Easter Sunday

I love Easter for many reasons - mainly reflecting on the cross and what it means for me personally to have had Jesus die for me. I also love the ushering in of Springtime that comes with Easter. Everything just seems happier in the light of spring. Colors are brighter, days are longer, and food feels fresher!

This is Katie's third Easter and as such, our 3rd Easter photo shoot! We make it a point to get to church early to snap a few family pictures together with some friends. Without further ado, here is Easter 2011!

The Jones Family

 

The Kids Pictures!
This one is my favorite - even though it's blurry! Caleb is loving on his little sister and Katie and Maddie are soaking it all in! Maddie may be taking pointers since she's set to become a big sister herself in just a matter of days!

 

This is what happens when 3 different moms are taking pictures at once. The kids are all looking in different directions! I love it despite that! (By the way, welcome to the picture club Allie Boozer!)

 

Mother-Daughter
Me and my sweet girl - all cheese!

 

After church, we headed to Riverbanks Zoo for an Easter Brunch. We also got to stroll around the zoo for a while. My parents and Doug's mom joined us!

The food was delicious, but Katie was much more interested in coloring and the candy on the table!

Later, the Easter bunny came to visit and this was Katie's excited face! She got up enough nerve to go give him a high five - but it was not caught on camera!

After lunch, we visited with more animals and took a ride on the train! Then we headed over to the botanical gardens! They were so beautiful and just did more to reinforce my love of spring!

It was a really hot day (almost 90 degrees) which is why I didn't really think much of Katie's flushed cheeks for most of the afternoon. But when we got home and out of the heat, I realized she was running a fever. She just wasn't herself the rest of the day - so we visited Dr. Cabiness again and she has a double ear infection...We're on antibiotics and are hoping it clears up quickly!

It was a really wonderful Easter - spending time with family and friends, reflecting on the gift of salvation made complete in Christ's death and resurrection!