Laughter of Children!

Happy Easter! Thank God we live in the desert! It rained on our "parade" but the end result was simply a delay rather than a cancellatation. We had planned a big dinner with 22 people---10 children and 12 adults for Saturday so the whole family could be here. Some had other-side of the family plans for today. So, we spent the last few weeks cleaning the yard, doing things that take some real motivation to actually do. Grandpa Steve fixed the baby swing for Mr. Boo and Baby Girl, and put new sand in the sandbox. We cleaned out the playhouse and the fort and dusted the slide and rest of the playground. We planted colorful flowers and fed the garden. Then we tackled the inside of the house. Cleaning carpets and counters that usually settle for a "Lick and promise". We even had the dogs groomed. THEN IT RAINED!!!

At first I thought we would have to move the whole "parade" to my daughter's house, as she has more inside room for the kids. But, because the desert was so dry, the ground soaked it all up quickly. The rain left no puddles and even the playground dried rapidly. The sandbox had been covered! So, we moved the picnic tables inside to eat and then let the kids outside for the egg hunt. Baby Girl and Mr. Boo loved their new swing and had to learn the beginning of the lesson of taking turns. The squeals of delight from their mouths made the day for me. They had gales of laughter as Grandpa Steve and moms and I took turns pushing the swing!

All the other children raced through the yard discovering eggs and different toys. The trampoline was also a hit! One extended family girl, (the only other girl) picked herself a ripe tomato from the garden. They chased each other and then got Easter goodies to enjoy, such as bubbles, etc.

Today we will gather for lunch at my daughter's house. Her sister (Mr. Boo's mom) and hubby and Mr. Boo (boo hoo for me) have to leave from there to return to CA.

It has already been a fantastic Easter with all my family here. And I thank God for all of them! I thank Him for Easter and the Resurrection and all the other miracles of every day life!