I make no secret about it, I love Easter Sunday. As you can imagine, it goes without saying that I enjoyed the 2018 version of the greatest date on the Christian calendar. Set to a backdrop of blue skies and warm temperatures, yesterday was very fulfilling. Let me tell you a little bit about my Easter.

The day started off with me wishing Sloan a happy Easter when she awoke around 6:30 a.m. I took her from the crib and we went downstairs where her Easter basket awaited. Sloan enjoyed all the special gifts the Easter Bunny (mommy) brought for her, especially the tissue paper.

Sloan’s Easter basket and gifts.

We attended 8 a.m. Easter Sunday mass. Father Roger Morgan reminded us that because Jesus rose from the dead, we all have the opportunity to enter into a living relationship with him. Father Morgan urged us to strive for one. Because St. Andrew attracts so many worshippers on Easter Sunday, services take place at Myrtle Beach High School to accommodate the large numbers. Although celebrating mass in a high school auditorium isn’t my first choice, yesterday’s service still touched me.

Right before we headed off to church.

Once church concluded, we went over to my sister-in-law’s house for the big Easter brunch. As always, it was incredible. I indulged in fruit, hashbrown casserole, grits, biscuits, eggs, sausage, monkey bread, and even Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. It was delicious and hit the spot.

My first plate of brunch.

As the food started to settle, we all decided to go out and enjoy the gorgeous day. My niece and nephew received a croquet set for Easter and we set it up on the front lawn. During my early teens, I played a lot of croquet using a set we had purchased at a garage sale. It was fun to pick up a mallet again and help teach the game to Sid’s family.

Playing croquet with the fam.

After a couple competitive games of croquet, I sat on the front deck in the shade and watched as Sid and her family flew kites and rode the go-cart.

My niece Russell (left) and Sidney (right) flying kites.

At around 3 p.m. we came back to the house and freshened up a bit. We then went to the home of our friends, Susannah and Nick, for company and burgers. Sloan really enjoyed the outing because she got to play with Jaqueline, the 1-year-old adorable daughter of Susannah and Nick. It was a great opportunity for our two families to catch up and chat about the numerous things we have in common.

Sloan and Jacqueline hanging out last night.

We returned home and started preparing Sloan for bed. I read her a children’s book titled “The Easter Story” and she fell asleep soon afterwards. As she slept in my arms, I took a moment to realize how blessed we are while reflecting on why Easter is so important. It was a beautiful day. Don’t Blink.