Easter Weekend 2013

We spent Easter weekend in my home town.  On Good Friday, we rejoiced over Christ's payment for our sins in our place, and we celebrated two birthdays.  My husband turned 40, and our nephew turned four.

The kids had a blast at their cousin's 4th birthday party which was held at the aquatic center.  

My boy and the birthday boy

My husband's big 40th birthday bash isn't until next weekend, so he tried to enjoy the Buzz Light year themed birthday party as if it was his own since it was his birthday too. 

 

 He even found a cupcake with his number on it!

The best part of the birthday party was when my husband and I sneaked out early while my parents continued watching our kids so that we could enjoy a fabulous Japanese meal together.  The young hibachi chef from San Francisco who served us put on the best show we've ever seen, and we've been enjoying hibachi grills together since we first started dating back in 1992.   Thanks for the help with the kiddos, Mom and Dad!

The next morning, Mom and Dad spoiled us by serving us a huge delicious brunch.  My brother's family joined us, so the little cousins could enjoy a giggling fun fest together.  As is her tradition, Nana then gave the kids Easter baskets filled with nice gifts thoughtfully selected for each grandchild.

We drove home in time for my husband to get to church early enough to sing in all three services.  It was an awesome worship service, so powerful that I didn't even get distracted by my hot husband singing in the trio at stage left. :-)

The kids and I spent yet another Easter morning together without Daddy, since he left for church before we even awoke.  I wish he could have been in our early Easter morning photos, but at least this year we had a new bunny to pose with us.

Wanting our Easter pics to point to Jesus, and not a lowly bunny, the kids held crosses and resurrection crafts to proclaim that Jesus is risen!  He is no longer on the cross.  Death is defeated.  Because He has ascended from the dead, He has the right to call the shots and to take full authority over our lives so that we too may be raised again to new life with Christ forever! 

The kids spent much of the afternoon hiding eggs for my husband and I to find with humorous notes, puzzle pieces, candy or some strange surprise in each one.