Easter..

 Q’s birth-day extended itself into a birthday week! White frosted cupcakes with sprinkles for preschool, a birthday breakfast from us on his actual birthday (Thursday) which meant we decorated a chair Dutch-style and let him wear a birthday crown and eat cake at 6 am and open his gifts from us, then rainbow colored frosted cupcakes for the daycare on Friday..which culminated into a huge family gathering on Saturday for the "Monster Truck Birthday Party"–yes, absolutely in caps! I think he loved it all. He received from us Cars-themed sheets and comforter for his bed, a Nabi kid’s tablet, and a monster truck (of course). He got some great gifts from his family in the Netherlands (more cars and trucks and Dutch books and coloring books and markers) and countless cars and trucks from the large clan party on Saturday. I made Italian beef in the crockpot and hot dogs for the kids, corn bread salad, raw veggies and dip, potato salad, chips, and cake and ice cream for dessert. Walmart did a very nice Monster Truck cake, bless ’em.  I was truly touched by all the people who made an effort to be there for Q’s party, esp since it took place on the day before Easter. We "partied" till his big brother finally left around 9 pm.  Frank basked in all the compliments about our new kitchen.

This Easter morning was a bit anti climactical. Yes, the Big Bunny brought baskets of candy, more cars, a movie and book each. Yes, we had a very short Easter egg hunt that was over by the time I found clothes to change into. We had chocolate chips pancakes and turkey bacon for breakfast and went to the zoo. It was blissfully and harmoniously empty of other zoo patrons. I think the animals paid more attention to the boys rather than vice versa. We came home, made the sleepy cranky boys some sandwiches, grapes and yogurt for dessert and they are both taking a much needed nap. Frank and I are on our respective laptops enjoying the (finally) silence. Later, my oldest son and his girlfriend will come over for grilled steak and pie.

Spring has finally arrived.