Easter Sunday

We have had lots of egg hunts, crafts, and treats to get ready for Easter, and it finally arrived!  We got up a little early on Sunday morning so we wouldn't have to rush around.  The boys were happy with their new monogrammed shirts and new shoes, but Lincoln found his not so happy face when I asked for a picture. 

I had planned on long-sleeved blue gingham button up shirts for them this year, but these green and white checked shirts really screamed at us at NorthPark one day.  I hesitated because I vividly remember dressing the boys in green and white check for their first ever matching Easter outfit in 2011.  The pictures were less than spectacular but very memorable.  Crazy crying Beau and not smiling Lincoln . . .  

Lincoln's frown faded quickly this year!  Comparing these pictures makes me want to freeze time RIGHT NOW!!!  How can they be so big?  When did this happen?  I love the sweet and sassy little guys they are today, but I can't believe they are so much bigger than those two dressed in similar outfits just a few short years ago.  Happy for the smiles! 

They discovered that the Easter Bunny had left them a few goodies, and they got busy checking out their gifts.  A couple of little candies, a few coins, a few activity pads, new flip flops, and Spiderman stuff (Lego for Linc and race car for Beau).  They were thrilled! 

Lincoln had lots of fun in Sunday School.  Each boy was so excited to show off their new Easter shoes!  They really paid attention to the story of Jesus and the Resurrection.  Thankful for sweet little boys. 

Beau and Daddy enjoyed the service and Children's Time, and it was a packed house!  While Daddy went to get the car, we ran into Lincoln's sweet friends, Lindsey and Erin.  They are in different classes at school this year, but we still love them so much!  And they still love Lincoln so much . . . they smother him with hugs in the hallway when we are leaving school.  It was fun to run into them and their parents.  Beau was super proud to be in a "big kid" picture! 

We always have a special brunch with Nana and Pops on Easter Sunday, and I decided to continue comparing this year with our 2011 matching year. We went to the Hyatt Richardson, and Linc's plate was full of turkey, green beans, fruit, and a waffle.  He ate like a king that day, and Beau was stuck with breast milk.   

Oh, how times have changed!!!  We had to remind Linc that he attended his first Easter brunch at this very spot at just 3 weeks old in 2009.  Pops brought photographic evidence, as seen on the table in the picture.  The boys were very specific about what they wanted from the many delicious choices at the Park Cities Hilton.  Lincoln chose eggs, bacon, fruit, and French toast.  Beau chose bacon, roasted potatoes, fruit, and French toast.  And since he needs ketchup for bacon dipping, Mommy had a secret ketchup packet in her purse!  The dessert table was the next highlight, and Beau really enjoyed the icing on his giant piece of chocolate cake!!!!  Lincoln was a little neater with his small chocolate brownie.  The best way to end an Easter brunch is with chocolate according to my guys!!! 

For the last comparison to Easter 2011, let's look at our family photo from that year.  We look so young . . . and a little tired with a newborn!

Our family this year looks different but the same.  Lincoln and Beau are much longer for starters!!!  Daddy is pretty similar, and thankfully Mommy has on a longer dress.  (What was up with that in 2011?!?!)  I still think we are a pretty cute group! 

The last two Sundays have been super rainy, and Lincoln's T-Ball practices have been cancelled.  We met up with Coach Wes for a voluntary (anyone who is in town and not busy with afternoon Easter activities) practice.  The boys that were able to come really got to work on their skills, and Coach Wes really got them to show some improvement.  The best part was that the Dads really got involved in playing too.  How much fun did Lincoln have making it to first base SAFE when Daddy couldn't get him out! 

The Dads had so much fun in the field then batting for fielding practice.  They helped the boys understand several in game scenarios about how to get runners out, and it was super fun for all!

After ball practice, we went to Nana and Pops house for our last egg hunt.  The boys loved to run around the backyard to find eggs.  They got a little (A LOT) loud a few times, and we got a few looks from the golfers.  What can I say . . . there was money in the eggs and serious business to find as many as possible!!! 

What a blessed Easter Sunday we had!  Not only did we celebrate that Jesus has risen and gave us everlasting life, but we had a wonderful day just enjoying our family.  It was fun to look back at Easter 2011, and not only because the boys had on similar shirts this year.  It was the year that Beau joined our family, and we have really grown into a family of four since then.  Perhaps they need matching green and white checked shirts every few years . . . I better hurry because they won't let me choose their clothes for much longer!!!  Happy Easter!