The Strickland's Annual Egg Hunt

This was our 4th year to get to be at the Strickland's Easter egg hunt the Saturday before Easter. It is such a fun tradition that we look forward to every year. We always have a "picnic" lunch, the kids play on the trampoline, slide and swingset, we take the "official" picture on the porch, and then the egg hunting begins! (Oh, and we can't forget about the chocolate fountain...it is always a favorite!) This year, because Madison was sick and running a high fever, Mackenzie and Brian went ahead with Pa & G-Ma and I stayed at the house with her until it was time for the egg hunt. Actually, we fell asleep and woke up at exactly the right time. I was SO glad we didn't miss it. It was so good to see my good friend, Kelley and her family. Madison and I were only there for about 30 minutes, but it was pretty chilly and she was shivering the whole time. Poor little thing! When we got there, Mackenzie was on the trampoline, with about 15 other kids. I'm so glad it didn't break! She was having a great time. She and Jen picked a bunch of flowers and found a ladybug for us to take home. Madison wasn't too happy about having to sit on the porch for the picture, but she made it through it. She wasn't as enthusiastic about hunting eggs as she had been the night before, because she felt so bad, but Pa helped her get some and she had fun with it. G-Ma went with Mackenzie and they ran all over gathering up eggs. After the kids are all finished, they get to pick out a "prize" (or two)! Mackenzie got a Princess watering can and Madison picked out a Toy Story bucket and an angel Beanie Baby. (We figured since she was sick, it was okay for her to have 2!) After taking a few pictures, we loaded up and headed home for Easter Sunday. Connie and Dennis are like family to us and we love them very much. We are thankful to be included in this fun, fun day! Hopefully next year we will all be feeling better!

Just for fun, I decided to put together this little collage from the past 4 years! I can't believe how little Mackenzie looks in that first picture. She was younger than Madison is now the first year we went. The flower pickers!When it was time to say the prayer, Mackenzie was standing by Dennis and she said, "I want to say the prayer!" so he let her. "Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock...." Pa told her to say it nice and loud so everyone could hear, and they said she did great! I was so sad that I missed it, but I was so proud of Brian for getting it on video and taking a picture for me. (I'm sure he was praying while doing all that!)

Mackenzie & DennisAlexis and her friend came to the house and rode with G-Ma to the Strickland's. Carol and Chris had to stay with Dean because she hasn't been feeling well. Mackenzie loves Alexis!Two of a kind, right here!Oh, yum!We got there right after lunch, before the egg hunt. The kids took turns doing tricks on the trampoline. Mackenzie was trying to do the crab walk!Madison loved swinging with G-Ma!We can't hunt eggs until we take pictures on the porch. Getting everyone situated takes a few minutes and getting everyone to look at the same time is impossible, but this is a great photo op.This was Madison's first year to sit up there by herself. In the past, Jennifer has held her. She was pretty much crying and reaching for me most of the time. It only lasted about 1 minute though, she she made it!Now, take off!!!Hunting eggs with Pa!Holding Pa's hand...love this!So proud of all her eggs!Checking out what all they got! I love my parents so much. This weekend was fun, but very hard because we found out my Dad's cancer is back. We will pray, he will fight, and God will carry us through it. These girls are beyond blessed to have such wonderful Grandparents!Madison got earrings in one of her eggs! I love my family!Lauren and Mackenzie are 1 month apart in age. This is my good friend, Kelley's little girl!