Easter Eggstravaganza

Good Friday was indeed good when the boys slept until 7 (something that has only occurred on a few rare occasions). Although we got off to a late start, we had an enjoyable trip, especially since we listened to James and the Giant Peach (it brought back fond memories of CCS).

As Andrew spotted the tree house Grandpa had built, he immediately started shouting, "Unbuckle me! Unbuckle me!" I don't know how many hours they spent outside playing with all of the old Army and construction vehicles, climbing into the treehouse and shooting bad guys, and hunting and hiding Easter eggs.

Dump truck races down the walkway.




Stephen taking a break from constructing a 37 story building.




One of Doug's high school buddies sells tractors and other farm equipment. Here is Andrew "driving" a camoflage mule.




The boys have finally caught onto the idea that holidays=gifts, therefore I was unable to recycle stocking stuffers for their Easter baskets. Thanks to Target's great clearance endcaps, however, I found some cool stuff only to realize while loading their buckets that we had no candy. Never fear - Grandma to the rescue. She provided a large bag full of Skittles, gummy Life Savers, gummy worms, and assorted chocolates.



Here are the boys counting their eggs

Matthew had the most exciting Easter gift of all - A&D ointment (who could ask for anything more?) Also included were Pooh shoes (baby gift courtesy of Mrs. O), a pacifier ribbon, and two teething toys (clearance from Wal-Mart).
Matthew was quite charming during our trip. He traveled well (which is good since Doug hates to stop). He smiled and cooed and ate and slept. Here is Matthew with Grandpa
and with Grandma.
The dreaded family Easter picture (it was actually much better than I had anticipated).


Doug and I with the only child we could make stay still for a picture.





Matthew and I

We returned late Sunday night from a busy yet fun weekend in Mississippi. We could not have asked for better weather; the food was great (yummy Shrimp Creole); and it was good to see all of the relatives.



Last, but not least, my sleep-deprived take on " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas":

'Twas the first night at Grandma's when all through the home
Everyone was sleeping, no children did roam.
The kids were all settled snug in their beds
While visions of dumptrucks danced in their heads.

With Doug soundly sleeping and Matthew all fed,
I finally got to lay down my head,
When all of a sudden I heard a great cry,
I threw back the covers, from the bed I did fly.

Out in the hall Andrew stood in a trance,
Distraught, he couldn't find the beloved ambulance.
With the vehicle located, the child tucked tight,
I was hoping I could finally rest for the night.

It wasn't to be: someone needed dry clothes,
Another was sad, Doug kept blowing his nose.
And poor baby Matthew began to fuss,
With unconsolable tears, he then joined us.

At six cheery Stephen was ready to start
But we were able to persuade him that it was still dark.
At half past seven, Andrew did arise
Dressed and ready to play outside.

Our sleep had been fitful at very best,
I wouldn't call it a "good night's rest."
And we both declared when we finally awoke,
"When traveling with kids, sleeping's a joke."