The Wilsons: At the Cross

On Easter morning, we didn't have any trouble getting the kids to wake up. They ran downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny had left in their baskets. Cole loved the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie, the noise putty, and Mad Libs he got, along with more candy and chocolate than he really needed. Among Mary Conlee's favorite things were a candy wrapper purse, daisy head band, and peace sign bracelet.

Cole's loved his Easter basket

MC showing off her goods

Is this Peter Cottontail? No, it's Mary Conlee's bloomers!

One of our favorite family traditions is getting our picture made in front of the Easter cross at Calvary. It is covered in flowers brought by our church members. I treasure these pictures each year. It's amazing how much they change from year to year! After church, we ate lunch at the Tupelo Country Club. This is one of the only times we eat there on a Sunday. We prefer our down-home cookin' place, which was closed. We loved getting to see Causey and Bounds in their "Easter best!"

Celebrating Jesus' resurrection

Sara Frances, Mia Katherine, Meri Alan, Cole, and Mary Conlee...Cole was certainly outnumbered!

Mae Mae, Bounds, and Causey are up to no good. Cole doesn't know whether to stop them or join in!

Cole, MC, Bounds, and Causey

Dressing them for Easter isn't as much fun as it was when they wore matching outfits. I don't know why Cole still can't wear smocked John Johns to coordinate with Mary Conlee's smocked bishops. But I guess my 9 year old isn't a baby anymore. This year, MC wore a pink dress that Bubbe bought for her. Cole agreed to wear a white sweater vest with his shirt and shorts...but not wholeheartedly!

A look back...

Cole's first Easter, 2001

Easter at Bubbe and Pop's- 2005

We LOVE hunting for eggs- 2006

Some unhappy campers this cold and windy Easter, 2006...Mary Conlee, Cole, Sara Frances, and Meri Alan

Egg Hunt and activities at church, 2007

Easter morning, 2007

Celebrating Easter at the cross and with Mr. Walt and Mrs. Betty Gayle, 2008

Posing with the Easter lilies at church, 2009

That afternoon, the kids and I drove to Birmingham for MC's eye appointment scheduled for Monday. We met Bubbe at Elmwood Cemetery to visit Granny's grave. Bubbe brought the most beautiful flowers that were growing in Granny's garden. This is exactly what she would have wanted. Although the children never had the chance to meet her, they know Granny through pictures and stories we tell about her. As long as I live, I hope to instill in my children the same ideals my Granny taught me...to be a servant to those in need...to be kind to those around you...to be like Christ in all you do. Happy Easter, Granny.