Some Bunny Loves Me!

Just like last year, the four of us headed out to our neighborhood Easter egg “hunt”.  And in case you missed last year’s explanation, I use quotes around “hunt” on purpose. It’s really a hilarious scene, actually. There are over 15,000 eggs, hundreds of kiddos, and absolutely no hunting whatsoever. None the less, all the eggs strewn upon the ground ignites pandemonium (except with my kids who have inherited Daddy’s cool-as-a-cucumber disposition) when the emcee shouts “Go!”

Unlike last year, Delaney was able to participate in the fun. These two kiddos crack me up. Grayson was sharing what he gathered and kept handing eggs to Delaney, so she could put them in her basket. I can definitely see a great friendship brewing. He always keeps an eye out for her and includes her in every activity. Watch out future boyfriends! You’re gonna have Daddy AND Grayson to deal with!

At the end of the hunt, the good ‘ol Easter bunny made his entrance. A year ago, Grayson went RUNNING into his arms. RUNNING! I could barely keep the kid away from him.  This year, not so much. We ended up making 2 trips to visit Mr Bunny. The first time Grayson was so excited and then inexplicably turned shy on us, so Momma and Laneybug had their picture taken. The second visit was triggered because Grayson realized he had chickened out and neglected to talk to Mr Bunny. Dan and I almost didn’t turn back, because we were certain Grayson wouldn't be concerned if we headed home, but it tugged at my heart strings when he asked a second time, with those deep dimples and puppy dog eyes…so off we went to stand in line again. In the end, Grayson decided not to hug him, but he did pat his knee, gave a high five, and enabled us to get a family photo. Worth the 2^nd trip, I’d say!

So, after the egg hunt, we made our usual stop by the park, which is always fun. It’s so great to have one a couple hundred yards from the house. Sure makes my life easier!

And of course this morning we had our own family egg hunt, Easter basket goodies (complete with REAL grass like last year), yummy pancake brunch, and then dyed some eggs for good measure.

The older the kiddos get, the more fun all these holidays become. And I’m glad they enjoy all the goofy crafts and holiday traditions like I do!

Below are a bunch of pictures from the weekend, but there are a TON more here, so make sure to check them all out!

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

The girls are ready! Let's get this party started!

 Big hugs for little sis

 So happy! Love these cuties!

 Calling out the colors we've gathered.

The obligatory "Grayson takes a pause in ::insert whatever activity::: to spot an airplane" picture

 Momma and Laneybug snuggle with Mr Bunny

 Grayson decides to pat the bunny...Now Judy can pat the bunny. LOL. I've read that book too many times!

 The happy Halsted Clan

 Mmmm, Nothing beats Daddy hugs

The handsome Halsted boys

 Pulling faces at big brother

Easter baskets with real grass! 

Is this the only house where the easter bunny doesn't leave chocolate? :-/

 Even though she helped with 2 eggs, little Laneybug decided watching Grayson work was more fun.

 Waiting....waiting...almost purple!!

 Hi Momma!

 Dan might have missed his calling - drawing with invisible crayons

 Squeeeeeeze!

 Hi baby girl!

Zoo Crew

It was such a beautiful Saint Patrick’s Day that we decided to pack up the crew and invade the zoo. 

That place is always so much fun. And apparently it’s 4^th in the nation too! Wow, I had no idea. This place does have everything though, including a huge lion, who admittedly gave me the heebie jeebies. Simba kept staring at us like we were lunch. He never broke eye contact, and even kept a keen eye on us as we moved to the next exhibit. Dan said he was sending a subliminal “Hi, I’m friendly and misunderstood” message, but I still think he had decided that the kids and I would taste just like chicken, er, er antelope?
Anywho, the kiddos sure enjoyed every single second and Grayson talked for hours about feeding the giraffe his salad. Ha! He definitely acquired my salad loving DNA.

Waving to the Baboons

Let's head "this" way

"Momma, I'm trying to watch the bears! Move that camera!"

  "Ok, quick hug, then more bears!"

"Momma! The giraffe is eating all his salad! Yummy salad, Giraffe!"

 These giggles are contagious

 Grayson REALLY didn't like being this close to the Caimen(?). I can't remember what type of alligator it was, besides fast and a bit creepy with his "wee beady eyes".

 

This kiddo sure loves fish. Lots of Nemo's, Dori's, Bruce Shark's and "Whoa, that's a really big fish, Momma! What's his name?" Me: "Uhhh, Big Fish???" :-)

My Steadfast and Trusty Companion

As most of you know, we lost our beloved pup, Ginger, on Friday.

She was THE most amazing dog and I have no doubt that I’ll never find her equal. 

She had been deteriorating rapidly the past few months; losing weight in scary amounts, going almost completely deaf and halfway blind, horrible arthritis, loss of mobility and muscle density, etc…but never once did she lose her sweet hearted, loving nature. All the way until the end she loved us and her life. 
She gave us 16 full years of tail wagging at the door when you arrive home, sunbathing in a baby pool (only to come inside and regain homeostasis for 15 minutes before heading straight back out), stealing stuffed animals destined to be Zach and Reece’s Christmas gifts, hide and seek games lasting for hours, a devoted tomato obsession and mass quantity consumption (I have no idea how she always knew I was cutting a tomato, yet she NEVER stole any from my veggie garden), her well known “Ladies Man” lisp chats, her jump rope “hopping” shenanigans that would swindle a frosty paw from any softy in a 15 mile radius, and of course, her unconditional and eternal puppy love.

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some quality time with her at the end and thank goodness Dan was there by my side. Safe to say, I’ve only been this sad one other time in my life. Again, Dan at my side.  That man is my rock and I don’t know what I’d do without him.

I’ve sorted through some of our old pictures, and included some more recent ones too.

To be honest, my intention was to sort through years and years of pictures but once I started, I found it too difficult and broke down again.

I’d say what I found is a good showing though. They show her love, her patience, her funny expressions, and what she loves doing (snuggling with us and sunbathing).

I will definitely miss her every darn day. She was incredible and words will never be able to express how much she meant to our family, and especially me, for all those years.

God speed baby girl. Momma loves you more than you know.  Thank you for all the love and memories.

Xoxo