Tulips and Happy Easter With the Family Tree in the Ozarks

Butterflies love our tulip tree

I need to plant tulips in our new yard next fall — note to self — realizing this spring our yard is tulip-less with the exception of a tulip tree. We've moved.
I plant tulips because I'm descended from the land of tulips and I love their waxy petals and vibrant colors, which I see as nature's reward for enduring the dreary rains of March.

I've always been wistful about seeing the tulip fields in Holland. Tulips in Arkansas are quite the opposite because it would take an earth mover to plant a field of bulbs. Official planting instructions for tulips suggest you dig a hole for the bulb, six to ten inches deep. However, in Arkansas, we say, "Plant six inches deep or until you hit the first rock."

Anticipating Easter and all the joys it brings with the celebration of God's resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, and all the promises of new beginnings and eternity the resurrection brings, I paged through our Easter album from 2012, and thought you might like to glimpse our celebration.

Chocolate covered strawberries and Easter cake pops by Amy & Gwen

We're big on desserts. Wendy reserves a table for desserts, served with dessert coffees, chilled drinks, and coffee frappé; and places the traditional lamb cake in the center. Along with chocolate-covered strawberries, cake pops, and lamb cake, there were pies and cookies and more chocolate.
Wendy and Greg hosted Easter. They go all out, planting spring flowers, decorating, and cooking. Greg is a grill master, and the men prepare the meats. This year the menu included prime rib (thanks, Jeff and Lisa) and grilled chicken (thanks, Greg and Wendy).

Everyone arrives in church clothes but moments later, they jump into jeans and shorts, ready for fun.

There's cousin time for visiting ....

After much preparation, dinner is served!

Everyone dives in, children first.

Easter dinner is in full swing. The children eat picnic style in the tree house or on the deck or trampoline ... escorted by Copper.

 

The Easter Egg Hunt follows quickly!

  

 Drew plots his strategy, should he go right or left, wondering, Are there any eggs left to find? Afterwards, it's to the trampoline again to open the eggs and share their stash.

 

Lastly, we veg out, visit, play games, and count our blessings!