Easter in Illinois

As most know, Garrett's family lives in IL and we decided to take a trip back there to see everyone and celebrate Easter together. I was dreading the flight a bit but as you can see here, everyone else was excited and all smiles.

The flight there was a bit harder. Ty hates being held all the time and likes his space. I spent most of the first 3 hour flight standing in the back with him in the Ergo. But we got smart on the way back and put a blanket down on the floor below Tatum's seat and let him sit there with toys, much more enjoyable. Of course the flight attendants didn't care for it in case of turbulence but we were ready to grab a flying baby if need be in exchange for some peace and quiet. :)

The first thing on the agenda after we arrived was attending Garrett's Grandpa's funeral. We gathered with many family members, ones we'd never met and others we were excited to see again.

The ceremony was beautiful and I'm so glad we were able to be there to experience it and say our good-byes.

That night we went to the TRN, Nadine and Jerry's club. They were having a fish fry for Good Friday and a raffle where Tatum was chosen to pick the winning ticket. What an honor!

Saturday we headed to Garrett's friend Ben's house where we had a fun BBQ with his high school friends.

Ben and Cassie live on a large plot of land where Tatum enjoyed rolling down the hills with Lauren, Jen and Josh's almost 6 year old.

And lots of running. :)

Ty just enjoyed sitting in the grass. :)

Sunday morning we woke up to Easter baskets that the Easter bunny had left in the house. And then we went out back to hunt for Easter eggs he had hidden, so much fun!

Easter egg hunting is done best in fancy high heels, just to let you know. It also really drags out the event. :)

Ty couldn't participate in the hunt this year but I'm sure he'll be giving Tatum a run for her money next Easter. :)

Here's my sweet little man getting a bath in Grandma Dini's sink! Look at those chubs!

After the egg hunt, we went to brunch with Garrett's Dad's side of the family, the Silveris. Lots of fun and good food. The best part for me was sitting at the opposite end of the table as my kids. A nice meal in peace and quiet. :)

Then we headed to Aunt Diane's house for another egg hunt...

Here's Peyton and Tatum showing off their treasure. :)

Here's the whole gang.

Then we headed inside where everyone got Easter gifts and then the Easter raffle began where we all started out with $500 Easter money and could bid on various items ranging from jewelry and purses to poker goods and Twilight items. Lots of fun!

This is such a cute picture of Tatum and Peyton chatting it up in Aunt Diane's front yard. Peyton is 6 1/2 and the two of them got along so well. Between him and his sister Carlie who's 11, I barely saw Tatum because she was kept busy with these two playing I Spy and other fun games. If I could have packed them and brought them home, I would have. :)

We never got around to dying eggs on Sunday so we did it after Easter, which was still lots of fun, and then put the eggs in a potato salad dish for the fishing derby on Tuesday.

Here's Grandma Dini helping Tatum with her masterpiece.

And then Tuesday was the fish derby. And Tatum caught her first fish! On that little plastic pole, no less! But this was the only photo I could get of her near the fish. Once it came flopping out of the water, she wanted no part of it. :)

And here's Carlie helping Tatum fish. The two of them loved being together, it was so cute. The whole trip was wonderful and over so fast. I wish I could say we'd turn around and do it again right away but the distance makes it hard. But I guess everyone just needs to get out here and visit us now! :) Thanks for an amazing visit everyone!!!