Easter Weekend in St. George, UT

I realized as we were getting ready to travel to St. George for Easter that our family had traveled for Easter for the last few years -

2011 - St. George Island, FL with all of Ben's family
2010 - Columbia, SC for Suz's wedding
2009 - Jacksonville, FL for a niece's baby blessing

I wonder how long this will continue?

Anyway, this year, we were able to spend a weekend with many members of my extended family who live here in the West.  They came from Wyoming, California, and the Salt Lake City area to have some time together with my grandparents (Oma and Opa) in southwest Utah.  I am so grateful that we are close enough to get to spend time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  What a blessing!

On Saturday we met up with two of my cousins and their families to hang out at the St. George Art Festival.

Cat and Jack were more into the nearby carousel than the art, though.

Eliza wasn't really into either.

Then we let the kids play in the water area for a while.  I think that was the real favorite for most of them.

While Oma and some of the other adults got dinner ready, Ben and I took our kids and a couple of the other older "great grands" to a nearby park.

Then back at Oma and Opa's condo, Abbie helped Eliza with her bubble blowing.

The kids ate their dinner on the front lawn.

While the parents were on the patio.

Then after dinner many of the kids continued to play outside - can you tell that the weather was bveautiful??  I love that they included Eliza in their game of baseball.  Look how happy she is!

Cousin time is silly time.

My cousin Madi was kind enough to paint Cat's nails that night.
Cat LOVED getting to have time with Madi.  
And Madi was super sweet and patient with all of the younger kids.

Easter baskets, Resurrection Rolls, and a sweet Oma & Eliza moment on Easter morning.

Family pictures after Church.
Can you tell that Eliza was NOT interested in having her picture taken?

The whole group, minus Ben and Mike who were taking the pictures.  Thanks, guys!

We had a fun Easter Egg out in the area in front of Oma and Opa's condo Sunday afternoon while our AWESOME dinner was being prepared.

One egg was hidden in a rather surprising spot.  Do you see it?

It took Cat a while to find it too.
(Click on the picture to make it bigger if it's hard to read the text.)

We had such a fun time with all of our family.  We are so thankful for them, and for the time we get to spend together.  And we are especially thankful for Easter - for the Atonement and Resurrection of our Savior.  We feel so blessed to have a knowledge of His plan for us, which includes the opportunity to live together as a family forever.