Easter 2014

There is nothing better than having the privilege (and the right) to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Easter Weekend is always a wonderful reminder of all that Jesus did for us. 

We were able to attend church as a family - even with Matt being on call.  With our church being much more casual than most, we don't often dress up for church.  The kids loved wearing their new outfits (Will called his a "uniform"). 

 

We headed out to Becki's parent's house the next day for the annual Egg Hunt and a wonderful meal put together by Becki's mom.  We were disappointed to not have any of Becki's siblings home this year.  Will found the silver lining in that though..."With no other cousins here to find the eggs, I guess WE will be the ones to bankrupt Grammy this year!".  Becki's parents put change and candy in the eggs.  It is safe to say that the kids did very well for themselves!

Grandad & Grammy with our kids.  Happy Easter!

 

Maddie Wins a Bike!

We attended the Milan Optimist Club's "Bike Safety Awareness" a few weeks ago.  We have done this for a few years - the kids love biking on the course.  We got a phone call a few hours later that Maddie had won one of the contest bikes!

Another Awana Year Completed

Awana is done for the year.  I think this was the first year that 3 of the 4 kids didn't complete their book.  We were all a bit disappointed with that, but the kids still love going and strive to have a verse or 2 memorized every week. 

Katie was 1 of 4 who received the Timothy Award

Katie received her Timothy Award, which means she completed all 4 books for the "older kids".  She is now finished with the Awana program at Homewood.  She is excited to come back next year as a teen helper!

Alex, Maddie & Will are all going to be in the T&T clubs!  It is hard to believe that they are all old enough for this.  Weren't they all Cubbies a few short years ago??

More Family Togetherness!!

 A few weeks later, we welcomed Matt's folks (Ken & Connie) to the house for a few days.  They moved from IL to Oregon soon after Matt & I were married.  The kids don't get to see them very often, so they were super excited to see them over Spring Break!  Due to the cold weather (and the snow still on the ground in places!), we weren't able to get outside and play...but we did enjoy our time together.  Many evenings were spent at home, relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

Will showing off his Lego creation and Katie putting together a loom bracelet.

 We hit Whitey's Ice Cream a few times (including a backstage tour from one of the owners!), ate out a lot and laughed even more!

We ended our time together by heading to Chicago (where Ken & Connie were heading after our house) to spend a day at Legoland. It was Spring Break, so it was Extremely busy!  After waiting over an hour to get in, we were able to enjoy a miniature Lego display of downtown Chicago.  It was amazing!

 The jungle display was also nicely done. 

 But the favorite was the Star Wars room!

 I think the 4D movie was everyone's favorite activity.  We wished the movie had been longer!

 While waiting in line for the movie, a little boy (4 or 5 years old) came up to Ken and shyly asked, "Are you Santa Claus?".  It was so cute!  Of course, when we saw the Lego Santa, we knew we had to get a picture of Grandpa Santa!

 We left Legoland and headed to dinner at Popeye's Chicken (a Hart favorite) and gave our hugs/kisses goodbye.  We even asked a nice gentleman to take our family's picture...however, he didn't understand English and thought we were asking him to be in the picture with us, so he and his wife joined us in the picture!  Too funny!  It gave us a good laugh.

We were sad to say goodbye.  We had a fun time reconnecting with Grandma & Grandpa!  We made lots of memories together though - until next time!

Alex

Alex has had a busy month!  She has been very busy working on her State Project.  She chose the state of Oregon because that is where her grandparents live!  Her and I put this poster together.  Next is the report and final presentation.

We also celebrated her 10th birthday at Happy Joes.  She was super excited to celebrate with her Oregon grandparents since they came to spend time with us over Spring Break!

We also celebrated Uncle Willy's birthday....

And Casey's....

And Grammy's!

A Nook to match Katie's!  From Great Grandma Phyllis

Birthday isn't complete without Legos!

Growing up!  Her own purse.

A fun horse from Grandma & Grandpa

Sisters! Becki with her younger sister, Deb

Becki with her parents Ron & Rose

Matt & Becki