Easter 2013

Justin's Aunt Lorie gave Hadley the "What is Christmas?" book at her first Christmas at the Stinson's.  We have put a lot of miles on that book over the years.  I was so excited when I found the "What is Easter?" book earlier in the month.  It quickly became our go-to night time book with Hadley, and I loved the message it taught her.  When you ask Hadley why Jesus died on the cross, she responds "to save us from our sins."  

The Easter bunny sure knows our Hadley.  Yes, from the Princess paddle ball, notebook, jump rope, and kite, the Easter bunny hit the nail on the head ;)  The miniature Doc McStuffin's kit was a major hit, as well.  She loves that adorable show on Disney Jr.

Can ya tell she's just a litte bit excited?  It amazes me how kids today really don't know what some of our throw back toys even are.  She had no idea what the yo-yo, paddle ball, or kite even were.  Whew; glad I realized this before she got too much older!

I felt so blessed having sweet Canaan with us this Easter.  Oh, the joy he brings to our lives. 

Love those precious smiles.

All dressed up in our Easter finest.  I purchased Canaan's outfit when Chatter's had their big sale, before he was even born.  I lucked out when I found this little lamb dress for Hadley; seemed like a perfect match.

Getting great pictures with little ones is a challenge, for sure. 

But I'll take imperfect pictures with my babies any day of the week.  Maybe it will help me appreciate good ones later.  ;)

After church, we headed to Auburn for lunch at Nana and Grandaddy's house.  I always love visiting my grandparents, but catching up with my cousin's and their families is so special as well.

Hadley, Rylee, and Addison getting all geared up for another egg hunt.

Grandaddy and Nana put a lot of work in to our egg hunts every year, and we appreciate it so much.

Our egg family.  Grandaddy has dyed eggs and written our names on one ever since I was a very little girl.  I love this tradition so much!

Justin and I went to great lengths, this year, to make sure Hadley understood that Easter is not about the bunnies, eggs, and dollar store finds.  It is, indeed, about our glorious Savior's death and resurrection.  Celebrating, today, that we serve a Risen Savior!  Praise the Lord!

Stinson Egg Hunt

The day before Easter, Justin's Uncle Kerry and Aunt Sheryl always host a family egg hunt for all the Stinson grandchildren.  Sheryl even prepares a delicious meal for us to enjoy after the hunt.  She has a couple of larger-than-life bunnies on her front porch, which make for great photo ops.  

Jill and Sydnee were in for the weekend, and Hadley was beyond excited to see her younger cousin.  These two girls love each other very much.

Canaan took in his first egg hunt from the comfort of Granna's arms. 

Hadley was much more competitive this year in her egg hunting endeavors.  She was on a mission to get all the candy she could possibly find.  Several of the eggs had quarters in them, which made her very happy.  I don't recall the Easter bunny ever bringing me money in eggs. :( 

Sheryl had well over 200 eggs prepared for our crew. I am certain we didn't let a single egg or piece of candy go unearthed. We so appreciate her taking the time to do this, as it's a special tradition for our family!

Later that afternoon, we headed back to Granna and Grandad's house.  All three kids enjoyed playing with the toy that Aunt Jill gave Canaan.  The girl's were just showing Canaan how the toy worked.  I'm sure these two will show him the ropes over the years, that's for sure.  Thankful for sweet family time! 

Picture Milestone

The Sunday before Easter, I wanted to take the kid's pictures because they were all dressed up in their pre-Easter outfits (pathetic, huh?).  Let me defend myself...because I am so proficient at consignment shopping, I find great deals on Holiday themed clothing.  So both kiddos had an "extra" Easter outfit :).    As I started to plan out how to "prop" Canaan up in the picture, I realized that I don't even have to "prop" him anymore.  That does hurt my heart a little, but it's so much easier, too!  So these pictures are extra-special as they are our very first pictures with Canaan sitting up all by himself; a milestone, for sure!

Easter is earlier this year, than normal, and we are experiencing some unseasonably cool weather.  So we are getting creative with our spring-like attire.  Sweaters and hats are necessities right now. 

Hadley is crazy over her baby brother.  She is unbelievably protective of him and I love it.  Hope it stays that way.

Hadley racked up on candy at the egg hunt after church.  We have to ration it out so that it doesn't get eaten too quickly.  She was very proud of her stash, though.  Looking forward to Easter around here, and happy to not have to "prop" baby boy anymore!

First Homework Assignment

Hadley's daycare has started a Family Involvement Project where they send a special backpack home with the kids, from time to time, that includes a fun activity for the family. 

She was SO proud of the fact that she had homework, but the fact that there was an adorable bear in the backpack, was the icing on the cake.

 We got the backpack on a Wednesday afternoon.  Not gonna lie about the fact that I wanted to toss the bear in the washing machine before he got loved to death by my girlie.  I also knew that he would get to sleep with her, as well.  Had we gotten Mr. Bear on a weekend, he would've been washed immediately, but in the middle of the week, there's just not enough time.  So I had to take a deep breath.

The book, Mooncake, was so so cute.   We, teachers, are a strange breed.  We have this unbearable urge to make sure our children understand and connect everything in a book back to the title.  Now that we have read the book, do you really understand why it is called "Mooncake?"  Can you prove it to me??   

When we finished reading the book, we practiced writing the letter B (for Bear).  I also had homework, as I had to write how the experience was for our family and also what bedtime routines our family has.

Miss Hadley has a long way to go on perfecting her letter writing skills, but we can't wait to guide her along.  We love all these "firsts" with our babies!

Happy Half Year

Canaan has officially been with us for six months....an entire half of a year.  My boy oozes with sweetness and I truly love him a little more everyday.   

He has become so much more active this month, which has been exciting to watch.  Yes, I have a baby who can sit up all by himself!  I loved watching him between this 5th and 6th month as he tried so hard to sit up and would just lean to one side, eventually falling over.  For a little while, I went through the whole, "what if he never figures out how to do this?"  Stop worrying, Mama.  It's amazing how much stronger their little back muscles get every single day.

Canaan's exercauser has provided great entertainment for him, as well as the rest of us this month.  It's hysterical how hard he jumps in this thing.  He loves it and we love to watch him go, go, go. 

He works so hard during his activity time that he wears himself out.  When we don't hear him going nuts in his exercauser anymore, we know he has konked out!  How precious is this?

A few other fun facts about Canaan at six months are:  we haven't found a veggie or fruit this child doesn't like, teething symptoms have been around for 3 solid months and still no tooth, bedtime is at 7:30, he loves bathtime, he thinks his sissy is beyond hysterical, and he smiles all the time.  Canaan, you have blessed my life in the past 6 months more than I ever thought imaginable.  We love you, sweet boy!