Things you just never outgrow

Family trips to Sunriver.

The Easter Bunny. 

Egg hunts. 

Posing for pics on "the Rock."

This is just a short list of the things I'll never outgrow this time of year. 

I am so fortunate to have such memorable family traditions, including the annual Easter weekend getaway to Sunriver. Although the cast of characters changes year-to-year depending on schedules (e.g., Taylor was stuck in Taxland and couldn't escape, and the Californians are making a trip up in two weeks for Joe's big 3-0), we always-always-always brew up some hysterical new repeater jokes, eat until we pass out, walk and pedal our way around the fresh mountain air, and celebrate whatever big or small event happens to be coinciding with our visit. 

There's only one other holiday that parallels Easter's importance, and of course I love Christmas, but I particularly cherish the significance of the days leading up to the Resurrection as well as the outpouring of hallelujahs that follow the 40th day. 

I'm having some withdrawals from the weekend, and I'm in a bit of denial that I have to go to work tomorrow morning.

Let's let some photos do the talking. Happy Easter! He is risen! 

I don't normally take my phone on my runs, but I went out for a 20-miler, which turned into a 15-miler, and since I was alone, I decided it might be a safe decision. Once I got to the river, I was glad I did. Gorgeous day.

I spy the Easter Bunny hiding eggs for the "kids."

Just one of the Lady's tablescapes. Too cute. 

Instead of gum in the eggs like when we were kids, packs were dispersed around the tables...

...and on the mantle, along with the strand of egg lights. No corner left un-decorated. 

There's always an egg in the wreath (and one in the barbecue).

New addition #1: eggs lights along the door path.

New addition #2: The cutest chick on the block.

The baskets were adorable colorful colanders this year. 

And the traditional Easter grass-and-eggs cupcakes. My mom was so upset because the mint M&Ms turned out to be various shades of green instead of multi-colored pastels, hence the St. Patty's variety.

Joe and Sara on the hunt.

...still looking after I captured my limit and re-hid three eggs for them to find. 

Do you spy the egg? He eventually found it.

The newly-ish-weds. The chick. The Rock. And some street graffiti?

Just the bro, sis-in-law, and me this year. Fewer people to fight for the eggs. 

What once was 200+ eggs filled with gum has since become fewer eggs with a payout. 

My absolute favorite individual eggs Benny...bubbling up before our eyes! I think it was the elevation. This has never happened before. 

The traditional turnovers, accompanied by cinnamon rolls, the almond racetrack, ham, the mini eggs Benedict, fruit spread, mimosas...what am I missing?

Here they are again...mmm.

I guess I don't have a farewell photo since we took the Rock pic mid-egg hunt. Goodbye Sunriver. With several trips on the docket for this year--including the annual cooking challenge--I'll see you super soon!