Easter Sunday

Easter has come and gone and it was a glorious day. It's been raining ever so much here that all were worried it would be a bad day for Egg Hunts and Bonnets. Alas, the sun was shining, birds chirping (they chirp in the rain too though) and clear blue skies. We started the day off at church with some worship and bible learnin'.
After church we went for our traditional Easter picnic at the park. This is Levi and I waiting for Papa to return to the car with our Subway. Levi's in his favorite spot...the driver's seat.

While eating, Levee got to plunge into his Easter basket. Just in case you were observant, we are eating in the car. Our back hatch opens of course, and we can shift the back bench of seats so that it faces backwards, looking out.

opening Grammy and Pop's Easter packages.

Reading us his Easter card from Nanny & Grandpa Shalz. (This was the next day, but I figured it fit in the line up here)


After eating, Levi got to play at the park; afore mentioned favorite pastime.
It was ultra exciting for Levi to have Papa there as his play partner. Usually we go to the park while Nathy is at work. Boys play together way differently than Mama can provide.
The plastic slides were hot from the sunshine, so Papa had to "blow on it." There's always a way to make everything better.

What follows are oh so many pictures of every way possible to go down a slide. I know there are lots to work your way through, but they're beautiful.

Papas often sacrifice physical comfort for adventurous happiness.

Are they not a perfect pair?

They really are beautiful boys.

Of course playground woodchip wars are necessary. I never could quite catch the chips mid-air. But they were.

Mama attempted to play, but parks and dresses don't mix well. Levi was willing to catch me though. That's good, cause I was a little scared.

Better stick to Papa

Every boy needs to learn to climb a pole in his steps toward becoming a man. He looks pretty pleased with his lesson.

I think he's declaring triumph over the park, in the name of Spring!

I will surely miss the gorgeous blossoming trees of Hawaii. I can't even capture how vibrant and Orange those flowers really were.

We walked down a path tunneled by towering trees.

I love how tiny he is in this picture. It's like a representation of how we can feel hidden and protected in the great power and strength of our big God.

The purpose of our little stroll was to take pictures of this tree with massive roots. (dinosaur legs some would name them) I told Nathan I knew of a tree that I just had to get Levi's picture in front of. But it was in someone's front yard. Surly they would understand our presence with a camera. Who wouldn't? They couldn't mind. But, Nathan was too appalled by the idea of invading their yard like that. He almost talked me out of doing the photo shoot altogether. But at the last second I said, "It'll be fine. You can stay here if you're scared." So, Levi and I crossed the street into the unknown while Nathan the brave stayed behind looking on with anxiety, apparently expecting the MP to speed up at any moment with sirens blaring. Silly rule follower; respecting people's property...bah! I got my pictures.

Enjoying more Easter basket presents.

Finally, after all our quiet family time, we set out for the fun and games of JoJo's house. Levi's most sought after destination. There was of course an Egg hunt. Here Ka'ua is lining up the smaller kids at the start line.

Levi was much more successful this year with his egg basket. Last year he really didn't get what the big deal was. I had to walk around with him and talk him into picking up the eggs and keeping them in his basket. This year he was in the know.

His basket was ridiculously full in a very short amont of time.

Eventually I had to say, "Okay, your basket is about to overflow. Let's leave the rest for all the other kids."

Cocoa, the dog, kept moving the eggs while the adults were hiding them. She didn't try to eat them, she just gently mouthed them to a "better" location.
Auntie Ka'ua (Jenene's sister) had some games set up for the all the kids.
Levi had to show off his prizes to Cocoa. I think she was impressed.
Miss Dolly (Jenene's mom) helping Levi & Jojo with bubbles.

It was a long day, full of sunshine and running. We were supposed to color eggs that evening at our house, but it was just too much. Levi was content to sit on the couch and pilfer through his bootie from the day's hunt.
And I think he was pleased. At one point during the day, Levi and I had to run into a gas station for a potty break. As we were leaving the store, the clerk said, "Happy Easter!" and Levi looked at me while a shocked open mouthed smile. Pleasently surprised to learn that other people knew what we were celebrating too! And when I asked him what Easter was about, I was happy to hear his response, "Jesus!"