Easter

Easter this year was bittersweet. As a family we were mourning the death of my grandfather. But we were also celebrating the fact that Christ conquered death and was resurrected from the grave. Brayden continued to remind us all week that Boogs was in heaven having a big celebration! Isn't that the truth! Because we were with family for the funeral, we decided to stay a little longer so we could celebrate with Easter with them as well. (Kenny had to go back...Holy Week is a busy week for a pastor!)

The Easter Bunny hid the kid's baskets...Kennan found his in the bathroom!

Grayson woke up a little earlier than the big kids. He had a few eggs "hidden" around the living room. He got the hang of it very quickly! One of his eggs cracked open and he was so excited about the goldfish that spilled out. This is his excited face!! (It also looks a little like his barking like a dog face, but I promise he was super excited!!!)

Ready for church!

After church we went to my aunt's home for an Easter egg hunt with some cousins.

What a fun day of celebrating and remembering!

Boogie Bears

We all called my grandfather Boogs, sometimes Boogie (the oo makes the sound like in book). It's a long story, but that was what his grand kids and great grand kids called him. My mom had the idea for all the great grand kids to go to Build a Bear to build a bear to remind them of their Boogs. I thought it was a great idea (especially for my kids who loooove their stuffed animals)!

Finished bears!

Grayson's Boogie Bear

Brayden's Navy bear, because Boogs was in the Navy

Kennan's surf bear, because Boogs liked to call people Dude

All of the bears!!!

What a fun memory for the kids!

A Boy and a Dog

Saying Goodbye

My sweet grandfather passed away this morning.
My heart is sad but my memories are full.
I am thankful we made the trip to see him last month.

I am thankful my kids (well, maybe not Grayson) will have memories of their great-grandfather.
Boogs and Grandma with Kennan in 2005...

Boogs and Brayden in October of 2007...

Grayson and Boogs in August of 2010...

I am thankful he is in a better place, with no more pain or hurt and that he is walking hand in hand with my Nana.

I love you Boogs!

Quick Visit

My dad called the week before last and asked if he and my mom could come for a visit. Like I would say no to that?!?! We loved having them here for a few days. We had nasty winds most of their visit, but we made the best of it!

New Trick

Grayson has recently become obsessed with barking like a dog. It is pretty much the cutest. thing.EVER. Even if there is not a dog in sight, Grayson will just start woofing and gets the most serious look on his face. Have I mentioned it is the cutest.thing.EVER?

"Look dad! A dog!"

Randomness

My last post said that there is never a dull moment with Brayden in our lives. Here is more proof...she can even entertain us in her sleep! Funny girl!!

We had some friends over the other night and Grayson went to exploring the back yard. He found the sand box and surprisingly didn't put any of it in his mouth!!

Today was Kenny's day off so we spent a lot of the day doing some spring cleaning. We came up with many things to donate and sell. It feels good to purge, doesn't it? (P.S. We are selling the exersaucer, not the girl.)

Kenny took the 2 little ones to story time this morning so I took Kennan lunch at school (he eats at 10:45am...isn't that crazy?!?!) Anyway, it was nice to spend some time with just him. It doesn't happen often enough.

Sunday for dinner we had one of the easiest meals known to man...salsa chicken (thanks Alisa!). Here is the recipe: Put 4 chicken breasts in a crock pot. Cover chicken with salsa. Turn crock pot on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Shred chicken and serve.

How's that for easy? The great thing is that it makes a ton and you can serve it many ways. We've had it in burritos and quesadillas and also on tostada shells (seen below). I like to serve it with beans and cheese, but I'm sure it would be great with tomatoes and lettuce as well. You could probably use it in soup as well. Anyway, long story short...it's easy, versatile and yummy!!!