After sitting naked in our house for more than a week, our tree is finally trimmed.

Last year IEP was given this terrific children’s nativity set.  At two years old he was still a bit too young to have any understanding of what it meant.  This year, as a three-year-old, he is beginning to learn about the Christmas story.

After seeing how he had arranged them I asked what the kings were doing.  He plainly told me that they were waiting for their turn to see Jesus.  (I think Santa-visiting protocol was probably an influencer here.)

Then when I asked why the animals were off by themselves on the windowsill he told me, “Barn all full.  Animals going for a walk.”  … Makes sense to me!

Scout supervises SSP’s tummy time.

Getting the day off to a good start with an alphabet puzzle.

The tree in our front yard, at the peak of color.

After a joint effort of raking leaves.  GAP raked.  IEP ran through the piles.

Holiday weekends usually mean family gatherings.  And for us, family gatherings frequently mean road trips.  But for whatever reason, we tend to stay put at Easter.  It’s the one holiday we always celebrate at home.  I have fond memories of my Easters as a child.  Dyeing and hunting eggs.  Hot Cross Buns.  Lamb with mint sauce.  And new dresses that were always a little too optimistic for warm weather in mid March.

Since we got married GAP and I have recreated elements of those Easters each year.  We have always had lamb.  And since IEP came on the scene we have incorporated some of the more kid-oriented elements of the holiday.  As an adult you gain newfound appreciation for all the effort your parents put forth when you were a kid: holidays are a ton of work!  Nevertheless, I always find that they’re worth it.

Starting on Friday I began my Easter prep work.  It was a weekend-long affair and today I’m feeling spent.  So rather than wax philosophic about the resurrection, I thought I’d share with you a few photos from our weekend.

Artichoke aftermath.

Egg Dyeing 101: How to use the dipper.

Egg Dyeing 201: Just use your hands, Dad!

Future egg salad.

The makings of an Easter egg hunt.

Enjoying their spoils.

It was a long weekend, but I loved every minute of it.  I hope your weekend (whether or not it was a holiday weekend for you) was equally lovely.  I’ll be back on Wednesday with my next round of thoughts.