Easter weekend sprang upon us just like the Easter bunny zipping out from behind a bush. SPRINGGGGG! Lots went on. I don't think this family ever has a sane moment.
First of all, our dear friend Mark, decided to move to Texarkana. He had applied for a federal government job, with benefits, and a pay cut, but it was a new start for his life. He sold his house in Killeen and planned the big move about a month ago. Brucie had volunteered to help, forgetting it would be Easter weekend. It was ok by me though, because about that time, my daugther Tracy was planning to take her near 13 year old daughter, to Six Flags to celebrate her birthday. And since Ethan would spend the Easter weekend with his dad, that left what to do with AJ. So she asked me to babysit. So I agreed.So on Friday nite, Bruce and Mark got the loaded up U-haul and took off to the Texarkana by the highway. I got to say goodbye, but was in the midst of doing a lot of errands (shopping for the weekend and getting stuff for my mom and paying her bills.) By the time I truly got home to sit still, it was around 9:00 p.m. I only got about two hours of "ME" alone time before I sank into bed.
The next morning, Tracy's tribe (hubby Chris, AJ, Mariah & her tag-a-long friend) came over. My youngest daughter Kayla and her beau Jonathon (Page) had decided to go in his car and follow them up to Arlington. It was last minute news to me and it did make me nervous. Kayla was adjusted to driving about Temple and she's a pretty good driver- but the HIGHWAY?? Yikes!!
But they took off around 7:15 and were on their way. Aj and I hung out at the house for about an hour, because he fell back asleep. Around 9:00, he finally woke up, had some breakfast, and then we took off to find some Easter baskets at the store. He got two actually: one stuff with car toys and an empty one for the Easter egg hunt we would attend together.
The place where I work, always puts on something for the kids, but since mine are older now, I didn't have a clue how the activities worked. We got there 20 minutes before the egg hunt began. I thought, "Wow! Just in time". We saw a helicopter across the field where children were getting to sit inside and inspect it up close. A power driven train was pulling the kids around the sidewalk. There were jumping booths and face painting; balloons were filled and given away. And drinks from a concession stand. It all looked like fun and festive. AJ waited in line for the egg hunt to begin and children lined up along the way. Then within ten minutes, the helicopter started up and flew off into the horizon. Then finally, the melee of kids springing onto the grass began.AJ dashed here and he dashed there. He picked up all the eggs around him, jumping around like a cute rabbit. "Go AJ! Good job!" I shouted, encouraging him on. Somehow he filled up his basket and he was so proud. I was too. The egg hunt was over and much to my suprise, it signalled the end to all of the events. Wow! ok, for next year, I will know to come early.
We stopped at a petting zoo where he saw some goats and a donkey. He even touched them. Still, Aj's face was turning pink. The sun was up over us and the temperatures were climbing to 80 degrees. So I figured with his blond hair and fair skin, waiting for another egg hunt elsewhere might make him too hot and tired. So we went home.
Under the shade tree, we took pictures. And then once inside the air conditioned house (Yes! I had to put it on for a bit) we rested. As he played with his new car toys and watched a cartoon movie, I whipped up some devilled eggs for our Sunday meal. I made banana pudding and then discovered I needed a few more ingredients from the store. So off we went again. By the time we got home again, we went outside to water my plants and tend to feeding the cats, which he helped. Then we went back again to be house hermits again. After a phone call from mama, a good shower, and clothed in his comfy pj's , it wasn't long until he was sound asleep. I ended up staying up late and then zonked out around midnight. 
By 6:00, I was up again to get the ham ready with pineapple slices, marachino cherries, and a great honey/oj/brown sugar glaze. That went into the oven. Then I fixed an upside down pineapple cake, a lime-jello-whip cream fruit salad; Then made AJ some breakfast when he woke up and popped some sweet potatoes in the oven when the ham came out. By 10:30, my hubby was back home again. Then later, I made my fresh snap green beans and mashed potatoes. With soft drinks and tea, and some fresh rolls, we ended up with a great feast. 
Tracy wasn't expecting the meal at all. So when she came to pick up AJ, her family ended up staying to have our traditional Easter gathering.At least with us and her family. She was very surprised and happy to eat the food I made. This year, my mom & stepdad didn't feel well enough to attend and my son Keifer had to work that day. My daughter Kayla and Page had decided to visit some friends up in Arlingon and she wound up eating at a cajun resteraunt, but had a great time, and came home safely.
Up in Denver, I know my daughter Lori and her family got to a church gathering for Easter. Even if the day was cold, it was a wonderful outing for her family. I can't wait for her to post pics, but she did send Mackenzie's pics with the Easter Bunny! She looks so tiny and swallowed up next to the large furry rabbit! Oh my! But how adorable and alert she seems. 
And before all of these events, Chris got to pose as the Easter Bunny at AJ's school, so in this pic, that's AJ's Dad whose lap he's sitting upon! Cool, huh?
All in all, Easter ended up being a great weekend. Eventful and tiring, it is one I will always remember; especially the one-to-one time I got to spend with my youngest grandson. Until next time... take care....
