Evan, Evie, Easter Bunnies, and Eggs...oh my :)

We thought we would also share some pictures of the fun Easter Egg Hunts Evan got to be a part of this year. Our first was at Misty Wood Park. It was kind of a random event. I meet a new friend at Children's Orchard who invited me to their play group's egg hunt and potluck. Jim was able to come too since it was during the lunch hour. It was a lot of fun and it prepared Evan for all the egg hunts still to come during this holiday. He also got to meet his first Easter Bunny of the season. As you will see below the bunny was unique. I don't know where they found this costume. :)

Regardless, of his his strange appearance, the whole family got to get in on the fun. :)

Evan also took a picture all by himself. Don't you just love his expression. I think he looks like maybe he wasn't sure if he could trust him; possibly the worry that he might take his eggs. :)

After our bunny visit the egg hunt began. We lucked out in the area we were standing it pretty much became Evan's corner to find eggs. All the other kids ran out into the field.

We love this picture. Here he is surveying the area.

This expression is great too..."Found another one, gotta go!"

Here is our Egg Hunt Champ! Look at all those eggs he found. He was very proud.

On Friday we attended our MOPs Easter Egg Hunt. However, this event was slightly wet as it was raining. Nevertheless, we were able to get a slight break in the rain and have the hunt. The kids loved it! The best part is everyone searching in their winter wear. :)

Evan and Tyler waiting patiently for the hunt to begin.

Grandpa and Grandma Thompson also were able to come to the event. Here is Grandpa helping Evan count his eggs. This hunt was limited to finding a dozen. Evan wasn't too happy with this rule. :) He wanted to keep finding more.

Evie wasn't having the best time at the event.

Grandma Thompson was keeping her company.

On Saturday, we attended the 3rd Annual Chick-fil-A Egg Hunt again this year with our good friends the Moons. It was a fantastic event just like last year with tons of free prizes. Look at all the celebrities who showed up. :) It was quite a line up.

Here was one of the volunteers putting out some of the eggs for Evan's race. They had over 17,000 eggs to give away that day.

Here are Evan and Jim on the hunt. Evan got pretty overwhelmed with this one and stood there for a while processing everything. Jim and I had to help out to get him some prizes. :)

In the end I think he was pleased. :)

Here are our buds the Moons with brand new daughter Brooklynn too! :)

Lastly, Evan was able to get one more picture with the Easter Bunny. Again he wasn't too sure about this guy. Don't you just love that expression. He didn't want to make eye contact. Just kind of starred at the ground. Hilarious!

Oh, we had so much fun this Easter. I can't wait until next year when Evie will be able to get in on the action too. Lots of love to all of you!

Easter Festivities

We had a wonderful Easter this year and really were able to stretch out the event and focus on the real importance of the day, our Savior's resurrection. We started by of course decorating the house with all things Easter. Then we attended a couple Easter Egg Hunts and our church's Holy Week activities, which included a Last Super Potluck and Good Friday service. We also colored eggs for the first time together as a family. Okay, Evan really just watched, but it was still cool! :)

Another really neat thing we did was read a new book most nights this week to Evan about "What is Easter?" It talks about how Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny and candy are all fun, but the real reason we celebrate Easter is God's son. I totally recommend it; I found it at Barnes and Nobles. :) Evan enjoys it too which is what it is all about.
Our holiday also included lots of fun with family.

Pops and GrandDeb came over on Saturday and brought us all Easter goodies, including this super cool Lightening McQueen Easter basket that Evan is holding

...and an adorable bunny hat for Evie.

Then on Sunday my parents came to church with us and we had a delicious lunch from Claim Jumpers and enjoyed a blustery egg hunt in the backyard with Evan, along with more Easter goodies.

Evan finding the eggs.

Evan made out pretty well and loved finding all the eggs. The best part was that he didn't really care what was inside them, but just wanted to put MORE in his basket. So don't tell him, but these were empty eggs! Jim and I lucked out this year. Next year, he might actual care what is inside of them. :)

Here is Evan holding up Mater the Greater. One of the Easter goodies my parents got him. He was soooooooooo excited!

Later on that day we also had Evan find our Easter baskets from the Easter Bunny. He thought that was pretty fun too! Except once he found his that is all he wanted to look for and kept saying open, open! :)

Lastly, no Easter would be complete without super spiffy outfits and kids posing in them! :)

Hope you and your families had an amazing Easter holiday! From our little Easter Bunny, Happy Easter! Love you all!

Jim's 30th Birthday Festivities

So we are finally posting about Jim's Birthday festivities. We all got real sick there for awhile and it put us out of commission. Sorry for the delay...I know you were all dying to know what we did for Jim's Birthday! :)

This was a special year for Jim, not only did he turn the big 30, but he also took some vacation off on his actual birthday and a few days after so we got to experience a 5 day weekend which was fabulous!

On Jim's official birthday our family went to Effie Yeaw Nature Center. The park is bordered on two sides by the American River and is located in Ancil Hoffman park. We had a great time. Evan especially loved the freedom to just run! He slept really great that day.

One of the coolest things about the park is that there were a ton of turkeys. Evan didn't know what to think of them especially when they gobbled! :) They were a little camera shy though; every time I got close they would run away. Go figure!

Here we are in the actual center. Evan loved pressing the display buttons.

That night we dined at the Cheesecake Factory. One of Jim's favorite restaurants. His Dad and wife Debra were able to come too, which was a treat!

Evan enjoyed some of his Daddy's Thai noddles! Yummy!

As well as wearing his super cool hat that Mommy got him.

No Birthday dinner would be complete without a birthday song. Yes, they sang to Jim and gave him a delicious piece of cheesecake - his choice!

Lightning McQueen was even there to share in the fun! :)

That day we also got some fun pics of the kids in their Irish wear. :)

Sweet little Evie...looking so cute!

Here are Mommy and Daddy posing pretty too! :)

Lastly, Daddy with his little Irish girl! :)

One of Jim's presents was to go for a ride on the Sacramento River Train, which boarded in Woodland. The ride was awesome. It was a beautiful day on Saturday, March 20, the train was featuring the "Great Train Robbery" experience and our good friend Greg was able to join us too. We couldn't have been more pleased with everything.

The train was pretty good size and included several covered cars and a few open air trains.

Here are Jim and Evan on our way to the park where lunch was going to be served.

Here are Evie and I too! She slept for most of the experience, even during the gun fire they had in the Robbery shows. :)

This is Jim, Evan and Greg in the open air car on our way back home.

Here are Greg and Evan at the park enjoying the outdoor lunch included with the ride.

Last but not least, our family with the cast from the "Great Train Robbery" experience. We found out these men were all part of a local gun club and did this for fun. We enjoyed the show and would recommend it if you are interested! :)

That evening we had a family party for Jim with a delicious taco bar. It was a lot of fun.

Jim blew out all of his candles too. So proud of you honey.

Evan before eating his Dad's birthday cake. He couldn't wait to dig in.

And after...super scrumptious!

Happy Birthday Jim! We all love you so much and can't wait to see what the next 30 years hold! :)