as great as it gets

Last year on Easter I was 38 weeks along with Phoebe, the weather was glorious, and it was the start of a week of vacation for Simon and this year I'm 28 weeks along, the weather is glorious AND it's the start of a week of vacation for Simon once again so ... no complaints from me. I will note that I think I might be the same size at 28 weeks this time around as I was at 38 weeks with Phoebe but I have no one but myself and my weakness for Reese's Eggs in pastel colored foil to blame. No one.

The older kids seemed to truly grasp the meaning of Easter this year as Sebastian sang, "happy birthday to Jesus!!" all the way to Mass (standing room only and we stood despite doing two things I never ever ever do: 1. setting out the kids' clothing the night before 2. setting an alarm and YET we were still tardier than usual. Way to be, Pattons) and Julia was very concerned that the Easter Bunny had forgotten all about us as her mean parents made the kids wait to hunt sugar until after church and some super successful family photos in front of a neighborhood warehouse garage door because ambiance ...

all those pearly whites.

And the hits just kept ON rolling ...

Theo was staunchly opposed to having his photo taken but was happy to step in and ruin my Simba moment with my teeny tiny little dancer bebe ...

... and then he was like FINE ... I'll take ONE more ...

... but I won't like it.

And then a super sweet framer of the ladies ...

Phoebe (will be as tall as Julia next week, I do declare) went with her go-to smile, Julia was recovering from a meltdown over Sebastian looking at her for .3 seconds too long, and Grace was getting ready to go coach a softball game (according to Simon). Again, framer. 

Onto the backyard hunt!!

a few minutes into the fun when the egg count went a little something like ...
Julia - 18
Sebastian - 2
Theo - 0 {even though he was ultra prepared with the teeny tiny basket that usually holds his diapers on his dresser ... planners-r-us}

the non-walker - 1

Simon chided, "Julia, I hid - I mean the Easter Bunny hid 24 eggs ... you cannot monopolize 20 of them ... "

... but he eventually reigned victorious and was VERY proud of his findings.

All in all ... a very successful day, I'd say.

I hope YOU all had a very Happy Easter and that you were able to spend the day with loved or liked ones. I don't take holidays spent together for granted after Simon's paid his holiday shift dues. Hopefully I never ever do but human nature, forgetfulness, and time can getcha, I suppose.

Happy Easter Monday to you and yours.