Easter

I love this picture. The Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem is such a beautiful place.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the garden and the tomb. It was an amazing experience for me. The Garden of Gethsemane is in the middle of the very busy part of the old city in Jerusalem. The city is filled with street vendors, animals and thousands of people. It's a very chaotic, noise, and busy place. However, the moment I walked through the gates to the garden, it was like I was enclosed in a cocoon. It was so peaceful and quiet. I think of all the places we visited on the trip, this was by far my favorite. It became a moment of many that strenghtened my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
On the door of the tomb there is a plaque that reads HE IS NOT HERE - FOR HE IS RISEN
I love that sign. I am so thankful that our Savior died and then conquered death not only for me but all mankind, so that we could return to our Heavenly Father. This is one of the most precious gifts we have been given, and I hope that I never take it for granted.

On a slightly lighter note. We spent Easter weekend in Phoenix. Matt's parent came to visit, so we all gathered at Matt's brother, Glen's house. I had a great weekend. Mainly due to the fact that the boys were left home and I went shopping with my sister-in-law, Julie, and mother-in-law Beth. Did you know they have a Target Greatland in Phoenix. They do, and it's amazingly HUGE!
We were kind of bummers this year with the whole Easter egg hunting. Our kids didn't do any of it. We filled a basket for them with some candy, and Bennett received his highly anticipated chocolate bunny. We went to church and then had a huge dinner afterward. (I didn't help to cook any of it - so it was not only edible, it was also delicious) By the time we got home Sunday night the kids were happy and hyper, Matt and I were happy and exhausted.