Easter 2009

I think Gerry & I have truly hit the (nearly) "empty nest" phase of our lives ("nearly" because Chris is actually still IN the nest but pretty independent...most of the time).

This Easter holiday we found ourselves contemplating a holiday by ourselves. Not that we don't enjoy having a houseful for any and all occasions but with the hectic month we've had (getting Sarah packed up and moved to Sweden, having Jenny visit, me coming down with the flu and trying to get ready for the cruise), arranging for a big celebration just didn't seem to be in the cards.

We were delighted when Gerry's sister (Cathy) invited us to their place in Ballard for Easter dinner. We were happy to bring not only our "assigned" foods for the table (and of course Easter treats for the nephews!), but also a box of books for the newest voracious reader of the family (Nicholas). He is in a "devour" phase and keeping him in reading material is a bit of a challenger. Uncle Gerry to the rescue! Gerry was only too happy to introduce Nicholas to the books and favorite authors of his childhood (Edgar Rice Burroughs and Anne McCaffrey today).

Dinner was wonderful and cozy, conversation lively if occasionally punctuated by the rambunctious nephews who had obviously been cooped up a little too long by rainy weather. Magically after dinner, the sun appeared and the boys were able to burn off some of the post-Easter basket sugar rush energy outside. The evening was capped with another one of Dan's famous (and fabulous!) cheesecakes.

Happy Easter to all!

tw