Easter 2013

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I’d thought I’d experienced the beauty and magic of the holidays by spending it with my family over the years. I couldn’t thought it could possibly be any better… and then we had Liv. Easter was SO much fun. Last year was fun because she was just starting to really recognize faces and names, but it’s pretty amazing how much can change in a year. Not only could she recognize everyone, but say their name, hug and blow kisses, and explain all of the things she was excited about (“Bubbles!” “Purse!” “Eggs!”) She had so much fun with the family, playing with her cousins, hunting for eggs and opening Easter baskets.

I’ll always remember:

-Carrying her inside after the drive home from nana’s house. She was fast asleep in my arms, so instead of putting her the crib right away, I just snuggled and enjoyed.

-While nana was in the kitchen washing dishes, Liv was behind her, reaching at nana to hold her.

-Bella curled up next to Tata. She loves him so much.

-Tiny white sandals and a tiny spunky ponytail. She looked so little and so grown up at the same time.

I like to think we did Easter right. Lots of time we those we love- relaxing, eating, and an extra mindfulness of gratitude for everything we’ve been given. We spent the morning at my nana’s, who made her legendary brunch spread, came back to our house to relax, and then everyone came over here for late lunch/dinner. I never thought that paddle ball would be so exciting (I am terrrrrribbbbllleeeee) and that it would be so much fun to help the tiny egg hunter while everyone cheered her on. She clapped for every egg she found, and instantly put it into her basket. She also did a little dance and “mmmm!” with every delicious bite she took of her Easter cupcake and nana’s famous French toast. Watching everything through her eyes basically melted my heart into a love puddle on the floor. In the true Easter spirit, I felt very full. Not only with all of the delicious food, but also very very blessed <3

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63 Comments

  1. Racheal @ Running with Racheal on April 2, 2013 at 10:27 am

    She is too cute. I LOVE the picture of her with the bubbles. That one is a keeper for sure!

  2. Ashley on April 2, 2013 at 10:30 am

    LOVE your dress!! Where is it from? Liv looks like such a big girl in that picture!

  3. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat on April 2, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Love both you and your daughter’s dresses – adorable! 🙂

  4. Lucie on April 2, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Oooh, the pics and your text melt my heart! Such a perfect Easter!!

  5. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on April 2, 2013 at 10:37 am

    It sounds like you had a truly special, magical day. I’m so excited for days like this in my future when Josh and I have a family many years down the road!

  6. RachelG on April 2, 2013 at 10:39 am

    That ponytail…I die! 🙂 It looks like such a wonderful day!

  7. Lisa on April 2, 2013 at 10:52 am

    Your dress is gorgeous. All these are so beautiful, looks like such a blessing of a day!
    Olivia is absolutely adorable in her little dress.

  8. Amie on April 2, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Liv is such a little cutie. Little ones make the holidays so much more special 🙂 So . . . when do we get the recipe for nana’s egg casserole?? You’re always talking about it on the blog and I’m dying to try it!!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      i keep saying i’m going to ask her for it, and then i don’t. i think it’s because i want it to be one of those things i just love to eat and never want to actually make because the original is so good, if that makes any sense?

  9. Jenn on April 2, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Beautiful post. You remind me to slow down and take it all in, thank you.

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      <3

  10. Emily on April 2, 2013 at 11:03 am

    Would love to know where your dress is from; love it! Also, I second (or third, or however many, because I know there will be lots more ;)) the comment that Liv is absolutely ADORABLE with her little eyelet dress and tiny ponytail. The picture of her with the bubbles is priceless. Glad you had such an amazing Easter!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:26 pm

      thank you so much, emily! the dress is from stitch fix 🙂

  11. Amanda, RD- The Nutritionist Reviews on April 2, 2013 at 11:04 am

    I love Olivia’s dress! Very cute.

  12. Erin @ Axell's Kitchen on April 2, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Aww such a beautiful little girl!! And looove your dress!

  13. Sherri on April 2, 2013 at 11:18 am

    You have such a beautiful way of articulating the joys of motherhood. Makes me even more excited to welcome our little girl in September!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:26 pm

      aww, i’m so excited for you! it’s going to be here so quickly!

  14. Emily @ The Swallow Flies on April 2, 2013 at 11:29 am

    This is such a sweet post! I’m so happy you had such a lovely weekend.

  15. Ali @ Peaches and Football on April 2, 2013 at 11:30 am

    Liv looks like a little princess in her dress. Such cute pictures and TONS of fabulous looking eats.

    I didn’t know you guys had a pool! That is ridiculously awesome – and I’ll bet living in AZ you get to use it far more than we would up North.

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:26 pm

      oh, that’s my nana’s pool. i wish we had one!

  16. Nicole on April 2, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Sounds like a truly special day! You and Livi look adorable – can you tell me where your dress is from? So cute!

  17. Harsha @ Healthy Cooking 'N' Fitness on April 2, 2013 at 11:34 am

    Liv and you look gorgeous in those dresses.

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:25 pm

      thank you, marsha <3

  18. Natalie @ Will Jog For Food on April 2, 2013 at 11:40 am

    What a great Easter! Nothing like food, family and friends 🙂

  19. Sarah @ Yogi in Action on April 2, 2013 at 11:44 am

    That sounds like an absolutely amazing Easter! I’m so glad to hear you took the time to enjoy your family and be thankful- I think it’s so easy to take day-to-day things for granted.

  20. Amanda Lee on April 2, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Love, Love your dress and Olivia’s. You have to share where you got it!! So flattering.

    <3

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:25 pm

      thank you! stitch fix 🙂

  21. Amanda on April 2, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Sounds like a great day!

  22. Stellina @My Yogurt Addiction on April 2, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Olivia is a beautiful child! Seriously, one of the cutest kids I’ve seen! Well done, Gina!

  23. Jasmine on April 2, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Isn’t it funny how one little bundle of joy can transform the entire family dynamic and the holidays. Life just isn’t as fulfilling without children. Last year was our first with my nephew and it was very much like Livs, everyone watching as they tumble around. This year he’s 2 and understood much more. He ran around his cousins stealing their eggs (they are babies still) and cracking them open as fast as he could to shove candy in his mouth. Hilarious! And this year we had our own little girl who wore bunny ears and rocked sunglasses with a little attitude. 🙂 don’t know where she gets it from. Glad you enjoyed your holiday

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:25 pm

      haha i love it! and it’s so true.. kids make it so much more fun

  24. Ashley @ Life and Fitness on April 2, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    Sounds like a memorable Easter for you! I love the little ponytail.

  25. april on April 2, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    this post warmed my heart. liv is so adorable, especially with her tiny little ponytail! i’m glad you and your family had a wonderful blessed holiday. <3

    on a random note, where did you get your sunglasses? i love them!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:25 pm

      HM $7 🙂

  26. Anne on April 2, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    I just giggled out loud picturing liv doing her little mmm dance while she ate haha!

    I was so jealous of everyone with kids his Easter seeing them on their Easter egg hunts, it was all so sweet! I am so glad you all had such a wonderful, memorable Easter!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      thank you, anne! hope you had a wonderful weekend, too 🙂

  27. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health on April 2, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    Liv looked beautiful! And I loved reading all of the sweet memories you will have of this Easter, very touching!

  28. Kim on April 2, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful family time.
    I love your dress!
    And, that little ponytail is the cutest thing ever!!

  29. Christa @ Edible Balance on April 2, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    so sweet… the ponytail? adorable!

  30. Carrie on April 2, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Christ has risen! What a blessing that is indeed. I feel sometimes it gets overlooked in the flurry of eggs, dresses, and bunnies. Glad you had a great day. Liv looks like she had a lot of fun. It looks like it was a beautiful day in AZ.

  31. Ashlee on April 2, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Aw SO cute! Love the little pony. Is it long enough for pigtails??

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      yes, but she can reach the pigtails to pull them out :/

  32. Julie on April 2, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    Sounds like a perfect holiday! I LOVE Liv’s little ponytail- too cute! Holidays (and everyday) are so much better with a little one. Makes you appreciate all the little things in life and what really matters 🙂

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      it’s so true

  33. Allie on April 2, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Your dress! Where’s it from? Olivia’s hair looks ADORABLE.

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      thank you! it’s from stitch fix

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:24 pm

      stitch fix! my boxes have been filled with gorgeous dresses lately 🙂

  34. Sonia the Mexigarian on April 2, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    and there go my ovaries again. she is too damn cute. and obviously so loved and happy.

    drooling over all the spread of food. looks so yummy!!

    sounds like you had a lovely holiday!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      haha sorry for the ovary burn. she is such an amazing little thing 🙂

  35. Ashley on April 2, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    That little white dress is just too cute.

  36. Nellie on April 2, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I am usually a lurker and too chicken to post but oh my giddy aunt, that photo of you and Liv is absolutely beautiful and she is such a little darling!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      awww, thank you, nellie!

  37. Julie on April 2, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    Love this post. Thanks for sharing your day w/ us. Liv’s dress & pony are precious!

  38. Allison @ Train Eat Repeat on April 2, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    cutest little dress! looks like you had a great Easter! and omg all that food, I know I ate a little too much haha

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      i’m still recovering from the food coma.

  39. Jay on April 2, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Liv looks lovely! SO do you! Cute dresses. . .

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      thanks, jay!

  40. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More on April 2, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    Looks like you guys had a great Easter! And her little pony tail is just SO precious!!

    • Fitnessista on April 2, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      it kills me.

  41. Veterinarianess on April 2, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I think I see brownies in the background of some of your pics… mmmm 😉

  42. Emily on April 2, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    What a beautiful day! And Livi is killing me in her precious little dress and ponytail. Argh, too much cute!

  43. Julie on April 2, 2013 at 10:46 pm

    Nice pool and delicious spread of food!

  44. Bek @ Crave on April 5, 2013 at 5:08 am

    Great post! She looks so cute in that white dress and omg that pony tail- adorable!

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