We celebrated Easter here in the Kingdom a few days after we returned from the states. Our compound had a huge Easter Egg Hunt and "Spring" Celebration for everyone here. The kids got to hunt for Easter Eggs. They even split the hunt into groups so the kids 4 and under searched for eggs within a yard and they all were able to find plenty. Thankfully, I thought to pick up a small Easter Basket for Gavin that I was able to fold in my suitcase so he had something to use for all the festivities. Miles was the hit of the evening. No one had seen us since before we left for the USA, when Miles was less then 2 months, so with him being almost 4 months... there was a huge difference with him. He was precious and smiled at everyone. Everyone brought food and we grilled burgers outside and enjoyed the evening with our compound friends. Living here and experiencing holidays without your "real family" you really see how much all these people mean to you and how much they've become like family.
The Easter Bunny came to Saudi on a Friday, since that is technically our Sunday. It was funny all the mom's had to plan together that the Easter Bunny came on Friday so that some kids wouldn't hear other kids talking and think well the Eater Bunny didn't come to our house. Our "Easter morning" was special. Gavin and Brooks were upstairs while the "Easter Bunny" set up (all his stuff was still in our suitcases I had yet to unpack at that point). I found them waiting like this.
*Funny story-- I took Gavin to get his picture taken with the EB while we were home and he did NOT like it. So that morning, when we told him the EB came to visit... half way down the stairs, he didn't want to go. He kept asking where the EB was and had a really scared look on his face. It only took a few minutes for us to convince him the EB wasn't in the house anymore for him to run into the living room. There he found his Easter Basket filled with Thomas the Train DVD's, a Thomas the Train driving book (there's literally a wheel on it that turns), and of course Woody. He loved all his gifts and was very appreciative. He'd grab each one and hug it to his chest while saying, " I love this!" So cute!
This picture represents Daddy telling Gavin to go give Mommy a big hug and kiss and thank her for your presents. I just stared at Brooks... like, um, hello?!?! I then told Gavin mommy told the EB that he was in Saudi not Captain and Kimmie's house so he knew to come visit you here. Hmmm--- wasn't quite sure what to do in that situation. Not to mention, it kinda made me want to evaluate if we are even going to go down that road with the whole Easter Bunny. But, no big deal. Gavin loved his gifts regardless who gave them to him.
After gifts and breakfast, we got together with the rest of our "Friday morning group" and enjoyed the morning with friends. We ate lunch then took a family picture to represent Easter 2011. This year, Easter's meaning had a whole new feeling for us this year. We praised God that Jesus is RISEN!
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