Easter in St. Louis

Our Holy Week and Easter this year was unique. We celebrated the liturgies with family in St. Louis. Coming together from three corners of the continent, we united with Mary's mom, Mary's brother Matt and his wife Sayeda. It was truly special to spend time with beloved relatives and friends in the St. Louis area. In particular, it was wonderful to see Mary's grandpa: we all enjoyed visiting with him. Family friend visits included Mrs. Wansing, the Allgeyers, and the Kelahans. On the relative side, we were able to visit with Mary's Uncle Joe and Aunt Emily, and with all her uncles, aunts, and cousins on her dad's side. Some of the most memorable moments were the following (in somewhat of a chronological order):

• Feracci's pizza and playing at St. Ferdinand Park (Mary's family-favorite pizzeria and old stomping ground)
  
• dessert with Mrs. Wansing
• visiting and playing outside at the Allgeyers
• lunch with Grandpa Jack at Applebees
• playing the girls in the hotel pool
• enjoying Chinese food with Mary's mom, Matt, and Sayeda at the hotel
• sipping coffee at Starbucks while the girls played with bubbles at the outside patio
• visiting Aunt Emily while she was working at the Post Office
• walking through the mall
• playing at a park in Creve Coeur (I forget the name) with Mary's mom and enjoying some Imo's pizza
  
• attending the Good Friday liturgy at St. Monica's parish (It started at 7:30pm. By the time it finished at 9:30pm, both of the little girls were asleep!)
• visiting with Kelahans
• dying Easter eggs and having dinner with Grandpa Jack, Uncle Joe and Aunt Emily
• Easter morning Mass at St. Monica's parish
• visiting with Mary's dad's side of the family (highlights being the great Easter egg hunt, and being able to chat with such wonderful uncles and aunts and cousins)
• Maddy's "date" with Uncle Matt and Aunt Sayeda, that concluded with icecream shakes from Steak and Shake
• the 14 hour drive to and from St. Louis, which provided Mares and me with ample opportunity to chat...and grow in patience!

Throughout these family visits, I always find extreme joy in watching Madge and Pita interacting with our families and friends. It brings me such joy to see the happiness they bring to others, and, in turn the love that they receive from our families and friends. Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful and memorable Easter. We love you and thank all involved for making this Easter so lovely.