Easter Sunday

What a fun Easter Sunday we were blessed to have this year. The boys were extra good a few days prior to ensure that the Easter Bunny would make a stop at the Monsen home.
We didn’t implement the “wake up whenever you want rule” for Easter like we did for Christmas, but these boys were ready right at 7:00 to get their search on!

I thought it was extra cute that Thad headed straight to the spot that Grandma Cindy had hidden his Easter treats the day before.
The Easter bunny knows better than that!

We told the boys they had to find their baskets before they could start collecting the eggs, and Wes mostly just wandered around looking cute.

It didn’t take Thad long to find Wes’ basket, and he was kind enough to point him in the right direction.

Thad didn’t take too much longer, but we had to remind him the the Easter bunny might have put it IN or BEHIND something and that he should open every door and cupboard.
After checking everywhere in the kitchen, living room, laundry room and bathroom, he was successful!

Somehow that bunny knew that he had been wanting a watch, just like his dad.

After finding their baskets, they got serious about the egg hunt!

Here is the collection of boiled eggs…it was a bit muggy and there was condensation on them so they had to be piled on the table.

After pointing a few of the last eggs out, we deemed the hunt a success and they boys were free to enjoy their Easter loot.

It was so funny, because Wes had more bills in his eggs than coins, but Thad thought it was cooler to get coins.
Luckily we are at a stage where he doesn’t quite get it yet.

Mom and Dad didn’t want to be left out of the celebrations, so we also gifted each other a little something…

Brian’s swimsuit is good lookin’ and he was happy about it, but I am PUMPED about my prenatal massage that I will redeem a few weeks before our baby girl makes her appearance!

After a wonderful morning of being together and attending our church meetings remembering why the Easter holiday is celebrated, we made our way home for some Easter Sunday Family Pictures.

I really can’t get enough of my peeps. I am so grateful to my Savior for the blessing it is to be an eternal family.
How blessed we are to be a happy family that spends each holiday together and feeling the joy that comes from being together and creating traditions.

Happy Easter 2014

Grandma Cindy Visits!

Grandma Cindy and I generally talk about 1-2 times per week. In March we decided it had been too long since we had seen each other and she booked a flight for a couple days after my birthday.
I was so excited to have her coming and I just knew it would do my heart good to see family. She got here on a Wednesday and left on Saturday. It wasn’t long, but it sure was awesome and exactly what we Texans needed!

Stories are always better when grandmas, grandpas, aunts and/or uncles read them.
Grandma thought it might take a little while for them to warm up since it had been a few months, but this was taken shortly after her arrival. They couldn’t stay away from her!

It is always so fun to have family come and join in on our day-to-day activities and see what we do on a regular basis.
Thad was so excited to have Grandma witness how brave he has become in the water!

Swimming lessons have been so good for this kid, and although he still struggles going all the way under, he is not afraid to work on his skills!

Grandma was so nice to put up with my hair whoas while she was here. I had gotten my hair done the week before, but my hair girl didn’t put enough blonde in, so I went back to get more in and this happened:

You may not think it looks that bad, but it was/is brassy and I hate it.
Luckily Brig walked me through the toning process, but it took a while to get the guts to do it on my own, hence my worried face on the right.
The toner helped, but I still kinda hate it and can’t wait to get to Utah for Brig to fix it!

Grandma Cindy was such a sport to go to a Relief Society activity with me and let us attend a couple birthday parties while she was here. She is the most easy going guest, and I don’t mind hosting her one bit!

On her last day here, we had some fun, low key Easter festivities.

We didn’t waste any time in the morning and got right to Easter egg dying. We knew if we didn’t do it then, it wouldn’t get done!

The boys were super excited dad got home from his run just in time to join us!

I think it’s safe to say that Dad is the most patient, creative egg dyer in the family, so we’re glad he joined.

Wes was a huge fan of the Easter egg stuff:

We sure love this happy, funny, excited, beautiful boy of ours!
He gets smiles everywhere he goes, and these pictures show part of the reason why.

Grandma Cindy couldn’t leave without giving these cute boys a little Easter surprise, so she sent them on a little hunt to find some Easter treasures.

Wes needed a little guidance and found his first, but Mr. Thad wasn’t taking too well to the “hot” and “cold” hints we were throwing out.

But he found it and was a happy camper!

Even if he looks a little drowsy in this picture.

To end the trip, we treated Grandma to some great BBQ at Green Mesquite.

I was sad to say goodbye to this momma of mine, but am just happy I got an extra time to see her between Thanksgiving and summer.

Love you tons, Grammy, and thanks for making and taking the time to come visit the Monsens!