Feliz Pascual

Argentina is a predominantly Catholic nation and Easter is a a largely celebrated holiday. Friday and Monday were Argentine National Days (most Argentines head out of the city for the entire week) which means the the embassy was closed and Steve was afforded a nice long weekend. The weekend was packed with activities. We kicked it off with the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the garden of the Ambassador's Residence, which also included the egg roll and egg toss contests pictured below. Steve went to Youth Conference, we enjoyed two Easter gatherings with friends, one of which lasted from immediately after church until bedtime (literally, Peyton fell asleep on my arm while we were packing to go home), and another that included swimming and more great company.

The kids had learned by the 4th Easter Egg Hunt this weekend, that Mom quickly puts the eggs to the side to ration the candy intake. For them, this meant that they needed to get the candy eaten as quickly as they could find it before I would notice that it was gone. Once the gig was up, they enjoyed searching for the 70 remaining eggs. Peyton woke up after her nap yesterday, once we we home for good and started looking for eggs again. Steve tried to convince her that they were all gone, but she just kept looking around. She was even dreaming (sleep talking) about them when she went to bed last night.

Peyton was such a joy yesterday. She spent two hours sitting on the counter helping me cook in the morning. I was trying to make deviled eggs and recreate Costco Broccoli salad. They both turned out wonderful once I convinced Peyton to stop eating all of my hard-boiled eggs, broccoli and raisins. She love, love, loves to cook and we try to give her every opportunity. The best part is, she also enjoys eating to food. We have even signed her up for a little cooking class at school once a week. She also loves to sing and has begun to hum her own tunes. And when the music is on, she can't help but dance.

Abe was so anxious about the Easter Bunny coming this year, that he woke up every hour beginning at 2am to check to see if he had come. He had a reason to be excited... the Easter Bunny left behind a new Wii (although he was more interested in the lion slippers pictured below.) Besides a little extra sleep, we couldn't have asked for better company, better weather or time together.