Easter and Birthday Extravaganza

Easter Sunday started at Epiphany for us. Daddy was serving at the altar so it was me and the four kiddos on our own in the pew. The girls don't require any attention at this point during Mass, but sometimes dealing with Michael Jr and Gussie at the same time can be a little tricky. This morning Gussie slept almost the whole Mass but Michael, for some reason, was in no mood to be there. At every single tiny little pause in the liturgy, starting after the opening hymn, he looked at me and asked, "It is done now, Mama?" I guess it's funny when you're not the mom.

But we made it through and Daddy said he wasn't even loud enough to be heard at the front even though we were sitting in the third or fourth row.

And by the time we took this picture, Gussie was the one that was ready to get away!

Then we had a little rest and lunch at home before heading to Grandma Kim's for an Easter feast and birthday party for Michael Jr with the family.

Before we got crazy with the Easter celebrations, Michael got a birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa: shiny, fringy, tricycle/hot rod.



It has a little platform on the back that Catherine was using like a scooter in order to push him, because even though these pedals are imminently reachable, he still won't use them.

Grandma had organized a serious egg hunt, complete with multiple stages; first, the front yard, with a few special prize eggs for each kid (one of which we never did find - thanks, Daddy, for hiding them so well). There were fun toys involved, like bubbles and kaleidoscope eggs.

 This is Mary, still looking for that final egg that should have belonged to her.

Then it was off to the back yard that was simply packed with smaller eggs with little prizes and candy. Daddy and Grandpa and cousin Matt made sure this was an actual hunt, not just a pick-up.

Grampy T had to help with a few high ones once the kid spotted them.

And while that was fun for all, the opening is of course the most anticipated part. Some of them were a little stuck, but I think we got them all in the end.

And then it was such a beautiful day outside that we got to play with all the fun toys. I think we had enough bubbles that they could be seen through the whole neighborhood. (And I don't know exactly why, but I love this picture of Catherine).

Gussie was really enjoying the sunshine and walking around in the grass. Between Sunday and us spending most of the day yesterday outside, he actually has a little sun pink on his head and face today!

And after all that, we still had a birthday to attend to. Catherine and Mary are so generous with their present-opening help.

Here's Michael holding his new umbrella, wearing his new car-carrying sash/sling (I have no idea what to call it, but he likes it), staring at his new cars. That's a happy birthday boy.

And we can't forget the cake! (Although we did forget to get out the ice cream - oops.)

Happy Third Birthday to Michael Man!