April 5, 6, 7, 8

My older sister, her husband and their HUGE family (6 kids) decided to come on up to Oregon during their spring break. It was awesome to see them! We spent Thursday and Friday at the coast (Rockaway Beach/Tillamook area) and stayed in cabins at Twin Rocks. We had a blast going to tide pools, the cheese factory, the beach, Chinese food and Mexican food. We played games and talked and just enjoyed each other's company.

Matt showing a hermit crab to Cara, Tim, Grant and Braden:

Grant, Daniel and Natalie splashing in the freezing water:


On Saturday, Mitch, Grant, Cole and I drove home to attend cousin Logan's 3rd birthday party. It's crazy to think how quickly our family is growing up!

That evening, the Lusk/Mardock (Tim and Sara) group joined us at our house. We ate the world's hugest batch of spaghetti, then I stayed home with the sleeping babies while everyone else went swimming at the aquatic center. Grant had a great time and can't wait to start swim lessons in May.

On Easter Sunday, I am very proud to say we attended first service (8:30). Jen has 4 girls, so imagine what it was like getting them all prettified and out the door. I got up early to make croissants and deviled eggs for the breakfast at church. We all rushed out the door just in time and made it to first service.

Lusk kids - Daniel, Emma, Cara, Natalie, Braden and Livi:

As soon as we got home, I sent the men outside to hide Easter eggs (about 200) for our Easter Egg hunt. It was lots of fun. Great photo opportunity! My grandparents joined us for lunch, and I made black bean enchiladas (a family favorite), yummy baked corn, Spanish rice and a beautiful fruit salad (ala Jen). Not exactly ham for Easter, but it was awesome. The Lusks had to leave that afternoon. It was such a fun visit that we already made plans to see them this summer. Of course, Grant can't stop talking about his cousins from California.

Grant - on the hunt:

Jennifer and Cara:

Me and Cole:

Mitch and the boys: