(43-270) EGGtravaganza!

Richie Howell (my father for any newbies;) was always responsible for coloring, and hiding our Easter eggs, as well as preparing our Easter baskets.  Although I don't credit him for much; I will say that he ROCKED Easter and all that it entailed.  Interestingly enough, he was also the mastermind behind our incomparable Christmas trees, and the splendid bows and wrapping on our gifts.  It's kind of ironic that he was able to express his love in these ways; considering that he was rarely around, but I'm very glad to at least have SOME good memories of him.

Back in the day, my brother and I were never a part of the egg dying process.  We just woke up Easter morning and searched for the eggs that Richie Howell had colored.  I can't recall why Luis and I (OK, I) decided not to use colored eggs for our very first Easter egg hunt; but we opted for the plastic ones; and we've been using them ever since.

Over time, it's become our tradition to put various denominations of money in the plastic Easter eggs; and use those for our hunt with Michelle M and her son.  We also dye eggs for an activity, but we never hide them, nor do we eat them; so I'm not REALLY sure why we do it; and yet I wouldn't consider skipping it.

Today we were invited to our friend Tina's for a big egg dying EGGtravaganza.  Tina has a more the merrier point of view, so she told us to invite Jenny and her kids as well.  Knowing that we had an EGGciting, EGGercise ahead of us I boiled three dozen eggs; and headed to Tinas's around 245.  Tina had several tables set up and more dyes than I've ever seen.  It was EGGtraordinary!  All of the kids were happily coloring their eggs; and Luis, Jenny and I got in on the act too.  THEN, Tina brought out some chalk board eggs.  She had spray painted the eggs black, and the kids were able to use chalk on them.  They were EGGcellent!

I love the traditions that I've created with my family and friends.  Or should I say my family of friends... In fact, as soon as I'm done with this post, I'm off to Michelle M's so that we can commence with our Easter baking.  We've decided to bake cupcakes rather than a cake; and we're attempting Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting and Vanilla with a butter cream, Coconut, and Pecan frosting.  Calories don't count on the holidays right?

I hope that you all enjoy YOUR holiday traditions and I wish you an EGGceptional Easter.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-133) Red Rock Light Fantasy

In both "Welcoming The Season" and "Tis The Season;" I told you that I was going to the Red Rock Light Fantasy in Sedona; and since a number of people have asked me how it was; I've decided to share some of my pictures.

The Red Rock Light fantasy is a Christmas light competition, that's held at the Los Abrigados Resort, from the middle of November until just after New Years.  Families and businesses submit their light designs for consideration; and if chosen they are given a location to build their display.  As people walk through the resort and linger over the lights; they are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants. 

If my memory is correct; it was 2001, just a couple of weeks before Lyndzi was born, when Luis, Nicky and I began our tradition of going to Sedona to attend the light competition; and we've gone every year since.  We've been there when it was freezing cold and windy; and when it was so warm that you didn't even need a coat.  This year, the weather was PERFECT!!  There was a chill in the air, but it was warm enough that you could walk around comfortably. 

It seemed to me like there were far less entrants this year; but Luis heard a hotel employee explaining that it was due to the economy and the cost to build the displays.  Typically we see a lot of Disney related exhibits; and this year was no exception.  We saw "Princess and the Frog," "Toy story 3," "Nightmare Before Christmas," and a Disney character display as well. 

There was one showcase dedicated to the M & M characters, another for Nick Jr, and one for Sponge Bob.  There was Alvin and the Chipmunks AND the Chipettes and one that used storybook characters; including the Grinch; but my favorite this year was called "Do You See What I See?"

There was something very captivating and peaceful about it; and it had these darling little sheep, that I believe were made out of Styrofoam."

I'm not sure if it was the decrease in displays or the fact that I didn't have to push around a double stroller; but the evening seemed to go a lot quicker than it had in previous years.  Nonetheless, I'm still very glad that we went; and kicked off our holiday season.   
Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-13) Back To School

Although we've been living in Arizona for 13 years, I still haven't adjusted to our school schedule.  The kids got out of school for the summer on May 20th; so by the time we celebrated July 4th, our summer was half way over.  I absolutely adore summer vacation and having the kids at home with me, even though I have to work; so it's rather bittersweet when they have to return to school.
Last night both Lyndzi and Kelsie were very excited about going back to school; so much so, that they didn't think they'd be able to sleep.  Nicky on the other hand was less enthusiastic; even though he loves school.
As is our first day of school tradition; the intoxicating aroma of Cinnamon Rolls was permeating the air of our home this morning.   Lyndzi was so happy about going back to school, that she woke up just after 530 am; followed shortly by Kelsie; and Nicky waited for us to wake him at 630. The kids don't typically get up until 7, but since it was their first day back to school, they needed to have extra time for the ever enjoyable, back to school pictures.

Now I don't insist that the kids dress up, but they usually like to wear something that they've never worn to school before; so both girls opted for the dresses that they'd used for my cousin's wedding and Nicky had a new pair of cargo shorts and a v-neck t-shirt.  I think that this is the first year EVER, that Nicky hadn't worn a polo shirt on his first day; but his attire was meant to illustrate his more relaxed attitude.

What can I say; A picture is worth a thousand words. I'm as proud a Mama as you think I am and although the stillness of my house will take some getting used to again; it will be an honor to watch them all grow and learn for another year.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING