Easter in Oregon

Happy Easter!!! :) This was the first Easter we haven't been with our extended families... we miss the traditions and our loved ones, but still had a peaceful Sunday here as a little family. We tried a new church; just down the road from where we live and really liked it. We're looking forward to going back. The kids woke up really excited it was Easter. I think they (almost) have the story down... when we asked them what the meaning of Easter was all about, Jack answered, "Jesus died on a tree that was a cross and so he can live in our hearts." We had a fun breakfast here at home, they got to dress up (another part they loved because Maggie loves any excuse to wear a dress, and Jack loved dressing up in a shirt & tie like Daddy wears to work), and snapped some photos for the gp's back home before heading to church. The afternoon included a beautiful Sunday drive along the Umpqua river (home to many trail heads & waterfall hikes just outside Roseburg!). Let me tell ya, it is B-E-A-UTIFUL! Oregon is so dang pretty. I think Washington is too. And Canada - and shoot, a lot of places. But can I just admit that at times, it feels like we are living somewhere else - like, impossibly divine? We pinch ourselves and just keep commenting to one another how amazing this move has been in ways we couldn't have thought possible. We love being here. Weekends feel restorative and refreshing. Work feels fulfilling. The kids & I are (slowly) working into a groove for our week days. We're surrounded by natural beauty that literally would take your breath away too. (At least I think it would??) ;) The only thing that would make it feel almost like heaven on earth - would be to have the community we love & our families from home - all living here too. :) Spring is in full swing and we're looking forward to getting in better shape to enjoy some fun trail hikes with the kids. Sorry for the long posts, I know pics are more fun to see. Hope you all had wonderful Easter holidays. May we all feel ALIVE in Him, soaking in the mystery and meaning of the empty tomb...

The 3 Kiddos in their Easter outfits

Love these two together

Our happy little "Halibut" as Maggie loves to call him (where did she get that nickname for him?!)

Those baby blues might just get him out of trouble a time or two ;)



Handsome little Jack Attack was soooo proud to be dressed up like Dad!



And Little Mags might have had a perma grin all morning.  (Thank you, Auntie Jaimie & cousin Ella for the darling dress!!!)

Looking for bees in the rosemary bush outside.  They learned they don't come out if it's raining or cold.

Jack & Dad checkin' out the waterfalls along the side of the road.

Ahhh, Ken is in his element getting to share his love for nature & the outdoors with the kids!



Mags & I getting soaked during a momentary down pour along our drive.



The Umpqua River.

Coming into Roseburg on our drive.  (Literally about 5 minutes outside of town)

Jack has been talking about this train all week - it's at one of the local parks & he was beyond excited to show it to Ken... come rain or shine. ;)