Easter

This year (due to a last minute turn of events) we hosted the Robbins' Family Easter celebration!

It was my first time hosting the whole family - 17 (minus Liz & Craig).  And it went surprisingly well and stress-free.

here are most of us around the table

After the meal, Matt's mom/Grandma initiated a game to see who among the grandkids could make the angriest face.

 And after reviewing the pictures and some minor deliberation....

Hannah won, 

with this face!

watch out for when this girl gets upset!

 And then on to the Easter egg hunt.

We've spent a lot of time in recent weeks transforming our backyard from an over-grown jungle with paths - to a welcoming place for kids to play.  It was wonderful to see the fruits of our labor!

Peter and his uncle Tim matched with their green & white stripes!

We finished off the day with some dessert!

Peter is looking forward to being able to participate in the egg hunt next year!

risen

The phrase "He is Risen" struck me in a new way about 10 years ago when I spent a month teaching English  in Thailand.  One day I went to visit a large sleeping Buddha, where many of our Thai students went to worship.  As I walked around the cave/temple I saw the backside of the Buddha...and it was not finished.  I could see the brick and mortar that lay under all the ornate finishings of the front side.   

In that moment it struck me how profoundly different the God I worship is.  He is not made from human hands.  He is not immobile.  He is Risen!  He is alive and he has overcome death.  

Wow!  So much to celebrate!

"Christ is Risen"

"He is Risen Indeed"

things and stuff

Last week after a long telephone conversation I asked Hannah what she talked to her Grammy about.  She said, "tings and tuff" (translation - things & stuff).
I couldn't help but smile.

I thought I'd share some of the things & stuff going on around our house with you.


these sweet little baby feet are anxious to walk

dress-up is more fun when you have a real baby to practice on 

it turns out that wearing your sister's tutu around your neck makes it hard to crawl

the parade at Picnic Day was a highlight for our family

Toby had one great catch in the frisbee dog competition (don't ask about the others)

and well, diapers are becoming optional 

just kidding - but Peter is definitely becoming one difficult child to hold in place and get a diaper on.

What things & stuff are going on in your family?

siblings

A new point has been reached in Hannah & Peter's sibling relationship.

She has figured out how to put him to work!

See for yourself:

superdad!

I am so grateful for my hubby! 

as our whole family was struck down by the stomach flu this week (yuck.)

 he joyfully cared for the rest of us (while dealing with his own sickness)

running between rooms of his girls in the middle of the night to comfort and clean up 

bring food 

wash dishes

 watch the kids 

clean up toys 

and on top of it all attempt to write a sermon 

SuperDad!

rain

rain, rain go away come again another day...

on days like this - where the rain will not stop

my kids (and I) start to look like this:

no one wants to get out of bed, do laundry or clean the house,

so instead we make a royal, artful mess:

and long for more spring days and picnics at the arboretum.

sigh...!

spring!

Today Matt & I realized that spring is upon us!

My new cherry tree is sending out its first green shoots.



Hannah tried on daddy's sunglasses.

And Peter is sniffing the fresh air.
(I'm not quite sure what else to make of this crazy face he makes while sniffing with his nose.)

We celebrated the beginning of the season with a family lunch in the backyard.

Glorious!