Easter Trip (Part 1)

Easter synced up with Susie's spring break this year, so we decided to go back to Illinois for the holiday. We took a new approach to the drive this time around and got in the car at 8:00 on Thursday night, which put us in Carlinville at 6:00 the next morning. We were exhausted, but Jackson slept the entire way, which was the goal. We think this will probably be our strategy for the next few years.

The holiday festivities got started on Saturday evening with a trip to Paula and Charlie's in Maryville for the Bloome/Flori family get together. This was the first time Jackson had met this part of the family, and of course they got along smashingly. Here he is making friends with his cousin, Christina.

He had lots of cousins to meet at this event. Here are Adam and Alex. They are too big for Jackson to keep up with yet, but he loved watching them run around.

Here is a shot of Erica and Sam with his Easter Basket. Sam is a little closer to Jackson's size. This was the first time we had met him, and he stole Rach's heart the minute she saw him. By the end of the evening, he even let her hold him.

Then of course Bella was there. She and Jackson did a lot of socializing that evening, which offered the mommies a chance to spend some time catching up with everyone and enjoy the fantastic meal! Here they are chatting up a storm.

After dinner (and dessert), we all watched the college basketball games and hung out getting all the gossip and family updates. Jackson had one last hurrah with Grandpa Harry. As you can see, they find each other very entertaining.

After all the excitement of meeting so many new family members, watching all the kids, and playing non-stop Jackson finally crashed right there on the couch.

It was a great evening, highlighted by good food and good company. What more can you ask for in a holiday? We had a blast seeinging everyone, and are already looking forward to Thanksgiving when we will all be together again.