Easter traditions

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
-John 3:16


I know this Bible verse is the true meaning of Easter and should be celebrated as such, but I still enjoy playing into the silly commercialized version of the holiday, too. I love me some holiday traditions!

This year we began a new one that we may or may not repeat next year--an early visit from the Easter Bunny. This idea sprung Saturday afternoon when the boys and I had been battling boredom on the rainy day...and Dave, well, he hibernated in bed all day, with frequent trips to the bathroom. I knew the Bunny was planning on bringing a certain movie that could be the perfect ending to our Easter Eve. Late in the afternoon the doorbell rang, so I corralled everyone upstairs to check out the mystery visitor. Of course the elusive bunny was long gone, but he left some gifts.

Easter morning started with a tradition that first began when Dave and I were married and kid-less, a lifetime than seems eons ago now--a scavenger hunt to find our hidden Easter baskets. Dave and I used to create scavenger hunts for each other and then take turns going from clue to clue until we unearthed the baskets. I'd giggle with glee, thinking ahead to the future when we'd reenact this tradition with our children. When Spencer was born, I went to the store and bought 5 matching Easter baskets, three for the current members in our family and two for the children to come. Currently, one of the baskets is tucked away in a tote in the basement, waiting for another child to claim it. (Incidentally it is purple, so either a daughter will be the lucky recipient, or Dave will have to sacrifice his blue one.)

Spencer really got into the scavenger hunt this year, running from room to room to find the next clue tucked away in a plastic egg. The hunt first started with a letter from the Easter Bunny. Then off we went.

Clue #1: The first clue can be found with the mixing bowls. I sure am hungry for carrot cake.

Clue #2: After eating all that cake, we should brush our teeth.


Clue #3: May I take your order? I'd like Chicken McNuggets and fries.

Clue #4: The game is almost done. It's time to clean up. Let's go get a broom.

Every year my Aunt Velda hosts Easter at her house. She lives on a farm and the kids just love it there. Since Dave still wasn't feeling well, he stayed behind while the boys and I loaded up in the van and made the 2 1/2 hour trek there. It's always nice seeing the extended family, especially now when I have my own kids and can appreciate the role of family in our lives.

The beloved egg hunt.
Top left: Spenc showing off his loot.
Top right: Aunt Velda helping Ash.
Bottom left:  No, that's not Cousin It; that's Aunt Hopey hiding from the cold. Brrr.

Right: Ash taking a break from the fun.
Middle: Aunt She-She trying to pose with her squirmy Godson.
Left: Cousins.

Two kings atop a hill.
I love this photo...especially since it only took a million shots and a lot of coaxing for them to both look at me and smile at the same time.

So I accidentally took this photo of myself while trying to take one of Ashton. I hit a button on my phone that rotates the camera. Whooops!