THE EASTER SUNDAY

We enjoyed a wonderful Easter Cantata, He Is Jesus Christ, performed by the Pasadena, Arcadia and LA Stakes. When the orchestra and choir started their first number, you could feel the spirit so strong that tears came to many eyes. On Sunday we enjoyed attending our Sacrament Meeting in our home ward while Angie attended with John's family in their ward. It was fun to later listen to what the children learned about the life, crucifixion, resurrection, and atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And of course, we can't forget the picture taking after church in our new Easter clothes.

After church we had our annual family Easter Egg HUNT. Angie came early to help us hide the eggs and then the children were assigned colors....and the hunt was on.

Christian, Mel, Ashlyn, Brooke, Madison, Chelsea, and Spencer

They looked HIGH ....

And LOW to find their color of the day.

All anyone could get were mostly their backs for pictures.

And then counting....1, 2, 14, 16.....

We then enjoyed a delicious dinner with the family...including Angie and Marrianne's parents. Hmmmm, Ham, green salad, fruit salad, Easter bread, green beans, olives, pickles, and sweet potatoes [thanks Matt's Heather for the delicious sweet potatoe receipe...it is one of our family's favorites].

Remember the carrots Sally use to make out of jelly beans? Her daughter, Sandy, made them this year for the grandkids.

And Marrianne made this adorable bunny carrot cake to celebrate Easter and also my Birthday. [Ya, I'm now an official medicare-AARP card carrying holder]

And a BIG THANK YOU to Angie and Marrianne, our clean up crew, for doing a great job!

The evening ended with "let's restle Uncle John" activity.

Ashlyn was not sure about all these little guys beating up her daddy

We also heard from the other children and grandchildren scattered all over the USA...plus had "Happy Birthday" sung to me MANY times throughout the day. Thanks family for a fun birthday!

Marylyn's family had enjoyed a fun time in Texas, but had a hard time getting back home, finally getting a plane to OR Monday and driving several hours home.

Joe had been on a business trip and thought he would miss Easter with his family, but his boss advised him to head home on Saturday.

Colorado gang invited the Harrell's over to celebrate Easter with the family.

This was Ruth's family's first holiday in Holland and enjoyed a nice dinner with some new friends from their branch.