Easter - what a special and significant holiday.  How nice it has been to focus on the Savior and his atonement and resurrection and to learn more. Our Branch had a wonderful Fast and Testimony meeting.  We were invited to a lovely Easter dinner by our friend Nan Noble. On Saturday evening we were blessed to join Kevin & Dacia and children for their annual Passover seder meal. We partook of their homemade matza (unleavened bread), sparkling grape juice, and a lovely lamb dinner in the order scripted - while remembering the plagues of Egypt and the destroying angel who passed over the homes of the faithful Jews who had marked their doorways appropriately.  While Jews still watch for the return of Elijah the prophet, we know that at Passover time in 1836 he appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple, bringing the sealing keys to them.

Bedtime stories with Alyssa &Kaitlyn and some games with Kevin & Dacia made the short trip even more special.  In another month we will be home and not able to spend much time with these children and grandchildren!
The week didn't start off looking like spring!  We had 6-8 inches of snow on Monday.  We saw this Easter Bunny while on our morning walk on Wednesday. 

Speaking of morning walks, we were joined by a pretty black Lab. one morning.  He would run ahead and chase ducks but always came back to us - until we slipped into our house while he was off exploring.  Guess we won't be bringing a dog home with us! 

Gary did all the teaching this week - both lunch lessons and the Wed/Thrs night Institute class.  Only had half as many students for lunch this week as last week.  More in our Thrs. class than usual.  Never know!  On our way home from teaching in Marion on Wednesday night we got invited to watch the BYU NIT game againt Mississippi.  Caught the second half.  Awesome win for BYU. 

This was a Tuesday Game Night week. We had 15 come - but no non-members. Gotta keep reminding the students to bring their friends. We said goodbye to one of our most faithful "kids" this week. He is off to the MTC and then to the Fresno, CA Mission. The Institute received a new computer and Gary got that all set up. One of our students had her senior harp recital on Friday night in the gorgeous concert hall on campus.  It was a lovely event and many Branch members came to support her.  March is over now!