We’re pretty sure Clara has a new favorite holiday (although it could be that Easter is just the first major holiday that she’s finally old enough to really enjoy). Either way, someone had a fantastic Easter weekend.
Her love of Easter could also be skewed because as far as she knows, the festivities stretch over at least 5 days. We actually kicked things off last Wednesday with an egg hunt at a local park with her older cousins Jake (who turns 13 today! Happy Birthday Jake!) and Olivia (age 10), since they’d be spending Easter weekend with their dad’s side of the family this year.
She found two eggs (aka, Sherry and I handed her two eggs that my dad had left out in the open for her and her 18-month old cousin Emanuel to find). It was love at first sight. Literally, she couldn’t take her eyes off of them.
She refused to put down her beloved eggs as we continued to play on the nearby playground. Apparently the only thing better than swinging is swinging while holding an Easter egg.
That was Clara’s first of three Easter egg hunts. On Saturday we happened to be at the grocery store while they were hosting one (in the paper towel aisle, no less) for kids under seven. Clara left with one egg, a balloon, and a giant smile. But that of course was only another warm up for the official hunt that ensued on Easter morning.
The scene: the yard around my parents’ beach house in Delaware.
Clara’s mission (which she happily chose to accept): collect nine eggs.
Since her love of Easter eggs was still fresh from her previous hunts, we actually let her do some of the grabbing this time around (though most of the eggs still needed to be pointed out by Sherry and me). And since she has recently become fond of putting things away, dropping the coin-filled eggs in the basket came pretty naturally (though one egg always stayed in hand most of the time).
Her egg-huntin’ bucket was actually her Easter “basket” for the day. It was a tin from Target that we found for a few bucks and not only does it fit in with her nursery colors, it also fits in with her love of buckets (which probably slipped down a notch thanks to her newfound romance with Easter eggs).
You can read more about how we assembled a baby-friendly Easter basket right here on BabyCenter today (complete with details about those wooden Easter eggs that Sherry dyed with food – no kidding).
We also tossed in a bunch of Clara’s other favorite things (from cheerios to a big pile o’ ribbon, which always ends up exciting Clara more than the actual present that it comes with) so you can check out all those deets and some more pics here.
Oh yeah and of course we remembered to snap her weekly fabric-background picture, and we couldn’t resist giving it a bunny-esque slant. Yes that’s a real carrot. The girl loved it.
But as much as Easter baskets and egg hunts and bunny ears rocked Clara’s little world, perhaps the number one reason that Easter takes the cake for her is sand.
Since we enjoyed the weekend at my parents’ house near Bethany Beach, Delaware and we were graced with 80-degree temperatures, Easter involved an impromptu trip to the ocean (on both Saturday and Sunday, actually). Though the breeze on the beach meant it wasn’t quite bathing-suit weather, we definitely still had some good old fashioned beach fun.
Saturday’s trip got Clara reacquainted with sand, of which her only previous experiences involved being six weeks old and completely unaware of it and then having it blow in her face on our Valentine’s Day trip to Rehoboth Beach (which she didn’t like at all).
This time it was straight up sand love at first sight. There was lots of pinching it between her fingers, throwing it in the air and, yes, even a bit of “what does this taste like” going on (luckily the verdict was “not good” so that ended soon enough).
Sunday’s trip was a bit more dynamic (since it was already established that sand = friend, not foe). So there was a sandy crawling session…
…a hunt for seashells and apparently surfer boys (though neither were quite as exciting as the hunt for eggs hours earlier)…
…a brief fashion show (involving her new sunglasses from the nearby outlets, which were tolerated for about 10 seconds)…
…and spending some quality time with her mommy (who ditched her usual uniform of black shirts) and her fellow baby cousins (Emanuel and my sister Emily on the left, John and my sister Katie on the right). And yes, this was the most flattering picture of three babies on a windy beach that we were able to achieve. They’re squirmy little things.
Of course, all of adventures that made Clara fall in love with Easter also meant that it was a pretty darn good weekend for us grown-ups too. In addition to all of this, our cousins/BFFs Cat and Travis (who we mentioned here last week) had their baby! The Easter bunny stork dropped off Edison Dean on Sunday afternoon, so we were even able to swing by the hospital on our way home on Sunday night for a brief meeting. Everyone’s doing well by the way, including new big sister Elsa.
