A NIght of Nine-Year-Olds

We finally celebrated Zeke's birthday with his party. This year he decided to have his first sleep over. We made it through to the other side! Everyone is home, we're all alive and the house isn't torn up. Plus the birthday boy had fun. Success!

Here's the recap of the evening.  Nerf guns,

 backyard play with trampoline and club house,

 and a pizza picnic.

 Zekers took a timeout for a picture with Grannie and Grandad.

 Half time! Birthday cake 

 and presents.

 Then the rain hit, so we played games for a bit

 and then it was time for a movie and popcorn.

Here the boys are in the morning, guns still ready to go.

Whew! We made it.

He is Risen

We hunted eggs in Ft. Worth.

I bribed them with an egg hunt in the Botanic Gardens if they would first take some pictures.

We hunted eggs in Olsburg.

 We hunted eggs at Aunt Sharon and Uncle Wilburs with lots of little cousins.

We hunted eggs at home from the Easter Bunny.

Although we went on several egg hunts, I always stress the real meaning of Easter to my kids. Christ died on the cross to take the penalty for our sins. But he rose again, defeating death for all who trust in him. 

'But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10

Even though I always stress the real meaning of Easter to my kids, it was so much more personal this year. I am thankful that not only did Christ destroy death for himself, but he did it for us as well. He did it for my brother. For that I am thankful. He is risen. He is risen indeed!

 

Turning Nine and Looking Fine

My big boy is now a nine year old. Nine.
Last year of single digits.

First we celebrated at school. 

Then we headed to Kansas for the weekend. What a special treat to spend our birthday weekend with Gramma & Grampa and lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Morning snuggles with the Birthday Boy.

Grampa made blue pancakes that spelled his name and Gramma made sausage for breakfast.

Zeker's birthday was a special one this year. Uncle Steve was honored in Olsburg for making the arch for the park.

Then we participated in an egg hunt.

Next we honored Uncle Steve in Gramma & Grampa's pasture with the cross made by them.

We ended the day with birthday cake.

We love our Zekers! He is kind, smart, fun 

and a true blessing for our family.