BIG. She was surprised and totally happy about it and the girls had fun jumping the day away. Then of course a craft-making tiaras, and a game- tape the tiara on the princess, cake, presents and lots of giggles. And yes-it was another princess party. The hope is next year we will break out of this tradition, but it's what she loves so I guess it's ok:)
Thank you Susan for sharing these pictures or I would have nothing to blog. Our new laptop won't read our camera so we have NO pictures yet! As soon as we figure this out I will post more.


Thank you Costco for this yummy chocolate,
chocolate mousse cake.

Thnking up a good wish.

In one shot!

Sammer and BFF Ana.

Ana.

Vivian.

Zoey

Today we said goodbye to our dog of nine years. She was 14 and 1/2 years old.
I took her to the vet this morning and she had a slew of health problems that would have made her life more painful. It was a very difficult decision but I stayed with her as the vet put her down. It was a very peaceful experience and we are at peace with it. Although, we're very sad. I was so anxious to tell the kids but they took it well. Sammie said, "Like, Maura, she had a dog, and now it's in heaven." Love how everything is so simple to a child.
We'll miss you Zoey Boey. You will forever have a special place in our hearts.


~Zoey~ July 1996-February 2011