Almost Perfect

I think this year we may have had the most nearly perfect Easter Weekend that I can remember. Each year for Easter we join up with the Phil & Dorothy Sperry clan and drive out to Dog Valley where we burn a hot dog over the fire, roast a marshmallow and we end it with a stirring Easter Egg Hunt. This year due to some inclement weather, we decided to have the party at Curtis & Tina's backyard.

Which turned out great for everyone. Their backyard was large enough that we were still able to set up the horse shoe pits:

We still had a fire pit where we could roast marshmallows or burn hot dogs.

And replacing softball as the after lunch activity, the kids were able to play a little basketball, while jumping on the trampoline.

Part of the annual tradition has been an Easter-Egg/Treasure Hunt. After eating lunch a few of the older kids will get together and set up the hunt. In years past we have hidden eggs in trees, under brushes, on or around just about anything we can find. We have challenged the kids to answer bible questions, Disney questions, and even the events of the Atonement, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. All of these have been successful. Usually it takes us about an hour or so to set up the hunt and the kids usually have it completed in less than 30 minutes. (Might have something to do with them sprinting from clue to clue. However, because we were staying in Nephi this year, Lorilyn got up early Saturday morning and I believe with the help of her sisters was able to come up with some excellent locations for the hunt this year. This year's hunt would literally be from one end of Nephi to the other. We split everyone up into two teams, laid out all of the rules (which all of them I believe were broken) and then gave the first clue. We had one support vehicle that followed to get pictures make certain those that didn't participate but still wanted to go were able to be involved. (This was where I was, I made myself the official camera man.)
We had stops at the Red Cliff's Elementary School, Juab High School, and as seen here the Pony League Field: (My only real disappointment with this picture was we didn't get to see the action shot of little sister Kara pushing down older sister Kallie while trying to get their egg.)

They stopped at my parent's house:

They had to find their eggs on the big wing at Fros-T-Freez:

and their last stop was at Movies Plus.

They raced into the parking lot:

Team 2 got their egg and were on their way to find the treasure:

Team 1 was just a bit slower getting out the door.

This year my niece Amber wasn't able to join us for the party as it was her scheduled day to work. When Lorilyn found out that Amber was working at Movies Plus, she called an audible and switched up our last location and added MP in its place, so Amber could still be involved. I was grateful for Lorilyn and her insight to keep everyone she could involved.

They finally made it back to Curtis & Tina's house and found their treasure:


Usually once the hunt is over, we visit for a short time and play a few more games before we head home. However; this year we all stuck around a bit longer to talk with each other:



A few more horse shoes were thrown:

And well, even more visiting. This year Aunt Florence and Uncle Sherman came in to spend some time with us as well. I love this picture below, it is Aunt Florence, Aunt Dorothy and my mom. I bet you can't tell they are sisters can you? Ha ha.

All in all the day turned out great. In addition to missing Amber, we were missing Tony & Meridee's family and for part of the day Uncle Phil had to work. But both he ended up showing up later in the afternoon.
This will definitely be one of those years we remember. At least I know I will.