Easter 2014...

 A lot of the Easter traditions this year slipped my mind until the last moment. It wasn't until Easter morning that I remembered that I forgot to put the presents in the baskets. We didn't even dye eggs until Sunday afternoon after church. Not sure why I was so off my game this year. I have been thinking a great deal about the real reason for Easter, so I guess that's all that matters. Here are some pics of the distractions from the real reason:)
I took this picture because one of my favorite things about my home is the fireplace, for many reasons, but at Easter time, I like seeing how many eggs I can hide in the rocks. Ya, I'm cool. 

 So I've been seeing friends post really cute pictures of their kids in their new Easter clothes. Here are my attempts....

 Tyler and Zach don't even hear me sometimes.

  I just gave up in the end...

Here are my attempts at a family picture. Yes, I realize Josh is missing. He wasn't home, but he doesn't allow himself to be photographed so I didn't need to wait around for him anyway:)

 The two most cooperative of our family.

 Hey look! We did these too! Easter is complete!

It was a great day complete with kite flying, bike riding and trampoline jumping.  I think Spring is thinking about coming to our town very soon. I hope, anyway...

9?!

 Yep, she's 9 and I am an old lady. Anyway, here are some pictures of her big day. I decorated her door, of course. She looks forward to that every year. I'm running out of ideas!

 She requested a chocolate tres leches cake. This girl is a chocaholic for sure. She had triple chocolate fudge ice cream to boot!

 We had a little family party and that's always fun for the whole family. The kids love seeing all the new toys. I got her a little "Mommy and Me" journal. It's a journal that we'll write little notes to each other in periodically. It's a good way to communicate when you don't want to communicate verbally. Her first entry was adorable and I think this will be a good thing for us as mom and daughter.

 I loved how interested Tyler was in all of her gifts.

 Dad surprising her with some water skis.

 She's so tiny!

 These boys sure adore her.

 Aaaand, the annual birthday picture with Mom.

 

It's amazing how much changes from 9 months to 9 years!! Time sure flies...

Happy Birthday to my favorite little girl!!