By the Far Side of the Sea

So we have officially had our first major holiday away from our home, friends, and family-- and it's been different, a little sad, interesting, and great all at the same time. It is strange to be out in 85 degree weather hunting for Easter eggs as we remember usually it would be our first Spring outing in Bend, bundled up to brave the crisp Central Oregon air.  In case you were wondering, plastic eggs full of chocolate, in a tropical climate, don't jive very well at all. The kids found eggs full of a mysterious brown goo mixed with bright foil bits.  No wonder the community egg hunt we did yesterday had eggs full of silly bands and erasers.  We are a bit slow at times- blame it on the Vog.  That's always a good scapegoat for most things.  Anyway, we went to a sunrise Easter service this morning with about 1000 other people from multiple churches.  We admit that we are a touch of crazy getting our kids up at 5:30, but it was totally worth it!  What...