A visit from Amanda

One of the BEST parts of our stay in DC in 2019 was getting to spend so much time with our dear Amanda. Brad and I were both friends with her in college, and she's one of those very intentional friends who is so good at making sure you stay in touch over time and distance. We hung out with her at least once a week while in DC, and it was the biggest blessing.

We had tried to plan a few visits before this one, but pandemic things always interfered. But! She came for a long weekend visit, and we had the best time.

She spent a lot of time playing, reading, and listening with and to the girls, including a marathon afternoon of carving up and de-seeding our pumpkins. They had a blast.

She also brought a puzzle, and she and Brad and I spent our evenings puzzling, chatting, and eating chocolate (that she also brought). It was an absolute delight.

Lily worked on a small section, too, and was thrilled with her progress.

Again, Brad and I were on the schedule to teach Sunday school this particular weekend, so Amanda was a sport and tagged along with us (although we didn't assign her a role of any kind to act out).

She even participated in #sistersshotsonsundays.

It was such a fun few days! Having one of your dearests come for a concentrated amount of time is just the very best. We love you, Amanda!

Brassart October visit

Nana and Poppy and Bo came for a little fall visit! It was a really beautiful fall weekend, so we went to the SWEETEST family-run pumpkin patch for our fall-time fix.

Nana and Poppy brought L'Etoile goodies!

We were reading The Magician's Nephew, so Poppy got in on the read-aloud fun.

And Amiee headed over after work.

Pumpkin Patch ready

We went to Smith Family Farm in Hillsborough, and it was the absolute sweetest little pumpkin patch. Free admission- they just ask that you buy a pumpkin. We bought, like, 15?

It was a little bit sunny.

They had the best time on this slide!

They had a fun picture book displayed, page-by-page, all throughout the patch.

And instead of a hay bale maze, they had a sunflower maze.

We spent the afternoon painting (and naming?) our pumpkins, which is a favorite fall activity over here.

Brad and I were on the schedule to teach Sunday school that weekend, and as our lesson was that of the Exodus, I pressed my family into service as Israelites. They did a great job.

Such a perfect weekend for a visit with family. I'm so glad all the timings (and the weather!) worked out.

Easter with the Brassarts

Easter this year was our first Sunday worshiping in-person with our church family! We had services outside, and we had to register and go in shifts, but it was in-person! I was too excited about being a part of a real worship service that I didn't snap any pictures, unfortunately. We were absolutely thrilled to be there. Mom, Dad, and Amiee also joined us for the weekend!

Because Easter was just a week or so before Lily's birthday, we had a family party for her (cat-themed, of course):

Nana brought ALLLLLL the fun things!

It was a gorgeous cake, as demonstrated by Lily's reaction.

Lily got a gardening kit (per her request)

And woodland creature puppets

Party animal

The girls had the best time introducing Nana and Poppy to Abominable (of Claire's-birthday-at-the-movies fame) and playing all the fun things.

My dad is quite possibly Brynn's favorite person. 

This was a good picture...

...but we like to put bows on our bald babies.

Although, sometimes the bald babies pull off their head adornments.

And sometimes, it's just a struggle. See: band over ear. Amiee looks great, though.

I made a smart move this year and had everyone get dressed in their Easter clothes on SATURDAY so that we could get pictures before all the busy-ness of Sunday. We will be doing this henceforth, as it was such a smooth and low-stress process for all involved.

My couch was not equal to this level of cute-ness.

My aunt gave the girls these beautiful matching dresses that were absolutely perfect for Easter. Everyone was feeling it.

I think Mom was laughing at one of the other minions when this was snapped. But I can't find one where she's smiling normally. Sorry, Mom!

After Easter morning service, we had an enormous lunch (Brad grilled lamb) and hunted Easter eggs before Nana, Poppy, and Bo needed to head out. The weather was glorious, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the festivities:

Easter baskets handmade by our beloved Mrs. Romine (Hallie has one, too, but she wasn't hunting this year)

She participated in an advisory capacity.

And then there was an encore hunt after our visitors left (although, this was just for the thrill of hunt, as the candy had already been collected)

Our babysitter (who is actually in college and usually not in town these days), came home for Easter and texted me that she wanted to drop something off for the girls. She brought eggs from their chickens and homemade cinnamon rolls for the girls to bake and decorate. Can you believe how kind that was??

We didn't get around to the cinnamon rolls until the next day, but it served not just as food but also as an activity! Just the sweetest gift.

Decorating!

Enjoying the spoils

The end result was very...festive

A very full and very fun weekend was had by all! We were very thankful for our family, friends, and the chance to be back with our church. Alleluia, He is risen, indeed!