easter.

Christmas is my favorite holiday, except, now Easter may be. It's a toss up. I mean, both holidays celebrate the most important dates in our history. Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. And as my kiddos are getting older (still my babies at 2.5 and 4.5 and then there's Linc who is almost 1!) and I can do more crafts with them and reading the Bible, I'm really loving preparing all of our hearts for what we are celebrating--Jesus, our salvation, the {free} gift of grace.

This Easter we had our annual playgroup party on Friday. Then we hosted a dinner and egg hunt at our home on Saturday with Andrew's side, then Sunday after church, we had an egg hunt and dinner with my side. I've been reminded so much this weekend how blessed we are. And also how Jesus meets each and everyone of us where we are, no matter our walk and our struggles. {I am asking myself---am I loving those surrounding me where they are?}

Playgroup friends (Lincoln was in the Ergo during the picture, but he was there!) 

 girl cousins. 

iphone pics:

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The girls dresses are from Adorn Me Girl online. {Let me warn you, the sweetest little girls and women's items!}

he is risen.

He is Risen, Indeed.

 We celebrated Easter at my dad's house--where we are staying until we get our next house. 

Church morning. 

35 weeks. My shoes really don't fit anymore. Enough said. 

Cousins. This picture took a lot of bribery. 

Cousins with their Gramps. 

We are filled up on lots of food and I even got a nap in. I'm going to call it, it's been a good day. 

good friday.

This morning at playgroup I told the Resurrection Story to a bunch of three and four year olds. (Using Resurrection eggs, have you heard of those before? They were pretty neat!) They were so into it. How could they not be? A story of Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross for us. He took the pain for us. Because He loves us so. Then He arose. The little ones had so much passion while I was telling the story, they wanted to know more. And even had their own answers. I definitely learned from them today. I'm thankful for seeing Christ through the eyes of children, with unfiltered love.

Then we had a great Easter egg hunt. These kids have been friends since in the womb, they really are growing up together. It's the best.

The kiddos are napping and I'm off to begin the fun process of making the most delicious cinnamon rolls for Easter weekend. If you haven't tried the Pioneer Woman's rolls, then you just must. They are totally worth the time and make a crazy amount for you to share. Just one word of advice, ignore the calorie count.

easter weekend.

Despite the very rainy weather we have had, Easter weekend was lovely. Filled with family, food, egg hunts, cute little girls dressed in classic clothes, and of course, celebrating the Risen King.



[I was going to save this post for Small Style on Thursday, but I just couldnt' wait to share what they wore for Easter.]

This year I didn't want to buy anything new for the girls for Easter. They both have a closest full of adorable dresses, some of which they haven't even worn yet! Both girls are wearing dresses that their Gamma bought them. I went with classic, simple Easter attire. Audrey is wearing an older Gymboree dress and Nina shoes I bought on clearance from 6pm.com. Naomi is wearing a Ralph Lauren dress, the cutest bloomers (that you can't really see--they have her initials on the tush that my good friend, Susan, bought for her), shoes that were Audrey's from Gymboree, and Audrey's baby bonnet from her first Easter.

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I'm so thankful for the freedom to celebrate such an important historical event, the Resurrection that changed everything for us. For you and me.

small style {girl party}.

This morning Audrey woke up extra early. And of course, I was extra tired. But, once I threw on a vintage dress and added some lipstick I was ready for the day. We had an all girl spring/Easter party to put on. [I literally threw on the dress in two seconds flat, no shower, barely brushed hair, and no makeup except lipstick. And I will now thank instagram for hiding my flaws and tiredness.]

We set up a little indoor picnic area for Audrey and her friend, Ava to eat lunch. We made sugar cookies, decorated them, and dyed eggs. Here is Audrey's small style for the party...

(you can see the new color in the kitchen, and you can see that we still don't have trim up,

our home is always a work in progress)

dress- gifted, thrifted, and I can't remember the name, Audrey is napping in it right now

leggings- Old Navy

necklace-gifted, dress up jewelry

bracelet- etsy

Naomi had fun playing with Ava's sister, Clementine, who is only three months older. Here is Naomi's small style...

dress- Twirls and Twigs

white onsie- Gerber

leggings- H&M

socks- Old Navy

headband- me, Rosemary's Cuppa

Even though we didn't get out of the house or really plan to today, it was fun to get dressed up and have some great girl time with my friend, April and her littles.

And of course, I'm linking up with Morgan today over at Mama Loves Papa!

[P.S. You should go say hi to April, she is one strong mama with her husband going overseas for the next year with the army. This will be her husband's second tour. Also, she is a lover of all things vintage- like me!]

the great hunt.

Have I mentioned it was absolutely gorgeous yesterday and got up to 85? [Today is 60 and rainy.]
And so an Easter egg hunt it was...

This year Audrey was much more willing to get close to the large, fake bunny, that kids are suppose to love, but really is just creepy. (Check out last year's pic here.)

This picture makes me feel guilty for not owning any pets.

Maybe I will go buy a Beta fish or something tomorrow.

The great hunt...Audrey wasn't about to walk away with her basket even half full.



And be warned, you may explode looking at Audrey and her cousin, Jonathan loving on each other.

Naomi was there, but she was mainly doing this.

Daddy's babywearing is THE best.



It was a good day. And now we have a lot of bribery candy on hand.

a purple box.

For Easter I asked my dad to make Audrey a sandbox. I asked him like three days before Easter, not thinking he would actually do it or that I expected him to. I pictured in my head a square, unpainted box. By Easter he already had the box made and it was painted purple. It looked perfect to me already. But he wasn't done. He spent the next month making sure it was just right for his little granddaughter(s).

Last week, Audrey got her sandbox. It is a beautiful lilac purple, with four seats, and a custom lid with handles to go on top. And? My dad (who is super duper handy, but I wouldn't exactly consider artistic) painted "Audrey" and "Naomi" on it with a flower in the middle. Seriously. It is so sweet. And Audrey just loves it.

I'm so thankful for my dad and him being Audrey's Gramps. And if my mom was here, she would just be eating this up. Oh my. She would.

it's easter. i can't choose just one.

Or just five pictures to share. There are too many. But being that I took over seventy shots today, and sharing only seven, that's not bad, right?

It was such a beautiful day. We celebrated His resurrection. Spent so much time outside. Swinging. Picking flowers. Going down the slide. Having an Easter egg hunt. Blowing bubbles. Visiting my dad's neighbor's and all their wonderful farm animals. Oh, and of course, eating. Duh, my favorite part once again.

Family shot. Gotta have one of these, right? (Next year, there will be another little one with us- yay!)

I think she would pick flowers all day if I let her.

Leaning in to give her cousin, Jonathan, a kiss. They are so stinking cute together.

A little on Audrey's outfit. Her coat that she is wearing in the first picture is vintage, I got it at a garage sale last year. Her dress came from TJ Maxx. It was $17, not bad, considering she will be wearing it again in August for her uncle's wedding. Her hat she borrowed, I made the flower clip for it. And her silver shoes came from Old Navy. Total cost of outfit $27. I think I scored, yes?

the great hunt.