Oh and after all of that what-does-this-have-to-do-with-your-house stuff, Sherry and I were actually able to make some progress on our next big project all the way from the beach: patio planning. My dad is also planning to add a stone patio to the back of their beach house, so we helped him brainstorm a few shapes to choose from and even sketched out a general plan for the one that we’re going to tackle momentarily on the side of our house behind the carport (it’s accessible from the sliders in the living room and the sunroom). I’m sure we’ll be blabbing a lot more about that as we go, but we’ll leave you with these photos of the side yard where we’ll be adding some fencing (for privacy) and a paver patio (for a lot more outdoor living space while keeping some of the green stuff around for shade/beauty):
Here’s our little sketch of the plan – at least as it stands today (Sherry had some Photoshop fun):
It’s only early days though, so who knows where we’ll end up with it. All I know for sure is that Clara’s party is less than three weeks away and my charming-but-sometimes-a-bit-too-optimistic wife thinks we’ll be done by then. Should be interesting. But enough about us (at least until this afternoon’s post) – tell us about your weekend. Were there egg hunts and Easter baskets and bunny ears and prop carrots involved? Are there other born-on-Sunday babies that you know of?
Reenie says
Oh my….adorable pics of Clara ~ love her outfits :)
[email protected] says
I love this post! Clara looks so happy in every picture I am sure she is a great baby! I am glad your family had a blast during the Easter weekend.
Jessie
Carrie says
I love Bethany Beach! Went there a few years ago and love how secluded it seemed (although I think we went during the off season, which may have been the reason for the feeling of seclusion…) – Glad you guys had a great holiday weekend!
We had a productive Easter! Put a up a new fan, built some shelves and purchased a new sofa – PHEW!
http://ow.ly/4Hc0L
Can’t wait to see your patio reveal – You can totally do it before the party!
Ted says
For natural dyes, beets make a very good red. Blueberry juice makes a good purple/indigo/blue. Grape juice (e.g. Welch’s or somesuch) a darker purple. Also, alum from the spice aisle of the supermarket can also be added as a fixative to retard color bleeding.
YoungHouseLove says
I was totally wishing we had beets or red onion skins on hand (since strawberries didn’t work that well). Love the alum tip too!
xo,
s
Kate Armbruster says
So my Easter was kind of Lame-o, but that first photo of Clara with the bunny ears just made my entire week! Thanks for the Easter Cheer!
Dana says
I want to go to the beach now…
I love the Rehobeth Outlets!
Ames says
I think the internet just exploded with cuteness!! Clara is ADORABLE!! That smile! And Sherry, you are rockin’ that yellow. I love seeing the cute family pictures mixed in with house plans. You guys are the cutest family!
Keeley says
I love Bethany Beach! We were there on Good Friday! I live in Delaware, so we can do it as a day trip… although we do dream of owning a home there!
Sara says
What a wonderful weekend to hang out with family on the beach! I giggled to myself at John’s comment about your black “uniform” :) I too veer towards black and happen to love your silky black shirt in the pics from the beach. May I ask where it is from so I can add yet another black top to my collection? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Banana Republic on the clearance rack! $7! So proud of that find. Haha.
xo,
s
Beth @ 990 Square says
Adorable Easter Weekend beach pictures! I know this is sad, but I guessed the family house was in Bethany from just that one shot (our family house is north of Lewes, and it’s funny how the different beaches have different looks!). We enjoyed that 80 degree day on the beach as well!
Little Brick Ranch says
That first shot of Clara is bar far the cutest!! I can not wait to see the new outdoor plans put into action…I agree with Sherry – it CAN be done in 3 weeks!! :)
We are working on a patio as well so I am hoping your is done before we start our real planning process…I am overwhelmed with ideas but seeing other peoples ideas come to fruition always helps to motivate! Now get crackin’!!
Mary says
Love Clara’s pink ruffled Easter dress! Love the way she curls her little toes! So glad she likes sand now – and surfers – sounds like a great weekend, and congrats to your friends, the new parents!
Lindsay says
I’m excited to watch you do some outdoor projects! I’ve been starting to revamp my backyard and could use some inspiration/motivation. Don’t disappoint me!! haha
susan says
Loved the pics especially all the cousins together and the Easter Bunny/carrot one of Clara. Great plans for the patio. I spent Easter in bed sick but “the Hunk” took over and took kids to church and made Easter dinner…susan
Krista says
LOVE all of the pics of Clara!
