Easter

On Saturday, April 15, the Easter Bunny came to our house and way overdid it on the whole thing. I think that he was trying to show up Santa Claus. I guess that's what happens when there's a birthday in the house on the day before Easter. (I blame Toys R Us). We've had a good chat with him, and next year, he's going to keep it much more low key. (Side note, Michael knows the true identity of the Easter Bunny. I'm not really sad about that one though.)

After a crazy morning and afternoon (and in the midst of birthday celebrations), we colored eggs:

 This is Gabe's first Easter, which is funny since it's the only first holiday that didn't happen in his first year. It made it kind of fun though because he got to color eggs--with lots of help from Daddy!

 Mess on the counter=success!

On Easter Sunday, we went to church, of course, and then we headed to Nana & Papa's house for another egg hunt and the traditional Saville egg-stuff dinner. 

 Gabe decided to try the eggs--shell and all.

Wow, this kid:

 After all the eggs were accounted for (and the stories of years past missing eggs being found were told), we headed out to the yard to roll eggs.  

 We discovered that not only does Gabe enjoy eating eggs, he also enjoyed smashing the eggs in his hand. He quickly lost egg holding privileges.

After rolling eggs, there was some twirling:

 And then the shelling of the eggs and the making of the egg stuff. Julie let me stir the egg stuff and even trusted me to add more milk. I feel like it is a unique right of passage into this family.  

 I love these Saville Easter traditions so much. Almost as much as I love the Savilles.

After dinner, we had a little mini party for Gabe. He didn't freak out too much with the crazy Saville style singing.

 If I remember right, I think he even found it quite entertaining.

 Presents from Nana and Papa:

 Good thing he has siblings to help him out.

 The traditional first year Kleenex box. Gabe didn't disappoint!

Easter remains my favorite holiday. This year, I couldn't help reflecting on the blessings of the resurrection, not just for those that have passed on, but for those of us who have lost pieces of our bodies along this sojourn of life. I'm looking forward to one day having a perfect set of hips and a body free of back pain. That miracle from the first Easter morning has brought on a whole new meaning in my life, and I am filled with even more gratitude for the hope that Christ's resurrection brings to all of us.