Full Circle with Easter

Our time here in New York is wrapping up (you'll probably hear me say this repeatedly, as I grow increasingly sentimental). Last year when we came here Aaron was just a small little thing that hardly said a word, look at him last Easter:

And now... he is the spitting image of his older brother whom he emulates in EVERY way:) 

This week was a bit of a blur, but by Saturday we were all in the Easter spirit. After cleaning the church, we took Maddix over to our Bishop's home where he had his first ever playdate with their son, Jano. Aaron did NOT understand why Buddy was leaving him and he could go to. 

So we took him out and enjoyed the city while running Easter Errands. 

We Are Going To Miss This City

(Such a change of mind from last year)

Just this week our neighbor across the alley gave the boys little bubble guns and a bag of treats for Nala. Another of our neighbors was coming back from the corner market and brought the boys ice cream sandwiches, just because. Our landlord came over while we were out back and gave the boys each an easter basket, all the while our little Italian neighbor noticed, so she brought out bananas and dropped them into their baskets. 

Today one of the several gentlemen who walks through our alley on his lunch break smiled at the boys who were chasing each other with guns when they decided to start shooting him. He laughed and through his arms up, while pretending to be hit. Each time we pass the barber he gives the boys a wave. 

And our ward. *Sniffle* Our ward. The most AMAZING ward we've ever known. We have members from Taiwan, Hawaii, the Philippines, Ireland, Born and raised New Yorkers, Italy, Peru, etc. And each member has so so much to offer. And I love being in a ward full of converts. I feel honored to learn from their revelations and experiences. And I'll just say, this Easter Sunday I had the honor to teach R.S. on Pres. Monson's talk "Be and Example and a Light..." Let's just say the Spirit took over and it was a wonderful meeting. 

We are TRULY grateful for our time here in New York and all the people we've come to know. We have had experiences that have SERIOUSLY caused us to grow and test how strong we really are. 

"If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!" <-- That's our motto, and we made it ;) 

But it's funny, now that we know we are moving to Iowa I find my taste in movies is shifting. This past year I love all movies set in New York, really. I love them. But now, all of a sudden movies about someone moving from the Big City and relocating to the country/a small town really appeal; funny how that works (i.e. Finding Normal, and Funny Farm). 

The boys scored BIG from the Easter Bunny this year! 

He has had his eye on buddy's bike
for YEARS! And now it's all his!

SOOOooo excited for a bike his size! 

Turned out so mangy this year! Warts and clubbed
feet ha ha ha... not cute! 

Elder Carson and Elder Ramos joined us for dinner. 

And seriously, look how cute these two lovies of mine are?! I was not sad one bit when Aaron, for the first time EVER, didn't feel like going to the nursery. He clung his little arms around my neck severely tight and just sat still on my lap. Unmoving. For almost an hour. I will cherish that hour forever. My boys don't cuddle. And they NEVER cuddle when healthy. So yesterday was a rare treat. And he even went back to Nursery just in time for me to give my lesson; it was perfect. Anyway, Happy Easter! Remember to that God gave us this life to live it, not just make a living! Going to be our motto as me move from civilization to the sticks;)

Melt my Heart