Easter. Family. Farm.

When life gets stressful for me, I always find the farm a very helpful place to get away.

Is it the sense of calm that descends as we drive down the very familiar driveway, lined with decades-old trees and farm fields near and far to the eye?

Is it because no matter how old I get and how many roles I serve (wife, mom, employee, friend), it’s always nice to be reminded that I started as a daughter and then sister?

Is it the closeness that our family is lucky to share?

Is it the laughter and stories shared over amazing, home-cooked meals and bottles of wine?

Is it seeing nieces and nephews of various ages enjoy spending time with each other?

Is it a walk around the farm in the crisp spring air, as dogs explore, and the youngest niece gets introduced to life on the farm?

Is it sitting in a church pew and looking around, marveling at how many people I have known since I was a young child?

It is all of these things and more.

But mostly, it’s because it is home.

We have arrived at the farm! #Felfie (Farm Selfie?) And yes, those are rabbit ears that somehow “snuck” into the photo.

My niece, Morgan, and her mama – my sister. So sweet.

And how could you not smile so exuberantly at Grandma Marilyn’s Easter cookies, I ask you?

Time for an after dinner walk about the farm. #MyGirlMorgan

My Dad. The Farmer.

A little blurry but total cousin love!

Tractors are getting spiffed up for spring planting.

And time for Joe to put on some “fancy” clothes and get spiffed up for the Easter service at church. 😉

He cleans up pretty well for Grandpa and Grandma.

After church … time for Easter basket and egg hunting!

I hope you don’t mind – another blurry one but this #selfie with Grandma and three cousins is what life is all about.

It’s not the sharpest or clearest photo, but these boys are all mine. Happy Easter from our family to yours.