On Easter morning, Velvet Husband and I donned our Sunday best and headed to the annual Easter celebration at Velvet Aunt and Uncle’s farm in East Travis County.
We look forward to Easter at the farm every year. First, we packed ourselves into the on-site chapel like little sardines. Something about singing hymns with family and dear friends in a little chapel warms my soul and makes me feel like dancing. He is risen, indeed!
After church, we enjoyed a delicious brunch prepared by sweet Renee here. Renee is so genuine and prepares our meal with care each year. He said something that touched me — he said that he always keeps the family in mind while he prepares the meal. We’ve all heard of mindful eating, but Renee is also a mindful chef. Food always tastes better when it’s prepared with love.
I made sure to praise Renee for his beautiful portabello mushrooms. He shared with me that they were made of mushrooms, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Simplicity is so sweet, isn’t it? The mixed vegetable salad of green beans and brussels sprouts was fresh and delicious, and some of the ingredients were directly sourced from the farm.
Velvet Husband’s Grand Uncle recently celebrated his 80th birthday, so we helped him commemorate the occasion with a colorful Easter cake with heavenly icing. It was no Patsy’s chocolate cake, but sometimes store-bought cake does the trick. Most importantly, it was fun to celebrate our wonderful Great Uncle. He is such a special and inspiring man, and I’m honored to be a part of his family. I love talking with him about the latest books, movies, and their most recent global escapades; he loves to travel with his beautiful wife and Velvet Husband’s sweet Mimi. He inspires us all with his sweet spirit and contagious joie de vivre. It’s hard not to smile around this guy!
With happy hearts and full bellies, we talked for several hours and enjoyed that gorgeous Texas sunshine. Here we are with the Mimi, Velvet Husband’s wonderfully sweet grandmother.
And what Easter is complete without a little pink and green?
True story — the little boy on the far right approached me, Velvet Husband, and Renee and asked if he could take one of the large Easter eggs (bottom left) home. Lacking egg-doling authority, we directed him to Velvet Uncle (far left). Looks like things didn’t go so well, ha!
I made a new furry farm friend.
Here’s Velvet Husband with his amazing Aunt, who, along with her husband, graciously hosted all Easter and pre-Easter celebrations. I am so blessed to call such beautiful people my family. Many thanks for another wonderful Easter!
After the family revelry, Velvet Husband and I wanted to chill out, but we weren’t ready to head back out to my parents’ house. So, we stopped by one of our favorite coffee shops in Austin, Mozart’s on Lake Austin, for refreshment, reading, and blogging. I would be hard-pressed to recommend a better place to read and blog on a gorgeous sunny day in Austin. Mozart’s has a tempting array of desserts, coffee drinks, and smoothies. Given my content post-brunch belly, I opted for an unsweetened iced tea and a Topo Chico. Days like this remind me to appreciate all the wonderful blessings in my life: God, family, friends, and good health. Happy Belated Easter to you and yours, friends!
Which holidays hold the most significance for you and your family?
What an amazing tradition! I have an obsession with farms. Can I come with you next year? Haha. Christmas is the big holiday for my family. Actually, Thanksgiving through Christmas is a pretty big deal.
We would LOVE to have you next year, Erin! The more the merrier! We always have a few first-timers join us, so you wouldn’t be alone! 🙂 Christmas is big in our family too, and I can’t wait to create some new traditions in my “new” family with the hubby!:-) I heart tradition!
I LOVE your dress.. it is too cute.. the details on the bottom or so sweet. It looks like your tradition is SO much fun. I am a little jealous actually.. our holidays are not nearly as entertaining. Thanksgiving is probably the biggest deal in my family – maybe not the biggest deal – but when the most people are around and the most laughs/stories are shared!
Thanks, Cait! I’m kinda in love with my dress, too! I have a “pink” problem in that I LOVE pink dresses and probably own too many of them. 🙂 Your Thanksgiving sounds fun with the stories and all! It’s an often overlooked holiday because of Christmas coming so close after, so good for you and your family for celebrating it big!! 🙂
All those bright colours! Christmas used to be my favourite but lately it seems overhyped, Easter is gaining ground becuase of spring, colour and happiness
I know what you mean about the overhype of Christmas, but it hasn’t dissuaded me from embracing it! I LOVE it when it’s time to put of a wreath and decorate the tree. I may buy into the commercialization a bit, but only the parts I find fun/yummy, so why not? I’m glad Easter is gaining ground in your book; it doesn’t get as much press as the rest of ’em. lol!
Wow just discovered your blog and I love it!!! Love the green chair you were sitting on!!! Was it plastic? You Americans really know how to celebrate the holidays, I’m from Australia and Easter really is just a nice long weekend where most people go camping! I love Christmas it has always been a special time in our family and I love to carry on Christmas traditions with my Hubby and Son. I have a blog too (although not as colourful as yours!) Drop by any time!!!
Awww you are too sweet, Mel! Your sweet comment totally made my day! 🙂 Yeah, the chair is plastic — aren’t they super cute! And they have two more in orange and yellow! Which color do you think Kate Middleton would pick for her throne? lol! Christmas is my favorite holiday, too! We celebrate with my parents’ side of the family, but I would love it if both sides of our families would get together at the same time! To me, the more the merrier for holidays!
I checked out your blog and it’s presh, yummy mummy! xoxo
Hmm I think Kate would pick something understated!!! Perhaps Lemon coloured! I’d love if both sides could come together too, but since they live in two different states and my elderly grandmother doesn’t travel it kinda makes it hard, Plus M’s parents are very different to mine and it always is kinda uncomfortable!!
If I ever travel to the USA, I’ll definitely have to come visit, My cousin is a police officer in San Fransico police and My Aunt and my other cousin live in Sacramento.