My sweetie loved that same Easter basket this year! Only difference is that he’s a full grown man! Hilarious picture of a happy, candy filled husband here:
http://kjourneyonward.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter.html
heather says
I love this! So cute. Clara looks a ton like Sherry in these pictures too! Our Easter consisted of my horticulturist mother in law visiting for a few nights and helping us out on the yard for the wedding, cleaning it up etc. It also included a totally impromptu sleepy hollow seating area.
http://www.likeacupoftea.com/sleepy-hollow/
Yep, we’re aware the tree looks like one of those yip yip aliens from sesame street. When they start saying “book” it still kills me.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/102729/sesame-street-martians-discover-a-book
Ann says
Was in your neck of the woods last week too and stopped by Beach Plum Antiques at your suggestion. Didn’t really find anything.
Suggest that the next time you head that way, go through the adorable little town of Lewes, DE. Definitely check out a place called The Old Screen Door (209 Monroe Ave, Lewes, DE). Wonderful finds, great prices…they have a really good eye and I think you would agree!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes we love Lewes! We’ll have to check out The Old Screen Door next time we’re there!
xo,
s
Abbey_S. says
Hey Youngsters,
At your old house did you do lay the stone pavers on your back patio or were those installed by someone else? I can’t find your how-to on that project, but I’m looking forward to the next?
YoungHouseLove says
Those were done by someone else (just a week or two before our backyard wedding- we were too scared to do it ourselves for fear of not finishing and having a dirt patio for the wedding). Needless to say we’re actually psyched to get to try our hand at it this time- although it might be a bit more challenging than sitting back and watching the pros have at it. Haha.
xo,
s
Stacy T says
Adorable post! I like how you combined family and DIY :) Sorta off topic – but what cloth diaper system do you use? I’m starting to explore but overwhelmed by info. All-in-ones, pre-folds, pocket diapers, inserts, liners, covers? Can you make a recommendation or do you have any advice? Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a post all about it (check out the comments for even more info and an update on the bottom for how we’re doing these days).
xo,
s
Brittany says
My cousin had her third baby Sunday afternoon as well! The two “older” ones (1 and 3) were so excited but they got to stay at the easter party with us instead of visiting their baby sister.
Callie says
Had to comment to tell you that that picture of Clara with the bunny ears is probably the most adorable thing you’ve ever posted. Like my favorite think on your blog to date. She looks so HAPPY!
YoungHouseLove says
Even with those ears I think something about her tongue in that pic makes her look like a baby bird. A very happy and cute baby bird. Haha.
xo,
s
Sarah says
AH! Your eggs look great! I dyed ours (real eggs) with food and it didn’t work at all. Like 4 hours later they were still faintly colored, and then after we picked them up the color rubbed off. (We used cranberries, cumin, and oj, btw). Bummer, but you live and learn.
Emily says
Love these pictures of Clara (and you guys too)! I also like the labels on your backyard plans.
Rachael says
I love how almost every photo we see of Clara she has a HUGE smile across her face. :)
karen says
clara is a sweeeetheart! glad she had a great holiday.
And yes, please ‘babble’ more about your landscape. I am working on mine and need some inspiration..or a push that i can do it myself!
Mandie says
This picture of Clara with the bunny ears better make it to the wall of fame in the hallway!! LOVE IT!
Clare says
Sherry… Where is your gold watch from? I noticed it on the console, too… It is GORGEOUS!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Michael Kors. Love it so much. It sounds weird but over the last year it has come so in handy when it comes to figuring out the last time Clara nursed, haha.
xo,
s
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
too funny! I totally noticed the watch too and LOVE it!!!
Sarah @ a drop of golden sun says
So cute! I keep seeing so many beach photos of babes Clara’s age. Gotta hand it to you parents for taking them out in the sand! I was so anti-beach when our little one was littler last summer… But it looks like she had a great time & so did you guys!
Monika says
Clara is too cute! I love the baby jeggings too. Glad to hear you guys had a nice Easter weekend. :)
carolinaheartstrings says
Those pictures are priceless. She is the cutest bunny ever!!!!
Emily says
I would like to know why you posted a picture of a baby with no pants… have you no respect for your nephew??? Just kidding. I thought it was funny to see my pants- less child while Todd and I lounged in the background. Glad someone was watching him :-) Thanks Aunt Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it was so cute to watch the kiddos live it up on the beach together. Let’s do it again soon! How’s tomorrow for ya? Haha.
xo,
s
Kelly says
What a fun weekend! My friend had her baby boy at 12:01 on Sunday morning!
