Easter Fun

Easter is a big deal in Italy. It's a little different here than in America, though. I didn't see any big Easter Bunnies (though I did see a few small chocolate ones), nor did I hear mention of any Easter egg hunts. In some ways Easter seems simpler here, which is sort of nice. It's a time to get together with family and friends, eat good food, and - in theory - to remember that this is the biggest day possible for those of us that believe in Christ. It's a bigger deal than Christmas! Not only was Jesus born, not only did He die for our sins.... but Jesus was raised back to life; raised from the DEAD! This is what Christianity is all about. In fact, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15,

"^{14 ...if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless... 17 ...and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world."}

Read all of 1 Corinthians 15 here - it's an amazing message of hope! It's the message of Easter!

Anyway, we had a fun Easter. We enjoyed going to the church service at our Italian church in the morning (where Pastore Andrea preached on the the above Bible passage), then we spent the afternoon lunching with our friends here in Florence. Finally we had a nice evening as a family as three. Colton enjoyed opening his Easter gifts from Gigi & Grandy, and Grammy & Big Poppy. He also enjoyed some play time with his Daddy. Pictures and video below...

Here is a pic of a typical Italian Easter display. Instead of getting big Easter baskets, kids here get chocolate eggs (some with a toy inside) or animals. Often the molded chocolate is absolutely beautiful!

We got Colton a chocolate frog. :)

Here's Colton getting his frog out of it's box.

He wasn't really sure what to do with it. He still hasn't shown an interest in eating it. Ha!

Looking for his present from Gigi & Grandy...

...cars!

Opening his gift from Grammy & Big Poppy.

He enjoyed pulling everything out. :)

This is the closest thing we got to a good shot of his Easter outfit. He was too quick and active to get a better picture! :)

Finally, here's a video of Ross and Colton playing at the end of the day. It's a little long, but I think it's pretty darn cute! Enjoy this look at their typical daddy/son interaction.

Did Ross look a little worn out at the end to you? How is it that toddlers seem to have endless energy, leaving us in the dust?! :)

Happy belated Easter, family and friends. We love you!