Easter Weekend

Happy Easter from the Reyes Family! :)

We had a fun and somewhat busy Easter Weekend.

On Friday, we went to an early Easter service at church. It was nice to praise God and be reminded of the HOPE GOD GIVES HIS CHILDREN. I am amazed each year at how important it is to remember His sacrifice for His children everyday, not just on Easter weekend. I read the 4 gospel stories of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection this past week and it just reminds me of HIS LOVE FOR ME. I feel so loved. Even when the world (devil) wants to beat us to the ground, I know that God is right by my side and helping me- giving me strength and courage and peace.

(I don't have the pics yet. Ben took them and hasn't uploaded the pics of Rachel.)

On Saturday, we pretty much took it easy for the morning and then we got ready to go to Concordia Lutheran Church for a huge Easter Egg Hunt. (We went there last year b/c we wanted Rachel to experience the Easter Egg Hunt, but our church didn't do a BIG one for all the kids. We also went to it last year b/c they had it in the gym at Concordia due to the cold weather we had.) We loved it! There was live music, refreshments, and this time, it was outside on the football field and MANY families went. We got there a bit late, but Yaya and Papa Richard got there just in time for the fun. They had the eggs in a big huge pile on the field and the kids started from the outside in, grabbing eggs. Since we were late, Yaya jumped right in and grabbed plenty so Rachel could have a chance to pic some up. (Papa Richard thought that they were going to be kicked out b/c she was taking them and putting them in her purse!) ;)

By the time we got there, most of the eggs were gone. So, Yaya and Papa Richard to the rescue!
Here are some pics of that outing...

Yaya was dropping them on the ground for Rachel to pick them up. Rachel was following Yaya like a little chick following the mother hen. ;)

Look at all the eggs she collected (thanks to Yaya). :)

Here's our little family! :)

Yaya and Papa Richard & Rachel (she looks up to them) :)

On Sunday, we went to La Villa's backyard (That's the Catholic church where my aunt works-she's like a mother superior or something like that- and where my mom works at their banquet hall). The back area is full of trees and a big open area for LOTS of people. My mom's family decided to meet there this year for a barbeque and fun. :) My aunt Paz did a wonderful job organizing and working to set up and cook and do everything to make it perfect for all of us. My family is so big, that we can't really get together at each other's houses b/c there are too many of us. So this big open area was perfect to sit each family (with all their kids and grandkids). It was nice to see many of my cousins and their growing children. (I wasn't able to take pics b/c we got there and then things just flew by and we were done.) :(
Before we went to this big family fun day, Rachel and I went to my parent's house to get Rachel's basket(s). Here are some pics of that fun time.

Not only did Rachel get cool Easter gifts, she also go this cute outfit to wear on Easter Sunday from Lala and Papa.

Rachel recieved 2 baskets full of fun little toys and trinkets.

Here Lala is opening the fairy necklace to reveal the fairy inside.

Lala hid some eggs out on their patio for Rachel to find.


I pray that you all had a wonderfully blessed Easter weekend. It's always nice to spend this time remembering God's love for HIS children. My favorite verse says it all, "For God so loved the world, that HE gave HIS one and only Son that whosoever believes in HIM many not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16