our Easter

We had a nice low key Easter this year. Easter Bunny was light on the chocolate due to the arrival of two 1 pound chocolate bunnies via UPS on Friday (thanks Uncle Billy & Ms. Niki!). The boys got treats from Billy & Niki and from both Grandparents so no need to go overboard. Eli woke up first and was excited to see treats waiting for him. A little later Cole woke up and Eli was thrilled to show him all of the treats. We spent a lot of time outside during the day and just generally hung out. I think Tim & I might have each snuck a few winks in during their nap time.

I spent time thinking about what Easter was like for me as a kid. We would rush to our baskets when we woke up and I always searched for the Whopper eggs. Sometimes, you'd end up with a bubble gum or jelly bean egg instead - not nearly as good as the Whoppers! We'd get dressed up and go to church, then it was off to Grandma's for family lunch and egg hunts. I remember that my Dad used to hide money in the plastic eggs, sometimes even bills!! We'd search and search for that magic egg. I'm really looking forward to doing some of the same things with our boys as they get older and as we figure out how we want holidays to be for them. This year they weren't all that into it so we took their lead and didn't make that big of a deal about it. We did read them books about what Easter is really about but I think they're still a little young to understand. They will soon though, they're growing so fast!!

Happy to see treats

Gotta eat the bunny's ears first

He is totally my son, loves chocolate!

Showing Cole his basket of goodies

Checking out the Mickey Mouse paint book

Notice the little smudge of chocolate on his lip. =)

Chocolate bunny!

Cole seems so big to me lately!

Playing together - what's funny is that Cole even pushes Eli around on this.

Bubble time

Running through the bubbles

such fun

Eli tried to eat the bubbles

and of course, Cole had to try to do it too.

Using the "grabbers" to pick up pine cones.

Little cutie - he thought he was smart figuring out how to turn the bubbles on and off.

a crazy playdate

Last night, Robin (Noah's mom) invited us over for a playdate today at their new house. They moved last week so we were very excited to see them and their new house. I don't think Robin knew what she was in for with my two crazy boys. Eli & Cole bring out the crazy in other kids. =) The kids played intensely until we had a picnic lunch on their screen porch and then they played some more before we left. I think Eli & Cole found nearly every toy in their house and had it out at some point. I was SO thankful that the boys took a 2 hour nap today because I sure needed it! Robin & I were non-stop referees and I think we were more exhausted from the playdate than the kids were.

I never get tired of taking pictures! Love the retro Star Wars shirt.

Eli & Noah developed this "game" where they threw Cat-in-the-hat all over the place and ran after him. They got extremely giggly and were being silly. Of course, the throwing eventually got them in trouble as they got out of control.

This picture cracks me up, I can't believe I caught it. Looks like Kylie thinks Cole has cute cheeks.

Cole eventually forced Kylie out of the chair so he could have it back.

Eli & Noah - a split second of calm.

Kylie's dad will be glad to see that she kept a safe distance from Cole on the couch.

All four silly kids - Kylie, Eli, Noah, Cole.

And then Kylie was back after Cole's cheeks.

You've got to admit, they are some darn cute cheeks!

Playtime in the kitchen floor waiting for lunch to be prepared.

Picnic - Robin & I stayed inside and let them have some freedom and their time. It was fun watching them through the door. We have no idea what they talked about but they all ate a good lunch and behaved pretty well.

Friday

Oh my, the boys were SO happy to have a day off of school and stay home with us yesterday. We played in the morning, ran to BJ's, had lunch at Chick-Fil-A, took naps, went to the Y for a little bit (Tim & I did a quick swim) and then had a picnic for dinner. Oh yeah, and since it WAS Friday, the boys started the day off with their Friday morning pop tart. A great day!

Cole's big boy bed was delivered last week. He & Eli are having fun "breaking it in".

Happy brothers

"Mom, I have no idea what he's doing. He's crazy!"

Cole amongst the pillows - so much fun to play with.

Eli taking his turn in the pillows.

Caution beware of attitude - 1.0

Caution beware of attitude - 2.0

The only restaurant where we know Cole will eat. He's a nugget boy!

Ice cream - a super treat.

Little boy napping in his big bed. He hasn't slept in it all night yet but he's getting used to it a little at a time.

Friday night picnic

School parties and egg hunts

Thursday the boys' school had their Spring / Easter parties and Egg Hunt. It's crazy having two kids in school and running back and forth to their classes. Fortunately, Cole's classroom ate first and hunted for eggs second, Eli's class hunted for eggs first and ate second.

I started off in Cole's room where apparently the kids didn't take good naps because they were excited for the party. When I got there a few minutes after 3pm, the kids were all sitting at the table in their chairs all but demanding food. Once plates were handed out, they were happy. I scooted out to check on Eli's room. The kids got all lined up and then dashed outside to find the eggs. Each kids was to find 13 Easter eggs - Eli was done in under a minute. When he said he had 13, his teacher asked him if he was sure. She counted them as well and sure enough, he had very quickly snagged 13 eggs. Back to Cole's room (ok I think I went back and forth a few times more than that), they finished eating and then it was time to find eggs. Tim got there before the egg hunt and Cole was happy to see Daddy. When we went outside it took Cole a few minutes to warm up but once he got the hang of it, he was all arms. Grabbing Easter eggs all over the place and running back to Daddy to put them in his bucket. After the hunt, I ran back over to Eli's room for their party and then Daddy / Cole came over. Cole then participated in Party #2. He absolutely loves going to the big boy room for parties. Lots of fun and lots of sugar!

Cute little Cole-bunny

"THIS is what I was waiting for!"

Ohhhh, a juice box - yummy!

Eli's class lined up for the Easter Egg Hunt

13 in the basket - very quickly!

Waiting for his friends checking out his treats.

Cole delivering eggs to Daddy.

Grabbing with two hands

Running back.

Look Mommy!

Cole was so cute and had so much fun.

Daddy & Cole - have I ever mentioned that Cole is a Daddy's boy?

Eli & Ryan waiting for permission to start eating goodies.

Sugar rush in progress - Little Debbie cake in one hand, Peep in the other.

Mommy & Eli - yes, Eli is Mommy's boy.

S-M-O-O-C-H!

Cole got to Eli's room and snagged himself a 2nd juice box - he knows when to seize an opportunity!

He snagged a Little Debbie cake too. Little party boy!