Easter 2009

Easter is always so much fun. However, it is always a bit sad because we are not with our extended family. Back in Seattle, we would celebrate Easter with the Rainier Club Easter Bunny Brunch. It is a fantastic event complete with pony rides, face painting, gourmet food, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. The Rainier Club always goes all out -- the club is transformed into a virtual "candy land" for kids -- and grown up kids.

Last year we celebrated Easter in Nashville, TN. While we had "fun" doing an Easter egg hunt in the hotel room, we were determined to make this year's Easter extra special.

With two kids now, I bought enough Easter candy for the entire neighborhood. I wanted the kids baskets to overflow with candy. However, I bought the candy about a week before Easter and although Brian did his best to hide the candy, Jackson "accidentally" stumbled upon the hidden stash.

While we were getting ready one morning Jackson came up to our bathroom and announced he found the candy. I was devastated that he may "find out" the truth before his time, but Brian and I did some quick thinking. Brian told Jackson that because of the economy, the Easter Bunny's budget has been slashed and that mom and dad helped out with buying some of the candy. Even though we were helping the Easter Bunny out with the candy, the Easter Bunny still brings the gifts, more candy and hides all the eggs...if kids are good.

I also shared with Jackson what happened to me when I was a little girl. Being the curious (a.k.a. sneaky) kid I was, I went searching for Easter candy and gifts. Low and behold I found the secret stash under my mom and dad's bed. JACKPOT! I found the Belle stuffed animal toy I really wanted and loads of candy. Not being able to contain myself, I shared the news with my sister Jeanette and firmly warned her NOT to tell my older sister, Stephanie. Jeanette didn't listen, and of course, Stephanie ratted us out.

Easter morning arrived and Stephanie's Easter basket was literally overflowing with candy. Jeanette and my basket contained a few measly little jelly beans -- a visual lesson in the consequences of snooping. Needless to say...I never snooped again.

Jackson's eyes widened when I told him the story and I told him that I hope the same misfortune does not happen to him. Needless to say...I still think he inherited the snooping gene from me.

Easter Egg dying was fun. Jackson pestered me relentlessly for hours to dye eggs. I finally caved in and we made some pretty neat eggs. Charlie watched with delight and I can't wait for him to help out is big brother next year.








On Saturday, we hit the Wildlife Prairie State Park Easter Bunny Brunch/Egg hunt. While it could never compare to the Rainier Club...it was still a ton of fun for the kids. The brunch was good and they had an Easter Bunny and even some skunks to see too!




That night Brian helped the Easter Bunny write out clues to find the hidden Easter baskets. I absolutely LOVE his clues from the Hippity Hop Corporation. His clues are footnoted with a bunch of hold harmless clauses, which I find hilarious. I hope to save them all and share them with the boys when they are older.

Religiously, Brian and I attended Maundy Thursday and watched the priests reenact the foot washing at the Last Supper. We also attended the Easter Vigil service on Saturday night sans kids, and then hit the 9:00 service on Sunday morning with the kids. Charlie slept through most of the Easter service. Thank goodness we had grandma's blanket! He can't sleep without it.

After church we we rushed home to throw the ham in the oven, do a quick clean, set the table and get the rest of the food ready before the Shanahans joined us for Easter dinner. Meredith (2nd grade) and Jack (pre-K) and Jackson (Kindergarten), all ran around outside searching for more eggs that Brian and John hid. The weather was nice enough that the kids could continue to play outside while the adults enjoyed their dinner. It was great -- ham, green bean casserole, BLT smashed potatoes and brussell sprouts.

During the clean-up, John showed us how to make ham stock with the ham hock. I'm off to the store today to buy carrots, onions and split peas to make homemade soup!

While we couldn't be with extended family, we made the most out of this Easter. Next year should be even more special, as Brian and I intend to go through RCIA at St. Vincents and convert to Catholicism. Our first communion will be next year on Easter!