Easter Eve! (lots of pictures)

'Twas the night before Easter and all through the house all creatures were stirring, though thank goodness no mouse. The children were far too excited to sleep, with visions of egg hunts and special treats.  Their mama was tired, with dad far away, but she too looked forward to their special day.

Okay, the kids are fighting in the background and kind of killing my mood to wax poetic.  So, on to the matter at hand--Easter and pictures galore!

Last year we went to an egg hunt sponsored by MWR.  The kids had a good time, but I was kind of annoyed that they charged $5/person.  Not $5/kid, Thomas and I had to pay $10 to watch the kids pick up eggs in a field.  So, this year we decided to try something new and went to the Leonardtown Easter Festival.  It started at 9, with egg hunts for our age group beginning at 1050.  I figured we'd get there as close to 9 as possible.  We arrived at 9:10 and barely found a parking space.  Once at the park, it did not feel too crowded, although the line for the Easter Bunny was long.  We bought our tickets and then I stood in the bunny line (I figured it would only get longer) and sent the kids into the park area to play.  Fortunately, the Rays had gotten there earlier and were also in the park.  They offered to keep an eye on them while I waited.  The wait was about 30 minutes and then the kids all took individual pictures.  

With the picture out of the way, Jack wanted to try his hand at tennis.  So, we went over and learned what lessons would be like for their age group.  We stayed and played for about 20 minutes, then wandered around some more.  The kids got to climb in a fire truck and police car, which they enjoyed.  We saw the eggs from the egg decorating contest, many of which were very clever and creative.  By the time we finished exploring, it was close to time for the egg hunts to begin.

The egg hunt was very well-organized.  They had lots of eggs over a big field and separated the kids by age and gender.  Kara went first at 1050, then Jack at 1056, followed by Anna at 1102.  It was definitely a well-oiled machine.  The kids cleared the field in about 3 minutes, then the volunteers dropped more eggs while they lined-up the next group.  The kids were a little disappointed that they didn't find the "special" egg, but they got over it.  

After that, I told them they could each choose one treat: either a bouncy house, a snow cone, a cupcake, or a special balloon.  Kara said bouncy, Jack wanted a balloon, and Anna wanted a snow-cone.  We headed over to the bouncy houses and Kara chose to do the one where she could jump for a few minutes and then slide.  I sat Jack and Anna at a nearby picnic table to open their eggs and Kara and I got in line for tickets and then in line for the bouncy.  While she and I were waiting for the bouncy house, Anna wandered over and said she changed her mind, she wanted to jump too.  So, I went back to the ticket line and bought tickets for her.  A few minutes later, Jack wandered over and said he'd changed his mind too.  Back to the ticket line I went.  Finally, it was there turn and they all seemed pleased with their choice.

We then got faces painted and saw Pinch from the Blue Crabs (who gave us tickets to a game!).  We got some balloons and left around 12.  It was a very fun morning and the kids were so well-behaved!  

After lunch, we dyed our eggs and then decorated them.  Finally, they went outside to play and I eventually joined them.  We kicked around a soccer ball, played red light/green light and Simon Says.  It was a fantastic day.  By the time I put them to bed, I just felt so much love for my family.  I really am blessed.  The only way it could have been better was if Thomas were here.  

After spinning them in circles, I was so dizzy I fell to the ground.  Of course,they had to come over and sit on me  :)

And, in case I don't end up posting about Easter Day, here are pictures of them getting their baskets this morning.