While part of me does miss the big one we have done for the past 3 or 4 years, an even bigger part of me was so thankful to have today's hunt with just a few children. Of course, there are many little ones we sorely missed, but I think this scaled down version is a bit more manageable. 
And it was so good to see old friends we haven't seen in ages. Tradd is groing up way too fast!We started with lunch, and then, with the children re-energized and chomping at the bit, we released the hounds. We had divided the yard into two sections - one with numbered eggs for the older kids and one with plain eggs for the little ones. 
It was perfect, both sets were totally entertained and challenged. Of course, after the hunt, it was time to crack some eggs and chow down on the delicious cupcakes Melinda had sent. Nancy and I both found this little session between Bennett and Ellie to delicious to pass up. 
(Unfortunately, I had not adjusted my shutter speed so these pictures were way overexposed, and I have not yet reinstalled Photoshop on my computer, so this is what you get. Sorry.)
It was perfect, both sets were totally entertained and challenged. Of course, after the hunt, it was time to crack some eggs and chow down on the delicious cupcakes Melinda had sent. Nancy and I both found this little session between Bennett and Ellie to delicious to pass up. (Unfortunately, I had not adjusted my shutter speed so these pictures were way overexposed, and I have not yet reinstalled Photoshop on my computer, so this is what you get. Sorry.)Then it was time for fun on the slide, or as my children like to call it (if they called it anything), "Let's see just how close to dangerous we can get before the grown ups stop us." 
It all started out so innocently with a simple train of girls going down the slide. Don't they look precious? 
Then the boys got involved and it quickly deteriorated into a precariously balanced human tunnel. What is it with testosterone that makes a classic, simple toy like a slide not quite exciting enough? 
Please notice here that that is Eliza sliding underneath Reeves. 
Of course, there was one casualty, but luckily, the injuries were nothing a big hug and some magic kisses couldn't fix.
It all started out so innocently with a simple train of girls going down the slide. Don't they look precious? Then the boys got involved and it quickly deteriorated into a precariously balanced human tunnel. What is it with testosterone that makes a classic, simple toy like a slide not quite exciting enough? Please notice here that that is Eliza sliding underneath Reeves. Of course, there was one casualty, but luckily, the injuries were nothing a big hug and some magic kisses couldn't fix.This was a perfect way to carry on this well started spring break. The boys and I had a great time. Thanks again, Amanda, for letting us all invade your homestead, and thanks everyone for continuing to create these special memories for all of our children.
(And as a bonus to help fill our void, Reeves had t-ball practice at 5:00. Another hour taken care of!!! Woo-hoo! But that's a whole other post.)
We didn't hide the dyed eggs this year because I was afraid that Bennett would pick them up and squish them in his hands. But next year, the tradition continues - first find your basket, then find your eggs, then you can go through the loot.
This was the only halfway decent picture I could get of the boys together all day. Good thing I took it early as both outfits ended up with various bodily stains on them. Thank heavens for OxiClean!
After church we headed to Gammy and Pops' for a little down time before the big family feast at Big Laura's. Reeves pulled out the carrot bat and ball that the Easter Bunny had given him. 
We were all pretty impressed. He hit it way better than I could, but like his momma, he tended to pull it right down the third base line.
It wasn't long before he was going all Babe Ruth on us and calling his shots. We may have to skip T-ball altogether and go straight to coach's pitch!
I can't believe these two can even stand up now as they were hunched over these things all day, pushing them not only around the yard but even through the whole neighborhood. Thanks so much, G and P, for the awesome gifts!! 
Benny discovered his could also double as a self propelled stroller given any slight decline in terrain.
Leeze and Reeves both found silver eggs this year, and they were super excited to open them up and find a dollar bill inside.
(You might be a redneck if the Super Special Silver Egg at your family Easter egg hunt is actually just a big plastic egg covered in aluminum foil.)
After the children hunted their eggs, we all gathered around Laura's wonderfully decorated tables and enjoyed a delightful meal of ham, mac and cheese, squash casserole, asparagus, red rice, and corn pie. 
Miller was, as usual, a dream. He played with Reeves pretty much the whole day. I hope his girlfriend didn’t mind, but he certainly made our day easier.
Again, following in last year's footsteps, it took a while for Reeves to warm up to the whole idea of being social and friendly. He worked through those issues this year by "vogueing" with his Easter basket. 
Luckily, like all children, mine soon warmed up when they realized they would be let loose in a field full of little candy treasures. 
Reeves was a super egg hunter this year. Bennett quickly realized that the things inside the eggs were sugary and yummy, so he would open his each time he found one.
We put out about 2500 eggs, and after about 57 seconds the hunt was over.... and the begotiations began. 
I found this group already trading goodies. "I have two jelly beans. I give them to you for your one malt ball." Look out, Wall Street, these ones are growing up really fast!
This party was a wonderful success and I love that my family is a part of it with all of your's.
So much for the precious linen JonJon I had chosen for Reeves to wear this Easter! I just couldn't put him in it only to freeze because, of course, he would choose to spend as much time outside as possible. 
So, we spent our Easter morning warmed by the furnace, wearing winter jammies, and bundling up for church. Reeves has really gotten into his Easter basket and eggs this year. I feel like such a tool, but I was able to find eggs with banana chips and raisins inside them rather than candy. (Boring Mommy) I should have bought more. Who knew, but this child loves banana chips. He is also quite fond of the Hot Wheels eggs he got, straining very hard to open them himself. Oh, and do you see that wide-eyed bunny we got for him? Yeah, let's just say that it's not so cute when you see those eyes reflected in the kitchen window the night before, and your husband has had to run out, so you are at home by yourself with your child. Don't shoot until you can see the whites of their eyes? Not a problem Saturday night. I almost called the police. Thought I had a creepy stalker in the back yard.
Reeves put on the charm big time to his Uncle Andy. He pulled his Thomas book out and went right up to Andy for him to read it to him. He loved it, and Andy even called me later that night to let me know that Reeves had made his day. I completely agree. 
Although I'm not sure I can forive Andy for actually reading this quite wordy book to Reeves. He had been content to flip quickly through this toddler tome, pointing out each train and maybe some sheep or a bridge or some tracks. But now, now that he knows there is more to hear than, "And where's Skarloey?", I doubt he will so readily scroll through this as part of his bedtime ritual. This could put bedtime off for at least another 10 minutes or so. I had thought I wouldn't have to actually "read" books to him until he was older. I thought I had maybe a few more months before he started pointing out to me that I had skipped 3 or 4 pages.
Miller is quickly indoctrinating Reeves into the world of soccer. I swear, he even drags one foot when he is "throwing in" the ball. Reeves is entranced by Miller's fancy footwork, and never holds back his laughter when the two of them are playing. I can't wait to take Reeves to dress parades next year when Miller is a knob at the Citadel. He will probably be saluting and marching just like his big cousin Miller does, because Miller is one of the coolest people he knows.
Here's something you don't see everyday.... Seersucker pants and a wool sweater. Glowing in the warmth of the Easter fire while watching the Masters. There are just so many things wrong with those statements.
Reeves was soaking up the love before the out of town girls had to head home. We will miss you! And we really missed Reagan. You better plan on being home for at least a week over Christmas, RayRay!! These children need you to play with them!
We headed out to the country after this full day. Unfortunately, Reeves had had just about enough and was exhausted. If he hadn't been so sticky and dirty, I wouldn't even have given him a bath, but I'm glad I did. He slept like a log last night. Although he did play a bit in his crib, which he has never done before yesterday. Is he just getting himself ready to move into his big boy bed? We'll see. Hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Easter.
