Easter weekend in the Scenic City

We were so fortunate to be able to spend time with Tyler's sister's family in Chattanooga over Easter weekend this year! Much more fortunate than they were, because we only had to drive two hours to meet them, as compared to their 15-hour all nighter!

I had some concerns about how Ben would do in a pack-n-play after his big move to a real bed, but he did really great!

We also did really great at wearing him out during the days, so that might have played a part...

We kicked off the weekend with the main event that brought Amanda's family of seven down from Canada - SAU's SonRise Pagent. Sonrise is an interactive walk through Christ's final days leading to His death and resurrection, put on by more than 500 volunteers across a mile of campus. It's an impressive production and more importantly, such a tangible illustration of the suffering of the cross and the joy of the resurrection, and what we as Christians gained from both.

Auntie A didn't waste a moment scooping Ben up and making him feel special all weekend!

Amanda's youngest, Cadance, also likes to dote on her younger cousin...who is exhibiting his latest "feeling overwhelmed" tic.

Francis and Austin came too!
Ben was jealous of his hat, he was jealous of Ben's ride.

The Mohns fam got caught by the Jerusalem paparazzi!

After the pagent, we had a wonderful homecooked meal,

and I got a birthday boa!
(Ben also scored lots of fun loot, including a precious handmade-by-cousins book called, "The Big Ben Book".)

Exploring with Cassia

After Ben took a nice car nap, we explored Lookout Mountain and enjoyed dinner out and playtime at Coolidge Park in downtown Chattanooga that evening. Unfortunately my camera died by that point, but I did have the video camera all charged up!

Now, I know there are only a handful of people on the continent that might have the attention span to watch these videos...but that's who I posted them for anyway, so it's ok! Here's the crew in action:

We spent Easter Sunday morning at the Collegedale Community Church's Easter Extravaganza...not sure that's what it was really called, but it should've been! There was an egghunt, petting zoo, pony rides and a parade! Ben enjoyed them all, except the parade - no time for that when there are special treats to count and bunnies to pet!

Getting down to serious egg-hunting business

Sifting out the stickers from the candy

So much for that 10-egg limit, Mr. Ben..who likes to say "cheese!"

(and this was after I stealthly threw several over my shoulder from his basket)

Much to my surprise, Ben decided - with some cousin encouragement - that this was the day he would saddle up for a pony ride!

"Howdy, ma'am."

family Easter picture on the iPhone

We followed that fun up with a pizza picnic at a local creek where there was lots of room to fish and wade. Here's some footage of both!

We had a great time together and only wish the opportunity came around more often. Love you guys big!