news from chicago: Easter 2013

This year we had a lot of fun on Easter. Doug and I talked about things and we agreed that we were either all going to make Mass or we were all going to make brunch but we wouldn't be able to do both. And by all we meant Cillian. One of us would have to stay with him for one of the events. So, I went to Mass Saturday evening for the Easter vigil. It's my favorite Mass of the year. We walk outside to the front of the church where there is a small bonfire in the courtyard and all hold candles. Then we go back into the church - it's totally dark. No lights. Then our candles are lit. It's beautiful. I can't wait for the boys to be old enough to come. Candidates for Baptism and Communion and Confirmation are presented and the congregation renews along with the candidates. It's very special and beautiful.

Then I came home to help Doug stuff and hide Easter eggs :)

I found Cars Easter eggs at Walgreens almost a month and a half ago and scooped them up immediately. Someone is a "Lightening DaQueen" fan. And a big Mater fan too - loves himself some tow truck action. Someone. Hmmmmmm. I wonder who ....

It's funny because he watched like 25 minutes of the movie and didn't want to watch anymore of it. James didn't like it when McQueen was driving out of control because he couldn't see. I watched the rest of it with Doug after James went to bed - we hadn't seen it before - truth be told it was cute but some of the language I could do without - I'll very happily continue my life around here without James saying things like idiot and stupid. Say what you will about that but it's nice having a child that doesn't speak that way.

Oh my gosh - I forgot - The dyeing of the Easter Eggs. I also purchased "Volcano Egg Decorating" which is melting crayons on hot eggs. Parental supervision a-plenty. Please enjoy the photos.

James very carefully putting the dye into the cups

Cillian's a little worried

Meg and Cillian

James is very proud of himself

(Band-Aids are decorative and Lightening McQueen)

Doug measured out the vinegar and James poured it in.

Egg decorating team of James and Dad

Volcano eggs

Very carefully sprinkling the crayon shavings

The finished product. Not too shabby.

Easter morning came and it was so much fun to see James hunt for his eggs and open them to see the surprises. Cillian watched and enjoyed his surprises too :)

James, "Look! The Easter Bunny touched my firetruck. . . . . That's okay. That's okay.

The Easter Bunny is allowed to touch my toys."

James was asked to eat breakfast before finding the eggs. I am sure it felt like the longest breakfast ever.

So excited to finally get the eggs!

Finding eggs

Cillian is a very careful gift opener.

Isn't the bee bag cute? Thanks Auntie E!

A bunny was in the chick!

James opened this and asked, "What's a YoYo?"

Yep. He read it.

James and his slinky!

Doug and Cillian with his new sophie!

We went to brunch at The Drake. We decided to feed Cillian his bottle here because honestly, this child takes for.ev.er. to drink a bottle. It takes an hour to drink 6 ounces. Now, sometimes, every now and then he'll do it in 20 minutes or even 10 minutes! So we know he can do it - just 98% of the time it takes an hour. So, we reversed the morning feeding and saved the solid food for brunch. It was the perfect way to go. Brunch as always was so much fun and so delicious. It was also Cillian's first outing. I know it seems strange but remember please that we had 6 glorious months of colic. We're a little scared of out in public. But, he did wonderfully - go Cillian!

James at brunch

Cillian at brunch

James excited about his plate

Our only Easter family photo - love the boys expressions.

Doug and Cillian

And now the creme fresh montage

James, ever the adventurous eater, takes a bite

Ponders

And, spits out the strawberry at The Drake.

Priceless.

Aaaaaaand back to brunch. James and the Easter Bunny. He LOVED the Easter Bunny again this year. Luckily for us, the Easter Bunny has a limit of chocolates to give out to each child :)