4P's for Lent and Celebrating Easter

With the season of Lent winding down, we celebrate the rebirth of Jesus.  Lent is always such a cleansing period, and Easter is a re-awakening.  Fortunately this year the weather also added an additional pop to the big day. 

We gathered with our sons, daughter-in-laws and favorite five year old for Mass Easter morning.  As Father shared the Homily I enjoyed hearing him share his personal moments of sacrifice and change during Lent. 

After church we met up at our home for a family meal.  Krieg invited an unexpected guest who was traveling from Portland, OR, relocating to Syracuse, NY.  We'd met RP two summers ago when he hosted a Rhino Lacrosse Camp in Boise.   Krieg was working at the camp after meeting RP and team over in Oregon.  Naturally we had to extend some Shaw Hospitality when they came to town. 

Holiday or not, the Shaw family table has no boundaries and all are welcome.  I think both Mike and I enjoyed how Krieg knew RP would be welcome without asking first.

Missing from our family gathering was our new parents and newest grandson.  With their work schedules and hockey season sneaking out of town with a nearly 2 month old baby wasn't on the agenda.  Besides they were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Chris' dad and Kathy, who were driving to Idaho from Michigan soon.

Cute Easter Bunny 

She loves being a Momma

After a meal with several new dishes, we took in some vitamin D and added some photographs to go with our Easter memories.  

Our Easter Family

With Brit

Tater got a fun Creationary Lego game.  Much like Pictionary but you have to build something out of Legos and have others guess...  My coordination with Legos is nil (ask my sons) and my recent attempt at building with my favorite five year old was an epic fail - and that was WITH the "map" so I abstained from the game.



Overlook the shaggy beard.  My hubby has accepted our son's Duck Dynasty beard challenge...  winner to be determined the last week of July at Kalaloch.  (Oh goodie...  April...  May...  June...  July...)

Krieg and RP

Lacrosse - the Next Generation...

Since 1991 we've always had a child playing a sport and a team to cheer on.  Soccer in Evansville, Soccer and Swimming in Neenah.  Lacrosse in Boise and most recently, the Pacific Northwest.  Lately our time spent on the sidelines are few and far between.  Mike's grandson in Texas plays football in Texas.  Our heart's desire would be to sit in the stands every week, however the reality is we can't just invite ourselves for a visit.  Krieg is still playing lacrosse but I'm not sure adult teams have parents on the sidelines cheering you on...  (All aboard the pity train!)

We've been waiting for our youngest grand to have activities which require attentive fans in the wings - especially a Gramma with a very large camera.  This spring I noticed the Y was offering a lacrosse camp for five year olds - what luck!  Outside of t-ball and soccer there isn't much for a five year old to learn around here. 
So for Mr. T's birthday we gave him a camp.  It was his to pick but we'd hoped the lacrosse would spark his interest.  It was!  His Tio provided a very cool lacrosse stick.  His Mom found cleats on sale.  His Dad and Tio tag teamed him to fit his new blue mouthguard. 

Ready for lacrosse camp.  All geared up!

Camp lasted four mornings.  The first day we encouraged him to stay with the coaches and kids.  He was a bit hesitant.  In no time he learned to pick up ground balls, how to pass and catch the ball.  Surprisingly there were several children who already had some stick skills (older siblings and coaches for parents). 

Warming up is an important part of every sport.

Catching the ball.

Tate and Tio (who came to watch & ensure it was legit!)

The second day the coaches taught the 5-7 year olds some drills to expand on their newly learned skills. 

Cradling the ball.

Day three was an actual scrimmage after a refresher of the skills.  Mr T's seen the game.  He knew how to hit the opponents stick to make them drop the ball.  The first time he did this it was against the only girl camper and she cried to the coaches "he hit me...!" 

Scrimmage time.

Day Four was scrimmaging and not nearly enough water breaks as far as Mr. T was concerned.  He was over lacrosse camp.

Goalie - just like Daddy

I'm certain this will be the first of many group activities for our favorite five year old., especially as his future interests expand (and Kindergarten evolves).  Rest assure his loyal fan base will be there to watch.