The approaching of Holidays always create stress for most in our family as we all want to get together but have other family obligations. Nothing that I can think of right off means more than family and I love mine dearly. After much thought, we decided to go to Lake Livingston with my sister because for most of her marriage to Harvy, we have shared Easter. Camping of some sort has been our favorite mode of operation.
So after packing with much trepidation and a lot of expended energy, off we went with the camper on Thursday at noon. One by one, the family came in: first Martin with his crew of injuns on Friday, then Michael and his. Brandi, Brian, and Canon came in later that day. An alligator with an eyeball span of over a foot was reportedly seen by the plumber prior to our visit, and some bull nettles, so the adults were on supervisory status the entire weekend.
The kids had a day of practicing for the sling-shot shoot out on Friday, catching butterflies, shooting at whatever moved in the trees, and exploring. Gavin with the help of his dad won the slingshot contest and thus won the really nice slingshot. The other boys won sets of marbles. . 
Of course they each had a foam mattress, so it wasn't that rough, but after fighting the bugs half the night, they opted to crash the tent dweller's personal sanctum and get some rest. That was basically five kids in a two man tent, until brave little MyKayla came in the still of the night to inform her dad that Slade was burning up with fever and Mikey rescued him from the bug onslaught and heat.
Kim came in early Saturday with her two, but John had prior commitments. Later, Juan took all the big kids on a treck through the woods, but try as she could, she couldn't lose them. I think Gavin was dropping bread crumbs or something.
Later, they put together Jesus plaques.
Then we had the super duper Easter egg hunt. There were around 40 plastic eggs hidden for the 2 and 3 year old (Ryan and Jonathon) and 80 for the 12 year old (MyKayla), 10 year old (Illias), 8 year old twins (Reece and Gavin), and the 4 year old-going on 20 (Slade). Of course each was given a few seconds head start based on his or her age. As I recall, Slade won that contest.
We had kites, stuffed animals, wooden whistles, books, and money for presents. of course everyone won something.
The grown children then had an Easter Egg Hunt also. Martin and Mikey were going after the same egg at the same time and tried to rustle the other one for it. Of course Gavin and Slade were beside themselves thinking that their dads were getting hurt and they started aiding and abetting. We like to have never tore them all apart. Due to technical difficulty, there are no pictures of this (all the adults were looking for big buck eggs). I think Martin won about 55$ in that one.
The wind was blowing so hard the entire trip, that the kite escapade lasted all of 20 minutes before they blew apart. There was one alligator siting, never to be verified by an adult during the trip. Howeverhas been verified by the people spraying the water lillies since our adventure and b
Then slowly and sadly, Kim then Martin each drifted their separate ways, homeward bound to pursue their other family endeavors. Our family filled weekend was coming to an end. The only thing left, was a visit from the Easter Bunny. Of course he brought lots of goodies and a couple of fishing poles. Juanita tried to teach MyKayla how to do stained glass! Now that little girl is talented, she can do just about anything.
We thank God for what Easter represents, because our Father in Heaven loved us enough to send His son, so that through Him, we too might be adopted into an even greater, more loving family that ever existed- The Family of God!!!
