happy easter

A few months before Easter, Christy inquired about whether I'd be hosting, "as usual?"  I replied that I was happy to, and MeeMee and Nana and Papa joined us as well.  Our last minute Spring break plans left me running around to get everything prepped in just a couple days but I had done some of the big shopping before we left.  This was one year that hosting in our old house would have been tough as the snow was still melting outside.

Just like at Christmas, the last mention of the Easter Bunny before bed left Ben more concerned than excited.:(

It took quite a bit of encouragement to convince Ben to search for his basket, and he first went in search of his headlamp to help in the search.  That was entertaining enough that he nearly forgot about the basket search.  As with many years, I feel like this part of our morning is a bit rushed as we're always focused on getting the meal prepared.  I need to work on that in the future but Ben did find his basket pretty quickly with a little help from his Dad.

Shining the headlamp was way more fun than searching.

aha!

Jessie stole the show!

The family gathered for brunch about lunch time and enjoyed lingering at the table and chatting for quite a while.  It's nice that the boys can play and entertain themselves while the grown-ups chat.  The boys played in the basement for a while before we bid adieu to MeeMee and the rest of us headed to Joe and DeDe's.  DeDe and I had conspired a visit so we all could meet baby McCoy while he was at their house.  Their son Payden, and his wife Haley, had welcomed him less than a month before.  It was a pleasure to meet him and spend time with the extended family for a bit.  We all enjoyed another round of food and basketball back at the Heimer Haus before everyone headed home.  It was a delightful and fun day and the boys are having more and more fun playing as they grow.

cocktail perfecting 

(this year's was not my favorite)

First time breaking out my china in the new house.

the hunt is on......

money!!!!

This little gem from Ryan's childhood showed up with ears and a tail on and Ben was over-the-moon.  Unfortunately he is disintegrating so he lives on a shelf.

McCoy Carter Stramel

Luke's fun cup was full.