East Coast Easter

Easter 2026 was splendid, not only because of the beautiful weather, but because Alesia and Janet came  to visit! As you can see, Annika has now surpassed Alesia in height as well. Eila, you're not there yet but you're getting close!

We gathered at Wheeler Farms where they were just wrapping up an Easter Egg hunt. While most of the hunting was done, we still got to take a cute photo with the bunny!

Papa Kay got us all tickets for the free tractor ride! No, Anders didn't drive the tractor, but that would have made the trip more exciting.

Best of all, when the tractor got back, Brooklyn was waiting! What a happy reunion.

NomiAnn and Papa Kay were delighted to see everyone together as well.

I'm not quite sure how Anders talked Alesia into being a human wheelbarrow, but she was a great sport. And, turn around is fair play. Anders was a stellar barrow as well.

That evening we decided to "pre-game" Easter with a lovely Easter Egg hunt and brat roast that my parents hosted at their place. We'd talked about gathering up a canyon, but it didn't seem like a great idea given the recent snow. Plus, the Cottage works so well for getting everyone together. In the end, we had my parents, our family, Alesia, Janet, the Wilhoits, the Millcreek Wheelers, plus Charles and Susie. I can't tell you how much we love having family that likes our family!

Egg hunt time! We did it early so that there would be enough light for searching.

Always so generous, Janet and Alesia brought Lego sets that matched the kids' unique interests and personalities! As for my amazing Mom, she cricuted names on the eggs so that they would know which ones were theirs.

She may be 21, but Brooklyn was delighted to still be considered a kid.

Thanks, Janet and Alesia!

Next up,  the dying of the Easter eggs! Ours aren't nearly as elaborate as the beautiful eggs our Lithuanian friends create, but it's still a fun tradition.

That night we also enjoyed a bunny cake that Callie made for Papa Kay's birthday. We started the celebrations a bit early since the Wilhoits were headed to Hawaii early the next morning.

Burning off some calories by jumping rope. Way to go, Eila!

Ruby. I feel ya! Hopping in is always the hardest part.

Look at these girls go! Whee!

Not to be outdone, Brooklyn and Talia also showed off their jumping skills, even in heels!

Easter morning we gathered for a spiritual devotional as a family, turned on General Conference, then hosted an Easter brunch of both sweet and savory crepes at our place. I'm drooling at the memory! But really, the people were even sweeter than the food.

With full bellies, we then went for a walk into the Salt Lake City Cemetery, where Jason introduced Janet and Alesia to some of his Italian Vogini Heaps-of-Pizza family.

Next was a visit to see the baby owlets.

Aw, can you spy the mama and her baby?

My favorite blossoming tree had already leafed out, but we found another gorgeous tree to enjoy in its stead.

So many photos, but I like them all!

Determined to share the very best of Salt Lake with Janet and Alesia during their short visit, we then took them down to Temple Square to enjoy even more blossoms there.

I'm glad Charles and Susie could join us as well.

When it comes to temple flowers, Charles is certainly the expert.

It's lovely to see the Salt Lake temple without scaffolding. The opening can't come soon enough! I was also inspired by all the families gathered together to listen to Conference from the temple lawns as it was broadcast over the loud speakers.

Last but not least, it was back to the Cottage for an Easter dinner of ham, rolls, and sweet potatoes. I just wish I'd remembered to take a picture of the beautiful Easter table NomiAnn set! For dessert we enjoyed cheesecake and sang to Papa Kay. 

Happy 73rd birthday, Papa Kay! I know this year has been challenging at times with moments of frustration when your health hasn't allowed you to do all you want. As grateful as we are to have you living near in Salt Lake, I also know there are moments when you really miss Omaha. I just hope you also know how very much we love you and appreciate the countless ways you bless our family. The world is brighter because of you!

I asked the family to tell me some favorite thoughts or memories about Papa Kay, and these are the phrases that came bouncing back.

College World Series

Teases me about non-existent boyfriends

Tic Tac extraordinaire

Best cowboy hat

So well-read

Strangest/funniest memes

Keep Smiling!

Gives good advice.  (Jason added, does he?)

Soooo humble.

Loves buttermilk

Great at sending birthday cards.

Writes special 12 year-old letters

Will drive to Denver to pick you up if you break your femur.

Papa Kay was born on Easter Sunday. I'm so glad we could celebrate his birth on this Easter as well. Happy birthday, Dad!