Santa Barbara Easter: The Great Egg Hunt

After church we gathered at Satya's house because someone mentioned that the Bunny had come while we were gone.

First, we were forced to take a few photos

And while we waited for the rain to pass, we enjoyed a bit of chocolate.

Finally, we were able to head out and hunt for eggs.

Luke and Satya take on the lawn area

While Mia and Jude explore the patio area 

Uncle Kenny helps a little

Luke has become an expert egg hunter

Mia gets some pointers from Daddy

All in all, we had a wonderful Easter weekend in Santa Barbara - full of fun, family, food, gratitude... and lots of candy!

Santa Barbara Easter: Dying Eggs

Easter this year was spent in Santa Barbara with cousins Satya and Jude and our beloved Grammy and Papa.

Upon arrival, we got right down to the Easter business of dying eggs.

We were much too busy to smile for photos.

Very happy with the end results!

Early Christmas in Santa Barbara

Luke, Mia, my mom, and I traveled down to Santa Barbara earlier in the week to visit Great Grammy, Great Papa, cousin Satya, my cousin Nicolette, and her new little love, Jude.  It was great to see all of them, particularly since we will not all be together for Christmas this year.

We had a pre-Christmas celebration and the kids all opened a few gifts.  They loved being together and truly enjoyed each of their gifts in a way that they can't usually on Christmas, simply because there always seems to be so much for each of them.  Grandma made a beautiful lunch and the weather was absolutely gorgeous.

What a great few days leading us into Christmas week!

Mia playing in the fort that the kids made out in the backyard

Cousins

Opening a few gifts

Mia loving her new Rody horse

And sweet baby Jude - he's a doll!

Pretty Mommy and her sweet boy

Easter 2011

We celebrated a beautiful Easter Sunday this year in Santa Barbara.

The bunny came!

Family shot before church

My beautiful girl and one of my handsome guys

Paw and sweet (although sick) Mia - love this one!


Following church the Egg Hunt begins! Luke and Satya did well to find nearly 40 eggs

Mia had an egg hunt of her own in a seperate part of the yard, but she was more interested in snacking on chips and guacamole!

Mia fully enjoyed her 1st piece of See's candy after dinner

Many, many thanks to our Santa Barbara family for having and hosting us - it was a lovely weekend!

Egg Coloring Extravaganza

Sweet cousins

We had a fabulous pre-Easter celebration at cousin Satya's house this year. We all had such fun dying Easter eggs, playing in the backyard, jumping on the trampoline, spending time with family, and enjoying an incredible meal.

Luke was thrilled with the "magic eggs" on which his name appeared after being dunked in egg dye. Grandma is quite the magician with her white crayon :)!

The finished product!

Cousin fun

Luke and Satya just love each other. They have such a great time playing. Satya is so patient and sweet with Luke. They were able to spend some time together over the weekend while Satya was in town.

Mia also got some snuggle time with Satya

We are looking forward to making a trip down to visit Satya in Santa Barbara next month!