My Easter in Ohio

Even though the drive lasted for 11.5hrs, and I was exhausted, and it was raining, and it was cold and rainy in Ohio while I was there and it was 80 back home in SC/GA... it was a really nice weekend and I am very happy I was able to go home and visit. (oh, and I came home really sick...)

I got into town Friday night and dad and Tressa were waiting for me at the house with Donatos pizza... no better way to be welcomed home! Yum Yum!! Saturday I slept in and boy did I need that after working so much and the long drive. Then I went up to Lori's house for some special time with her and her adorable daughter Olivia. We colored Easter eggs, which is super fun with 2yr olds!! =)

Olivia had lots of fun and did really well coloring eggs...

until she dumped the coloring and was all done! =)

Easter Sunday we all -- me, dad, Tressa, Shawn and Cody -- went to church together and then out to brunch at Cracker Barrel. That evening Dad had been invited to a wedding reception/celebration for some Arabic friends of his.... so off we went. I had no idea what to expect from the reception/celebration but knew that it would be the clashing of two cultures when I sat down at this table...

You can't get the whole experience from this picture, but I think you get the idea...

All-in-all though, the reception was a very neat experience. Tressa and I really enjoyed the beautiful dresses all the women were wearing.

The rest of my trip was spent enjoying my time with my sweet nephew, Cody Lane!

Is he not the sweetest thing you have ever seen??!!

We had lots of fun playing games and building with legos and him chasing Layla... it was a blast and I miss that sweet boy so much. One thing I hate about my faulous life of moving and living in fantastic places is that this sweet boy is so far away. But, we definitely make up for it when I come home to visit and have loads of fun!

Monday night we all went to dinner again before I left the next morning. It was great to get to spend time together with Dad and Tressa and my brother along with, of course, Cody.

Little boys are so much fun =)

always getting beat up at least a little...

It's great to see dad happy!

cleansing his palate after dinner with a lemon... so silly!

I am very thankful for my family and even more-so that they are within driving distance. I love where I live and what I do, and am very happy with my life, but I do miss spending time with my loved ones and it was great to be there over Easter.