We brought a picnic dinner and let the kids play with their cousins while we enjoyed the beautiful evening weather. Steve intended on coming for dinner, then socializing until the show started (at 8pm) and then taking the two youngest home to put them to bed.
As the show drew closer, the kids were great and showed no signs of fits or shenanigans. Steve hesitantly chose to stay and we all watched it together.
Not only that- he stayed for the entire show. The two youngest grew a little restless about half way through but they made it and I'm so glad they stayed. For those not familiar with the Easter Pageant - it's the story of Jesus Christ all the way to his resurrection. Bennett was captivated as he saw the "mean" guys hurt Christ. We have been reading about the final days of Christ as a family this week so Hunter was able to point out different aspects of the story and watch it play out on stage. It is an amazing production with more than 475 actors with elaborate costumes and an intense stage.
We were driving home at 9:30 at night with more than one tired, whining child. Steve and I were commenting that we love to do things like this with our kids but its often so much work and effort it diminishes the experience for us. But even with crying kids in the back seat, it was worth it. I think they walked away understanding Christ's life just a little more and I hope they remember the way they felt when they watched it.
At the end, Christ rises up above the stage/backdrop and angels are in front of him singing. I've seen it before but it touches me every single time. Christ lives. He makes everything possible. I'm looking forward to this Easter weekend as I reflect on his sacrifice and love for all. Happy Easter.
Once the dough is cooked and cooled - start painting. You can paint with a brush or go the easy route and spray paint them like we did. 
Then using a paint pen (we used an oil based paint marker made by Sharpie - found at Home Depot and also at Joanns) make all sorts of fun designs. What I love about this is it is kid-friendly and age appropriate for young and old. 
In no time we had a wide variety of designs ready to go. I originally planned on hanging them on our Easter tree - but I like them just as much hung as a garland above our piano. We'll have to make some more to go on the tree! 
