Easter at Martha Stewart's house - that would be my sister Debbie's house

It was a beautiful Easter Sunday at Debbie and Greg's house! As usual, Debbie had interesting and delicious food for us to enjoy. She truly is the Martha Stewart of my life. Thanks sister Debbie for hosting such a great day. We spent a good portion of the day on the front porch to enjoy the wonderful weather. I hope these photos tell a story of the fun we had. Enjoy!

As you can tell by this photo, the kids were delighted to pose for this photo. I love their expressions. They just wanted to start the egg hunt.

When Debbie stepped out of the picture, the kids decided they wanted a different pose. They definitely understand humor.

Hallie

When you have an Easter egg hunt at Debbie's farm, you have to look in all places - including hay bales and horse pens.

Garrett, Anna and Sam (with help from Joey) arrived at an egg at the same time. Yes, that is sweet Nancy in the background.

Anna and Sam (and Joey) didn't linger too long. They sprinted to the next eggs.

Garrett decided to sit and enjoy the moment instead of running for more eggs.

Sam showed his collection to his grandpa John, his daddy Joey and his great uncle Greg.

Jody and Brooklyn

Sweet Brooklyn

You guessed it, Sam and the other kids eventually ended up playing in Debbie's water feature.

Colleen, Anna and Sam studied the Easter themed mints.

We played lots of bubble games.

Colleen and Hallie

More of Colleen and Hallie

Hallie and a rice krispie sucker/popsicle. The pops were just one of Debbie's creations.

Jody, are you going to rob a bank on your way home? Oh wait, I think I see Tim's hand at the top of the photo.

Sweet Sam

Lori and daughter Brooklyn. I could not decide which photo of Lori and Brooklyn to post, so I just posted three of them.

Sam offered me some melted chocolate that he found in one of his eggs. It was warm enough that the chocolate did melt in the eggs. Note to self - check weather before filling eggs with chocolate.

We hid eggs everywhere, even in Daisy's collar. You might be able to tell her collar that she is a Cardinals baseball fan. I am not sure when it will happen, but I am sure the Cardinals are going to trade Albert Pujols to the Royals!!

Avery lives in Manhattan so you are going to see lots of her

Avery in the shadows of the afternoon sun

I love this photo because of Avery's hands near her face

Ok, so I am learning a little about photography from Lori so I am trying a few shots other than faces and smiles.

More of Avery's feet

Sweet Avery

Nancy and I have spent lots of time at Avery's house the last couple of days.

More of Nancy and Avery

More of Avery Caroline

Sweet Avery

I think Avery is smiling at the thought of being home with her mom and dad.

The first family photo

Sometimes I can't decide which photo to post, so I post several of the same thing.

I am a proud aunt

Another version of Avery and the proud auntie

Grandma Thielen, daddy Kevin, and Avery

More of Avery, Grandma Thielen and Daddy

It's a girl! Avery Caroline

Birth day for Avery Caroline

Avery at 4 hours old

Proud dad Kevin and his daughter Avery

The look of love

Avery's mom Sharon enjoyed her first meal after Avery was born. Sharon had to monitor her diet during the pregnancy because of gestational diabetes. Needless to say, Sharon enjoyed this meal.

Kevin and the necessities of being a supportive husband - snickers, kit kats, cell phone and a camera.

Avery and her favorite great aunt - Mary Kay

More Avery and great aunt Mary Kay

Kevin and daughter Avery

Christabelle

We had a graveside service on Monday for my friend Christabelle Fitzgerald who died at the age of 97. Nancy and I both spoke at the service. Christabelle was the sister of Frances (Nancy's second mom) and she was a very special friend to me. Christabelle and I spent many hours together just talking about life. I didn't meet Christabelle until she was in her mid 80's and she had already lost most of her sight by that time. She didn't watch TV, so we talked and talked and talked. She truly was a gift in my life. I will miss my friend. Note: yes, this photo was taken in 2007, I do have hair now.

Wedding Fun

The newly weds: Susan and Mike

Can you believe there was dancing at Susan's wedding? If you know Susan, you are not surprised. She danced more than anyone.

The wedding party

Susan's daughter Lilly

The first dance for the bride and groom

The look of love

Susan's son Paul gave her a hug

The look of love

The vows

Susan and Paul shared a quiet moment before the wedding.

I took this photo of Susan prior to the wedding. She was listening to her son Paul as he practiced his solo for the wedding. Paul sang 'What a Wonderful World" during the ceremony. It was THE best singing at a wedding that I have ever heard!! You can tell by Susan's expression that she adores her son.