The Doyle's: Easter Sunday

I love, love, love Easter. Love this time of year, love the season it represents, love all the pretty springy colors everywhere.

Just like every other holiday, we had lots to do. My parents typically come down to join us for Mass then onto brunch at Chestnut Hill. However, they weren't able to come this year because my grandmama got sick. So sad they couldn't be here to celebrate with us, but I know they needed to be with Grandmama instead.

On top of that, Wally was on call during Easter weekend and couldn't attend mass with us either. So, after all the Easter Bunny festivities early on, I prettied up the girls, put on my Sunday finest, packed up the bags and headed to mass. By myself. With two young, very young, girls. What was I thinking?

The whole drive there, I kept thinking to myself "I should just turn around. I can't do this by myself. Now would be a good time to head back home." Then I had to remind myself that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice so I could have the privilege of worshiping with him on Sundays and every other day. Two little girls weren't going to intimidate me.

I'll spare you the details, but it was a disaster. We get to Mass early because I want a good seat. I need the pick of prime real estate when trying to wrangle two kids. But, that also meant waiting for 30 minutes before the doors opened. And holding Anna who like to run free. Once the doors opened, we waited for another 30 minutes before mass actually started.

Caroline was an angel. I brought some crayons and a coloring book - which I would normally not do for Sunday mass, but I needed reinforcement. And Anna wasn't bad. She was just restless. VERY restless. I fought back tears as we left Mass before communion was even handed out. I felt like a failure. But, deep down, I know I shouldn't.

After we got home (to which Anna fell asleep before we left the parking lot; that's the one pitfall of having an independent sleeper - they won't fall asleep in your arms when you desperately need them to!) - we rested for a few minutes and headed out to the Duck Pond in Aynor to celebrate with Wally's family.

Wally joined us out there for about 10 minutes before he had to go back out. That made us super sad. But, while we were out there, we ate a great lunch, hid & found eggs, dyed eggs & the girls rode around on the golf cart. Such a beautiful day!