One of the annual Springtime events I look forward to the most is the Easter dinner at my sister's house. The whole family comes and the food and conversation and all the little ones running around everywhere ensure that a wonderful time is in store.

Melissa's house looks awesome and the dinner table was straight out of Southern Living. Beautiful and seemingly effortless.









Notice how the MEN all hit the table first. It cracks me up the way there is very little conversation on the first go 'round---very serious faces. There's food to be had, after all. Priorities, you know. The second go 'round and they're all jolly and conversational. I love it!!!





Tiny E is TRYING to be patient while all of the big people are filling their plates. That expression is just TOO cute.





The trampoline played a big part in this year's festivities. All the little ones (and a few of us big ones, too!) had a go at it.





Everett's hair went wild with static electricity from the trampoline. The whole crowd got a huge laugh out of this. Walker sputtered through his doubled over laughter "He needs a haircut!" It was SOOOO hilarious!!




Walker showing off his mad trampoline skills as the fam looks on from the deck





Austin displaying his amazing athletic abilities on the trampoline. Seriously, I've never seen a kid in better shape than he is!




This is Jackson's fort. Pretty dog-gone cool!





Savannah and Austin on the roof of the shed--one of the kids' favorite places to hang out.



We all missed Race and wished he was there. It was the only thing that made the holiday imperfect. Thankfully, he's back safe again now. :0)

Thanks to Melissa for her hard work and hospitality. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.

Our Lord is risen!!!

Mom's Birthday

We celebrated Mom's birthday this week by partaking of a family meal at her favorite little French restaurant. This has become a b-day tradition for Mom and I think I can confidently say, a very welcome one for the whole family!!

It is such a blessing when the whole family can all get together to celebrate special occasions---especially one that means so much to us all.

The food was, of course, exquisite from apertiff to entree to dessert. Absolutely scrumptious! The conversation was lively and funny and warm. And the kids---where do I even begin? They are THE most well-behaved, well-mannered and well-adjusted group of young'uns I've ever seen. One and all, they are funny and happy and just an absolute pleasure to be around. I give ALL credit to the parents (and by proxy, to the grandparents) for the undeniable and amazing results of their chid-raising efforts.

Uncle Race sat beside Walker and kept him quite entertained and happy throughout the evening. The sugar buzz from a couple of rounds of Shirley Temples kept him lively, too!!



A good snap of Jackson.


Mom opened her gifts as dessert was served. As you can see, Everett was happy to lend a helping hand. How cute is he, BTW!!!



Quentin was excited to give Mam-maw a homemade card featuring hand drawn portraits of herself and Pap-paw.


The whole dad-gummed crew. I can't believe how grown-up Savannah and Austin look. It really seems like just yesterday that they were Q&W's age. :0)



Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!!!!!