Easter has always been one of my very favorite holidays. When I was younger, I knew what Easter was really about, but of course, was more enthralled with my Easter basket. As an adult (and by adult, I mean after college), I have really become emotional over the entire "Holy Week" and what it represents to me personally.
As a parent, I am bound and determined to create an emotional and grateful celebration for Our Lord and Savior with my children. Being that Kinley is only 16 months old this year, we tried to focus on family time and fellowship.
This year, we had Grandma and Grandad come with us to church. A first for all of us was experiencing the hatred of Westboro Baptist Church as they picketed our services today for allowing women in leadership roles, divorced persons, and not being openly against homosexuals. I was nervous of the picketers (there ended up being maybe 4 adults and 5 kids) but felt that I wanted to be there to support our church and our beliefs.
After church, we hurried home and hosted lunch with Josh's parents, his Grandma, and his aunt and uncle who just moved from Jefferson City, Missouri. We ate about 45 minutes late but it was delicious! Josh grilled out pork tenderloin , our specialty!
Kinley did get an Easter basket (don't worry), and even had to "find it" hidden in in her climbing tower. It was filled with eggs, beach toys, bubble gun, new outfit, and crayons. She was ecstatic! Grandad blew bubbles and took her for a walk, Grandma and Great Grandma gave her jelly beans and cupcakes, and Daddy and I hid and re-hid Easter eggs! We all had a pretty fantastic day!
He is risen! He is risen indeed!