Easter Egg Hunt in Erie PA

I have to admit, one of my favorite moments of the year is the realization that Easter Bunny has been here. It is honestly as good as Christmas morning. The girls go crazy with the idea that a Bunny has hopped up to the porch (where eggs and baskets are left) and hidden the eggs and filled the baskets with prizes. We probably go a little overboard, but man, the dollar stores make it so easy to do! The first thing is of course to get the baskets and dig in to new flip flops, bubbles and a few pieces of candy before running out to find anything hidden in the yard. This year a good friend from school showed up - amazingly just as the Easter Bunny was leaving - and had actually talked to the bunny who gave instructions that he had left a few "easy" eggs for the littlest sister. Amazing how well he knows our family! Here are a few highlights from the hunt.














We were happy to note that none of the basket items were "princessy" this year - although the princesses are still a well loved part of everyday play, we seem to be finally branching out. Emily was excited to open up her new "Checkerds" (or better known as checkers) game and talked Tad into playing two rounds right away. Debbie strapped her monkey on her back and gave him rides around the front room, while Lizzy took her new red car to nap time with her - she loves to zoom it around too, but her favorite is to just keep it with her to hold.

On a more true Easter note we have been so happy to watch our girls have more sincere feelings for Easter this year, including mentioning in their prayers that they were happy that Jesus could be resurrected. We received a really sweet book about an "Easter Walk" that two little kids take with their grandpa and look for things that remind them of Easter. While reading the part about the crucifixion, Debbie began to cry softly that it made her so sad that He could be treated so bad. Emily quickly added in that he let them because he loves us so much. Elizabeth looked at her two older sisters and quietly listened to them with intent eyes. She didn't say much, but we are happy that she has such great examples to follow behind. We are all so grateful for this time of year and to remember just how much our Savior does love us.

This Easter weekend is especially nice, since Chris took his last test for this school year on Friday and we can all relax and play together a bit more. We are off to play tennis and roast hot dogs on the beach and enjoy being a family. Happy Easter from the Ryans!