Easter Weekend 2013

We started our Easter weekend off with the rest of Charlotte at Carowind's for opening day! We skipped last year since Avery was too little to do anything but mobile enough to know she wanted to. From the parking lot, you can see the largest roller coaster in the park, which Avery called an airplane and started pointing and yelling "RIDE!" Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe her reaction when we told her she's only tall enough to ride the carousel, snoopy train and rocket ship.

Just wait until the water park opens, baby girl! Then you'll love it!

Parker has a love/hate relationship with Carowinds. He LOVES the idea of the rides so we wait in line and then when it's his turn, he chickens out. Even though he cried and clung to the carousel horse like it was a bucking bronco, (can we say embarrassing?!) he did make strides this year. He branched out into enjoying the swings, airplane and rocket ship.... none of which we rode last year.

His favorite remains the train!

Yes, he wore his hood the entire 4 hours we were there and carried around that yellow egg he got from the Chick-fil-a cow.

Avery was totally bored by the train and required snacks to divert her eyes from the rides even mommy thinks are scary. Her lack of fear or caution frightens me.

Eventually, we found a ride both kids were tall enough to ride!

Overall, it was a fun 1st day at Carowinds! I look forward to the crowds being less during the week and the water park opening when it's warmer!

On Easter, we went to Forest Hill Church in Ballantyne where Avery took a great nap by a sweet lady who rocked her the whole service and Parker recapped church by saying "I didn't want to do my Jesus crafts. I just wanted to eat goldfish." I feel ya, dude... late service cuts into my lunch time and gets me all out of whack.

In all seriousness though, service was about the choices that the disciples made to testify of Jesus' resurrection and how those choices eventually led to each of their deaths. It was emotionally difficult to listen to how brutally each were beaten, martyred and slain in the name of spreading the word of the Savior's sacrifice. Often times, I think the messages that are most difficult to hear, are the ones you needed to hear the most. I tend to prefer the happy messages but how humbling it was to be reminded of the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made and how those who followed him also gave their lives in the name of the Lord. I'm so thankful that the hope and message of Jesus Christ didn't end in that tomb, but that he arose on the 3rd day, victorious over death so that we may have eternal life in heaven. I so hope that you know the love of Christ in you heart! If you have questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them for you at tlcarr7@yahoo.com

After church, we rushed home, made a veggie lasagna and headed 2 doors down to Dean and Tabitha's for Easter lunch and an egg hunt.

On the hunt

2 down...46 to go

I would like to note that this was not his actual Easter outfit... he looked SO cute in his gingham pants and white oxford.... until he tried to pee on a tree.... tried being the operative word. Seriously.... little boys are hilarious.

Avery quit once she realized the eggs contained M&Ms and mini Reese Cups! Can't blame her!

This year, we did not do the "Easter Bunny." We did give the kids small baskets with a toy, water bottle and a Reese egg. After Christmas, we realized how much the kids don't care about holiday characters right now... which is awesome! We just sorta skipped mentioning it and the kid's didn't miss a beat. I encourage you that if your kids are afraid of the Easter Bunny (can you blame them? Creepy!) or Santa to use this time to teach their hearts the true meaning of the holiday. Happy Easter, friends!

"Worthy is the lamb, who was slain. Holy, Holy is He! Sing a new song, to Him who sits on mercy's seat. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come! With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings! You are my everything and I will adore you!"  ~Revelation Song by Kari Jobe (love this song... and ALL of her music! Check it out!)