Melissa T. says
First time commenting, and ironically, my husband’s cousin and his wife had an Easter baby boy on Sunday as well, and we swung by the hospital on our way home from my in-laws to see him too! BTW…I’ve been reading since you guys moved to the new house and I’m addicted (and I get a tad antsy when you don’t do stuff as fast as I’d like, but I remind myself that you guys have a life and you can’t supply me with a completed project to see every single day)! :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s too funny! Apparently there were at least a few other Easter babies. So cute! And the fact that it was your hubby’s cousin and it was a boy is kinda crazy. Small world!
xo,
s
r8chel says
That weekly photo is so cute! The carrot is perfect!
Lisa T. says
Great post! Love the family pics threaded throughout. Clara’s pic with the carrot and ears is the best Easter picture I’ve ever seen!
Keep them coming…..
Rachel says
Holy lariope!! Someone’s got a lot of digging in their future. The plan looks great though.
What a creative and smart idea to dye the wooden eggs with food! I love everything y’all did for Clara’s first Easter.
Amanda and Patrick says
I recently starting following your journey and have come to love your blog.. I was SUPER EXCITED when DELAWARE made an appearence!!!! We live in northern DE but LOVE the outlets and the beaches!!!! Such a small world!!!!
Hilary @ My So-Called Home says
Great idea with the dyed eggs, and I kinda liked them in their wooden state beforehand. Maybe I’ll head over to Michael’s and catch them on Easter clearance, although the turnover rate there is insane and it’s probably all been replaced with Fourth of July decor already.
My nephew was born on a Sunday and his sister too. He’s April 3rd, I am March 3rd, and my neice is February 3rd!
http://www.mysocalledhome.com/2011/04/its-boy.html
Rebecca says
Man, that Clara has style. The baby jeggings kill me every time, and now that pink dress is up near the top of the list, too.
Can’t wait to see what you guys do with the side yard. Yard work scares the crap out of me. So, if you guys can make it look easy enough to DIY, major kudos will be shelled out!
Halley (Blunder Construction) says
Holy Bunny, your baby is so flipping perfect. Love the pictures of egg hunting. Clara gets more adorable by the minute, it seems.
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
too cute! Sounds like you guys had an awesome Easter! :) Family is great. BUT… Clara’s outfits take the cake in this post! ALL of them are too cute!!!
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
Sweet pictures. Happy Easter!
heyruthie says
i’ll be waiting with baited breath to see how the patio project goes–and how much it costs. i’m trying to talk the hubby into it, but haven’t made much progress!
Layla says
This has nothing to do with your post, but just in case you haven’t seen it, this tutorial seems like something you wouldn’t wanna miss! =) http://thethriftyabode.blogspot.com/2011/04/home-made-pottery-barnwest-elm-lamp.html
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing! I love it!
xo,
s
Kristin says
Has there ever been a picture taken of Miss Clara in which she doesn’t look ridiculously adorable?!? OMGee! I love the huge happy grin she always seems to have…such a doll! :)
hi-d says
So stinkin’ cute! I love Clara’s clothes. She’s one stylish little girl…and the bunny ears! Yes! The weekly photo was perfect with the carrot to boot!
My good friend had some bunny ears and she put them on her grandson and my baby boy. Yes…he was wearing white and pink ears! Too funny. I don’t think my husband found as much humor in it. LOL
http://hi-dho.blogspot.com/2011/04/happy-easter.html
Have a lovely week.
hi-d
YoungHouseLove says
Cuuuuuute. Those are some adorable bunnies you got there.
xo,
s
Lorie Smith says
I just saw this on Etsy and thought you might like it. :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68066122/rehoboth-storefronts-early-morning-8×10?ref=fp_treasury_12
Lorie
[email protected]
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh so pretty!
xo,
s
emily says
did anyone else think the book said “hipster seahorse” at first? ha. i was like, what? eric carle?! then i went to babycenter and realized “mister” not “hipster” :).
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I like the hipster seahorse concept. I’d buy that book too!
xo,
s
Michelle says
My best friend actually had her baby Sunday afternoon also! Gotta love those Easter bundles!
andrea says
next time you guys are in bethany take a little trip to berlin,md i was there this weekend lots of great antique shops!