Easter

Our Easter celebrations began in Williamsburg the weekend prior to Easter.  Papa Gary and Grandma Ruth had an Easter egg hunt for the kids inside because the weather didn't cooperate for an outside hunt.  The kids had a blast.  Unfortunately, we don't have too many pictures from our fun time in Williamsburg, because shortly after the hunt, and possibly from too many jelly beans, Jace got sick.  Luckily, we got a picture of them with all five grandkids beforehand!    

Our neighborhood held their first annual Easter egg hunt.  Ruby had a birthday party to attend at the same time as the hunt and she opted to attend that rather than find eggs.  It was a very hard decision for her though!  

The Saturday before Easter we headed for Sibley.  Although this picture portrays a nice and quiet five hour drive, this didn't happen until about a half hour from our destination.  

Uncle Kenny and cousin Tate meeting Annie for the first time.

Annie also got to meet great Aunt Bethie.  

Snuggle time with Grandpa Bill

Grandma LaDonn gives the best baths in the sink.

Easter morning breakfast

four Hartzell grandkids

Tate and Annie

Grandpa Bill and Grandma LaDonn with their grandkids

Aunt Hattie and Jace

My parents hosted the Easter celebration this year.  I think we had nearly 40 people so Annie had her fair share of attention.  

Grandpa Great and Peyton with Annie.  The oldest great grandchild with the youngest.  ;)

Ready for the egg hunt 

After the egg hunt, all the kids took turns on Grandpa/Uncle Bill's golf cart.  It provided for some very fun and cheap entertainment.  

Aunt Susan, Ruby, Hadley, Grandma LaDonn

Kelsey, Ruby, Ashlyn, Hadley, Grandpa Bill, and Tate

My cousin Jilian with Annie

My second cousin Hadley with Annie

Ruby had a wonderful day playing with Kelsey, Ashlyn, and Hadley

Even though Annie was passed around for some quick pictures with family members, Grandma Erma held Annie the majority of the afternoon.  We had to remind Grandma Great to eat.  I'm pretty sure she was content holding Annie and would've preferred not to give her up to eat. 

The following day, we headed to Sioux Falls.  We dropped my Aunt Susan off at the airport to head back to Denver.  Then we met Kenny, Carrie, and Tate for supper before heading to Joel's house.  Joel had to work late so we made ourselves at home.  Ruby fell asleep with no problem but apparently Jace needs a crib because he was an absolute nightmare!  He is our amazing sleeper who we can lay down awake and we don't ever need to get up with him in the night.  However, there was no crib at Uncle Joel's and Jace didn't settle down until 1am!  We tried everything, even getting in the car, which we've never had to do with any of our kids, and even that didn't work!  Needless to say, it was a short night because by the time I got him to sleep, Annie was awake!  I was hoping he'd sleep in but nope, he was up earlier than usual too!  

We got some pictures with Uncle Joel that morning.  

Paul then had a meeting to attend so we dropped him off at that and then headed to the mall for the morning.  For some reason, no other activities were open or scheduled so the mall was the next best option I could think off.  We had to kill about two hours before picking up daddy.  

Things were going smoothly and I had gotten lunch for the big kids.  I decided to wake Annie to eat so that when we picked up Paul we could hit the road back to Coralville. However, she wasn't all that interested in eating.  Then I decided to get a sandwich for Paul and the line was moving incredibly slow!  Luckily my sister was with us by then and sat with the kids while I waited forever!  As I waited in line, it began to hail.  It was windy, and raining hard, and thundering.  Since we needed to wait for the weather to die down, I decided to feed Annie again and this time she ate.  We were finally able to get in the car, all completely soaked but nontheless IN the car.  We informed Paul that we were on our way... LATE but better late than never.  Luckily, we had wonderful travelers on the way home, because we rode with the hail storm for two hours!  It was loud and intense driving.  Jace took a much needed three hour nap and the girls were wonderful as usual.  We were all VERY glad to be home that evening!  

Despite that crazy day, it is pictures like this one below that puts things in perspective and makes us so thankful for the blessings in our life.  Ruby loves learning about Jesus and took a very strong interest in the Easter story this year.  We are so thankful for her love of Jesus and thankful that despite the crazy days we sometimes have, we have faith in Jesus that He has weathered the Storm for us.