A little over a year ago our older boys, Hunter and Deacon, each made the decision to get baptized. Hunter and I took classes early Sunday mornings for 4 weeks before church as he learned even more about the bible and God and what it means to be baptized. Deacon felt he learned in church and at home and so he was ready too. We are non-denominational Christian,  so while babies are dedicated in their first year of life, getting baptized is a decision to be made once one feels ready.

We celebrated Easter with Good Friday and Easter Sunday service. And of course the boys did some Easter egg hunting with friends and cousins on Saturday morning. The boys were all very excited to celebrate.

I see them growing up so quickly nowadays as we have left the baby years of childhood and it has really given me perspective. I try to slow down and live in the moment with them. Easier said than done but I am aware at least and I do try and make an effort to be present with them. This is an every day practice. While things like breastfeeding and potty training were incredibly hard, talking to them about things like relationships (of all kinds), team dynamics, social skills and monitoring technology is tricky and complicated right now and for the foreseeable future. One thing we know is true- Quality Family time is so important. As simple as it is, we make family dinner together at the table a big priority.

While Daddy took care of Easter outfits for Hunter and Wyatt, I ordered button downs, polos and khakis and my skirt from one of my favorites, Nordstrom Rack.  The older two ended up wearing these polos to Good Friday service with khakis we already had.

We did a trial the night before Easter incase something didn’t fit. Wyatt really liked his outfit but not the matching tie as much. I love this photo of his seeing himself all dressed up.

Most might assume Mommy made everyone dress up because I’m a mom of all boys and I like to dress up. However, Daddy took Hunter to the store to pick out their Easter clothes the week before when Hunter mentioned he wanted a vest. Josh told the boys that he would wear a suit along with them.

In the rush of the day to day, I think it’s hard to remember to teach them things like dressing up for occasions and why, especially with mostly everything being so casual anymore. Our boys prefer to wear sweatpants just about every day to school. I want the boys to remember things we value and different ways of showing respect, including clothing and when and why we dress up. We need to be intentional about teaching our 3 boys these things while they are young. I love that Josh committed to wearing a suit along with them.

For any parent of young kids heading into a holiday, I don’t need to remind you all the things we do to prepare. I see everyone’s adorable Easter family photos and it isnt lost on me the  significant work that it takes to make the magic of the holiday for children. The outfits and shoes are just a small part of it! There are the baskets, and eggs and decorations and candy and stuff to put in the eggs plus (this one is on me but) our boys love a good treasure hunt.

Along with this, then of course there is the cleaning of the entire house and getting boys to “Please do your chores!”, and prepping and cooking Easter breakfast too. My family recipe of sausage, egg and cheese is a fan fave around here and Hunter definitely wanted it this Eaater morning. And then there is the prep/cooking food for Easter gatherings too. It isn’t just Christmas that requires a lot of work, is it?!

Easter was full of family time and we treasure these times dearly. As a parent, there is always the busyness of the current season and the day to day tasks that can consume or overwhelm us but I try hard to not aim for perfection and enjoy these boys while they are still young. Believe me, I already know it doesn’t last long. Time flies by.❤️