Absolutely Awesome Eight: Happy Easter!

We have enjoyed a variety of family gatherings this week.

The long awaited mission call came for my niece, Breanna M.

In great anticipation, we watched (Skype) and listened as she read the familiar words, "You are hereby called to serve..." only to have the call drop! It took several minutes before we finally got through to Bonnie's cell phone to hear where Breanna would be serving. Tornadoes aside, she'll be safe and sound in the Wichita Kansas Mission - reporting August 20. Congrats Breanna!

Janene with Jagger and Jett

Cam & Kasey were in town for about a week after Jett's baby blessing but we were mostly like ships passing in the night even though they spent a night at our place. It's been a while since I've "entertained" a 2-year old and newborn for a few hours while their parents had other commitments. Too bad it happened to be while Quinn was at preschool! With various testing going on all week at the high school, Tanner happened to be around and helped out quite a bit. Later, the younger cousins and their parents & grandparents met at PPC for lunch before parting ways.

I had the grand opportunity for lots of service this particular day. It will, however, be the last time I participate in a blood drive for an Eagle Scout project. It's been years since I donated blood and I quickly remembered why.

Cherry Almond Pound Cake

On Thursday evening, as part of the interview process for an executive level position at HCP, I accompanied Aaron, the potential candidate and their spouse for dinner together. Afterwards, Aaron and I had a few errands to run so we were late getting home. Thanks to the older kids for helping get everybody to bed. In our absence, Brinley found a new recipe and whipped up this delicious dessert.
Wow - it was dangerously divine!

G-ma and G-pa P are keeping a crazy-busy travel/work schedule these days so we were especially glad they could sneak away to our place for a quick visit.

Along with sitting through a few windy soccer games, we enjoyed having them around to color Easter eggs on Saturday afternoon.

Brinley, Jantzen, Anna decorating eggs.

Elsie

Anna

This is how Quinn wanted to be remembered.

It didn't matter what was going on, G-ma P always had her camera readily available.

Everybody was all smiles before the big Egg Hunt!

The kids scrambled this way and that - in search of hidden treasures.

Each worked a separate area - quite thoroughly before moving on.

It was very entertaining to watch!

My older children will forever enjoy the memories of the extended family Easter Egg Hunts in Mapleton, UT that coincided with a birthday celebration for G-pa K who would have been 100 years on April 7 this year.

New traditions have evolved and thanks to G-ma and G-pa P for helping out!

Reminiscent of Halloween "trading posts"...

It wasn't all about the candy. Anna collected the most cutie oranges.

Granola bars, fruit snacks and chips were a big hit.

G-pa P's sense of humor kept us all laughing. After enjoying a relaxing afternoon together, G-ma and G-pa headed home in preparation for another busy week ahead.

Thanks for coming!

Love these bright colored eggs!

After a leisure Sunday morning breakfast of yummy German pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice (we LOVE our juicer), sliced strawberries and bananas, we lined the kids up to see their Easter baskets.

Throughout the week, we discussed the significance of the Easter season and watched videos portraying the final days and hours of the Savior's mortal life. On Monday, an older member of our ward passed away and we took in dinner. As their home teacher, Aaron attended the funeral and again, we contemplated the great gift of Resurrection.

In addition to the chocolate bunny and a few jelly beans, these simple baskets were a fun way of giving something to the children - that they "needed" anyway.