Easter Weekend-- Up North

We went up to T's folks' for the Easter holiday. It was a GORGEOUS weekend, weather-wise, which we've yet to have this year. The sun was out - so was the wind- but it was warm enough to be outdoors in just shirtsleeves for the first time in a LONG time. 

On Friday night we took a ride on the golf cart around my in-law's 90+ acre parcel. It was a pretty night. L had a blast. However, this winter was extremely tough on the deer population and we found no less than a half-dozen deer that had died due to starvation and the harsh winter. The baiting ban this year, I think, has really hurt them. For so long, the deer had relied on bait piles to survive. L found the whole thing very fascinating. And even at her young age, she found it very sad that the deer had to die because they didn't have enough food to eat. 

L got to see her cousins and play. She thinks they're all brother & sisters. Its cute.

Grandma and I both think the two girls are a little close in age, though. They tend to argue and fight over toys all the time. Nothing like having two 3-year old girls in one household! Its a little  much. But overall, they enjoy their time together. 

Saturday was a blast. A high school buddy and his wife invited L out for an Easter Egg Hunt. She'd obviously never done such a thing before, but by the end, she was having a blast. Then we grilled out and the kids played outside. At one point, they had 7 kids in this tiny Little Tykes' playhouse-- I think they reached maximum capacity. The kids blew bubbles and giggled their little hearts out. It really warmed me up inside to hear such laughter over such a simple thing. It was a wonderful afternoon, just sitting outside in the sun, watching kids play-- and me getting a little sunburned!

Sunday, of course, was the Easter church service. We did the 'Easter thing'. I had bought L a dress & new sandals for the occasion and she just ate it up like there was nothing better in the world than her new dress. I remember the same feeling as a little girl. 

Somehow we all managed to color-coordinate. The drive home was nice and quiet-- seems all that outdoor play had worn the little one out and she slept nearly the whole way home. Plus the weather was, again, excellent. It was the first time in a while we didn't have to fight bad weather on our way to and from. It wasn't the most restful weekend, but relaxing and a LOT of fun.