Easter

This is another late post, but I thought while I had a moment I would post some pictures from Easter morning. We were in Memphis for Easter weekend and Holt had fun dying eggs, hunting eggs with Jonathan and going to Independent Presbyterian for Sunday Service. It rained that afternoon, but was actually pleasant that morning for hunting eggs. Holt was much better this year about actually looking for the eggs and learned quickly that the plastic ones are better as they contain prizes. Normal families put candy in their eggs, but not us we like to opt for plastic snakes. Fortunately Holt loved the little plastic reptiles and I didn't have to ration chocolate for weeks.

From Holt's very first Easter when he was 4 weeks old we have read the Easter story to him. This year Holt stopped be right as I began and told me that Jesus got blood on his body to take away our sins. I know that he doesn't really understand, but it filled my heart with joy to know that he is a Covenant child and that God is already working in his heart.

Nothing says happy Easter like plastic snakes

The Memphis Trolley and Baseball

Our little family is so lucky to live in such a great town, Cleveland is such a wonderful place to raise a family. However, we are also fortunate to have a Mother/Grandmama who still lives in Memphis. It makes trips to Memphis fun and stress free. There really is a lot to do for kids in Memphis; the zoo, the children's museum, and the pink palace museum, just to name a few. All of these are great, but by far, Holt's favorite pastime is getting to ride the trolley downtown. We can make the 30 minute loop down by the river and he gets to see Horse and carriage rides, the pyramid, the monorail, the river and Beale Street, best of all, it only cost $1 per adult and children ride for free. Usually, we go down to ride the trolley early enough that we can swing by and visit the Peabody ducks and then grab some food. Easter weekend we went to visit my mom and were able to do all this and then catch a redbirds game with fireworks afterward. All in all it was a great weekend.

Watching the world go by.

He is a pretty good kid most of the time.

Posing in front of the Peabody fountain

Playing ball at the ballgame with the big kids. They were really sweet to Holt.

Birthdays

This is a bit overdue, but we celebrated Holt's Birthday at the end of March. It is hard to believe that Holt came into our world three years ago. He isn't my little baby anymore. The part of parenting that is so hard is that the easiest way isn't always the best. I want so much to baby Holt and keep him dependent on me, but I know that the best thing for him is to encourage his independence. It's so much easier for me to just get Holt dressed or put his shoes on for him rather than make him take the 15 minutes it usually requires when he does anything by himself, but I know it is best. I can't believe how much he has grown physically and emotionally. My Little Buddha baby is stretching out and growing an amazing personality.

Holt's First Day Home from the Hospital

First Birthday - Mmmm Birthday Cake

Holt's Second Birthday with his homemade John Deere Cupcakes

We have been so lucky each year to have great weather on Holt's Birthday. We are also blessed with a loving family who makes time to come for a Birthday celebration. We have done the same thing every year for Holt's birthday; Grilled burgers, visited with family and friends and had Cake and Ice Cream. I have gotten Holt's cake from Emeleigh's Bakery in Oxford every year and they always come out so cute and taste so good. This year he wanted a Tractor, but here is the kicker, Holt announced he wanted a purple butterfly for Irene to go on his cake. I am sure the baker was a little confused by the order requesting a Green Tractor with a purple butterfly, but I think he did a great job.

More Birthday Pictures

Sweet Baby Mary. Holt's other Cousin from the great state of Texas.

Enlisting some help from the lovely Irene.

Toys are more fun when you have people to share them with.

Holt loves his Daddy!