An Eery Easter Sunrise: Was It a Morning Like This?

This is the third year that I’ve attended the Easter Sunrise Service at my church. I find it interesting that every year so far, the weather has been quite different from the year before.

This year, FOG!

Before the outdoor service began, people gathered in the Sanctuary with the lilies.

The first year I went, it was super cold. Last year, it was chilly and sunny. This year, it wasn’t all that cold, around 50 degrees or so, but it was very foggy. Thinking about the weather, and how different it has been every year gives new meaning to that song, “Was It a Morning Like This?” As I look out at the fog, I wonder: was it foggy on the first Easter? Frosty? Sunny?

I took some pictures from an upstairs window inside the church. Incidentally, I could hear the pastors just fine from up there as I tried desperately not to knock the screen out the window and make a big scene. Now THAT would have been embarrassing.

The fog quickly burned off once the sun rose a little higher. It turned out to be a gorgeous Easter Sunday!

After the sunrise service, there were two indoor services. One of my favorite parts of the indoor service is when it’s over. Wait. That didn’t quite sound right, did it? I mean, because at the end, Brenda plays an amazing recessional on the organ. Many people gather around to watch and listen and show their appreciation when she has finished the piece. Beautiful job, Brenda!

During the last service of the day, I was sitting behind the piano and got a different view of the Indonesian choir than the congregation. Do you see what I saw?

After church, we went to a friend’s house. Of course, the game room was the first stop…

…while dinner was in the works.

I always loved sitting at the kids’ table for family dinners.

Because when kids are finished eating, they run off and play, and I’d much rather run off and play than hang around waiting for adults to finally decide that it’s time for dessert.

Heidi’s dad was a photographer before he retired, so I was happy to capture this image with the family photographer IN the picture!

After dinner, shooting baskets…

…and getting ready for riding…

…all over the neighborhood…

…and racing in the driveway…

…and flying upside down on the jungle gym…

…and hanging out with cousins.

This is one of my favorite pictures in the series. I love how the cousins have such a great time together. It reminds me of the fun of childhood, of family, of celebrating good times together. And it makes me think of the emotional drama and joy of the first Easter.

I used to love jumping off the swing when I was a young girl. Add THAT to the list of things I don’t dare try anymore. (Sorry for the strange crop, which I feel compelled to explain since there’s a photographer in the family. I had backed up as far as I could go and only had one long lens in that corner, but I still like the shot anyway.)

My grandmother’s house had a wonderful old tire swing hung from a live oak in the yard. I loved that old tree.

Everybody was playing Four Square in the driveway.

Love that game because it requires physical activity with strategy and a gentle touch. We had a great time!

Ace!

Happy Spring! (Chalkboard art by Hayley and Judy.)

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