The Market is Open!

Last Sunday we headed to Chattanooga for the day to shop, eat, and go to the opening of the Farmer's Market. We discovered this market last year and we love it. It's full of local produce, plants, cheeses, and artwork of various kinds. Also, each week they have live local music and typically some kind of cooking demonstration. We enjoyed browsing, snacking, and the sunshine.

We enjoyed it so much we were worn out on the drive home. The sign of a good day.

Local Fun

Last weekend St. Andrew's a local Episcopal upper school hosted Trails and Trilliums, an annual event with guided trail walks, native plant sales, and of course family fun. We went last year and had a blast and really loved that all the family activities are free! This year a group of seminary families came out for the fun and despite the cooler weather, we had a great time!

Our first stop was the horses so of course we hopped right on. Last year (H) got on and rode for about 4 steps but then wanted off. This year he was hesitant but willing and eventhough he wanted one of us to walk with him, he rode twice!

*A* was all over it of course and had no hesitation at all.

Next up was the animal petting area. They had local animals from farms and things in our backyards. The bunnies were a favorite as were the turtles, especially the baby turtle!

They had baby mice too and in a much farther away location: snakes. If you are squemish about snakes, I'm sorry, you'll just have to deal. I can not tell you how proud it makes me that this girl is not afraid of turtles, snakes, worms, etc.! Spiders and bees are a different story, but this child has *almost* no fear!

(H) is a little more cautious but he was braver this year and held one!

There was also a hay ride and marshmallow roasting.

This boy loved the tractor! We tried to go on a tour of a cave too but we missed it by a few minutes because we were too busy petting a horse. Oh well, it gives us an excuse to go back next year (as if we needed one!). 

We Love to Fish!

Last week we had a visit from Grandpa John. He brought his blue kayak and we *almost* got to go out on the water with it. Here the kids are sitting in it posing with fishing poles while the kayak was on top of his car! The day we had planned to go on the lake with him, the kids weren't feeling well so we'll have to wait until next time for our kayak trip. We did have some fun times fishing on the pond behind our house. Both kids love to fish and *A* especially loves to catch the worms. I was on a girls' trip to Nashville this day but I've been told *A* was quite the fisher-girl this day and was even taking the fish off the hook all by herself!

Our Little Ballerina

Last weekend was *A*'s ballet recital. She was so excited and they rehersed on the big stage all week long.

I know this picture is blurry but it shows her signature move, the "skip, hop". she has loved this move since she learned it and frequently moves around the house this way. In my not-so-humble opinion, she did it the best out of everyone in her class. :)

Here she is on the big day (she was so happy that they had to wear make-up)

and after with her flowers.

She was so proud, we were so proud, all the family & friends that came to see her were so proud.

Poor (H) slept in Gram's lap through the whole thing, but he had to sit through all those rehersals so he was forgiven!

She's ready to start ballet again but I told her we have to wait until next Fall. I think swimming will take the place of ballet for the summer as her favorite "extra-curricular activity". We just found out that she can join pre-swim/conditioning for swim team and practice her swimming skills 4 days a week. Everynight for the past few months, she has asked me if we can go to the pool tomorrow and now I can finally say "yes"!

Easter

What a glorious day! The weather was warmer than I ever remember an Easter being, church was beautiful (although we spent much of it outside in the sun since it was standing room only!), the kids were wonderful, and we had fun with friends all day long.

The junior Easter bunnies waited patiently as Mommy Bunny hid the baskets.

Then they found baskets full of fun toys (thanks $1 Target bin!) and not so much candy.

But the candy we did get was much enjoyed!

Then we headed to friend's house for a yummy Easter lunch. And family photos of course!

Then it was time to change into play clothes and line up with our friends for the egg hunt at the park.

(H) worked hard to get his eggs and decided after about 8 that he had found enough. *A* was considered one of the big kids this year (!), so when she came to me with a full basket and I gently reminded her to save some for the little kids, she took a handful from her basket and re-hid them for the little kids to find. 

After a chocloate fix, it was time to relax, play games, and cookout. A time to celebrate and feast! Just what Easter is all about!

Pre-Easter Events

As always, there is lots to do up here on the mountain during Holy Week. It's busy but it's good busy. Everything is focused on Holy Week which allows you to really get in the right frame of mind to celebrate these events. On Maundy Thursday, the seminary stops classes and offers a Quiet Day for students and spouses.

This was my third Quiet Day and it is something I've really come to look forward to. It was 80 degrees this day so along with lots of quiet on the beautiful campus of St. Mary's convent, I also got a sunburn.

Good Friday was quite busy and I was very appreciative for the previous day of quiet. ^J^ preached at 7am at All Saint's on campus, then we had the seminary service at 9am, then we grabbed a quick bite to eat and walked to the Stations of the Cross service which occurs down University Ave.

Here we are on our way and here's ^J^ taking a turn helping carry the cross.

That night we had a relaxing dinner at a friend's house and we played our new favorite game, BananaGrams!

Saturday was a bit more laid back and we went to the 2nd Annual Crawfish Boil hosted by one of ^J^'s classmates from Mississippi.

*A* really liked them and so did Gracie who decided to eat 3 shell and all!

Saturday night we got a babysitter so we could attend the Easter Vigil service. ^J^ was a reader and it was as always a powerful service follwed by a yummy reception.

I'll save Easter for tomorrow seeing as I've already made this quite a long post.