Christ is Risen! Indeed He has Risen!

Well, we made it through Easter! I only say, "we made it", because we all were wondering if the baby would decided to come early. He hasn't, so far. But, you never know! The kids had Good Friday off from school, so that is when we began our Easter preparation. And, between Good Friday and Holy Saturday, we did everything: we made all the special foods, fasted, all the kids got haircuts and baths, and we went to church. It was tough for me, going to church on Good Friday (evening), but, I am glad I went. It seems like if we didn't do all the prep. and services leading up to Easter, it would be all too easy to let Good Friday become just another day. The children are old enough, now, that they ask questions, like, "Why do we have to fast?" "Why can't we play games?" "Why can't we watch TV between noon and 3pm?" "Why do we light a holy candle between 12 and 3?" "Why do we have to go to church at night?"

Easter morning, we woke up to find the Easter Bunny did, indeed, visit us! (This year, it is Thomas who can't resist getting into his basket at all times...) We then went to church for Resurrection Matins, Liturgy, and Basket Blessing. Afterwards, we were invited to go to several households, but, we opted to go home, because I needed to get off my feet. It was a little strange, to "just go home", but, it was also nice. Here are some photos from church:

Here we all are with our basket, before church: Processing around the church:
Basket Blessing. Note Peter's grin. The priest always blesses the kids, too. Margie, George, and Fred are all in his direct line of fire.
Our basket is on the right. My brother, George, and his fiancee, Laura's, is on the left. They impressed everyone by making their own. Laura even made her own pysanki (eggs) and they were really pretty and looked like she had been doing them for years (it was her first time, ever).