Easter Joy

  Lydia had her first soccer game! I've been waiting for this day, well, lets be honest, since she was born. I played recreation soccer starting at five, then played competitive from 5th grade till I was a sophomore in high school. I loved it and always hoped my kids would too. What fun for Lydia to be starting! She loves her soccer uniform and tells everyone she's number eight. 

 She did so good for her first time. She loved running around chasing the ball. Our goal by the end of the season is for her to kick the ball in the right direction. As of now she's happy to just run around and watch the others kick it. But she's having fun so that's all that matters. At least that's what I have to constantly remind myself. I was pretty aggressive in soccer so it's hard for me to sit back sometimes. There was one time I was shouting at her to kick the ball and she turned around and starting sniffling. Apparently she thought I was yelling at her. So I've had to remember to laugh and give her a thumbs up for running around in circles. It's the best. 

  This kid cracked me up. 

  So much fun! The best part is the treat at the end of course. 

This was Lydia's last week of swimming lessons. I wasn't sure if she'd pass to the next level but she proved me wrong and did! Her teacher was amazing and I hope she has her next time. We'll start again in June.

  Easter was a little different this year. Different in such a good way. I had to teach my Sunday School class and so I spent the week before studying all about the Savior's life, the Atonement and Resurrection. It was incredible and such a spiritual experience. I came to know Christ on a much more personal level and felt intense sorrow for all the pain he endured for me. I also thought a lot about Brendan. It was an emotional week. I wondered about what he was doing right then, what kind of work he was a part of. I thought of memories and the life he lived. I also better came to understand how truly great and marvelous the Atonement and Resurrection was. Because of Him, last July was not the last time I would see Brendan. I know I'll see him again. Through the times when our hearts really hurt, He's the only one who know's exactly how to comfort us. I am so grateful for Him and I hope to live in a way that glorifies all He did and does for me. 
  We were supposed to have my friend and her boy over to decorate Easter Eggs last Friday, but she ended up having a baby that day. I was sure grateful she decided to stay home, my midwifery skills are definitely not up to par. I'm excited for her though!
  Loren and taken the day off so we got to decorate our eggs with daddy. It was a blast!  

  The Easter Bunny came to our house! In Lydia's words, "The Easter Bunny left me a basket of good things! He's so nice."

  He even left some eggs for Allie.

  We went to the city egg hunt after that. I liked it because instead of candy inside the eggs, they put little toys. 

  Then it was time to head to Logan for the Swan/Griffiths egg rolling on Old Main hill. It was mine and the girls first time and we thought it was a blast! Lydia was in heaven chucking the eggs down the hill and playing with the older kids. 

  We really enjoyed our time with family. Can't wait for next year.
  Easter morning as I was getting things prepped for dinner, I realized we were going to have a ton of food so I invited my brother Cam and his family to come. I'm so glad they did! Lydia and Greyson had a blast searching for Easter eggs, playing in the sand and riding bikes. Loren and I loved catching up with Cam and Mary. It was a perfect way to spend the day.

  What a wonderful time of year. I'm so grateful for Christ and the knowledge I can be with my family forever.