Backtracking: Easter

Due to the afore-mentioned modem incident, I didn't get to post about the wonderful Easter we enjoyed. So for posterity's sake, here you go.



The Friday before Easter, we were invited to the Rogers family annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Wow, do they know how to throw a party! There were glowsticks, all manner of refreshments, bottomless hot cocoa, a bonfire (complete with campfire songs,) and the main event: a scramble for some 1500 candy-filled eggs scattered/hidden across five properties on the block. And because for kids everything is more fun in the dark, they waited until well after sunset to let the children loose with flashlights. I accompanied Grace, who had no trouble whatsoever catching on to the idea. Eggs contain candy. Must get lots of eggs.

"I see egg! I see egg!" she cried again and again, scooping them up while I "helped" by spotlighting the next egg in our path with my flashlight. Each time she picked one up, she shook it to make sure there was something inside. Occasionally, she found one that didn't make a sound because the candy was packed too tightly. Then she would put it back and say "It doesn't work." Not one to waste time on mute eggs, that girl.



On Saturday, we hid Easter baskets sent by Grandpa and GranMary around the house for the children to find. It took Jacob quite a while to find his in our laundry hamper. Marty and I were glad to see the hunt last longer than 2 minutes.



Sunday morning, the children discovered that the Easter bunny (disguised as our fantastic neighbor Thelma) had visited our front porch and left gifts. Candy, dyed eggs, cookies, and even little toys. Grace was especially taken with the tiny orange chick. We have the best neighbors!



On Sunday evening, I served our traditional Easter dinner. We ate our simple meal of lamb, homemade matzah, haroset, roasted eggs, bitter herbs, karpas, and harosset on the floor with no utensils. Each item served has symbolic meaning (some dating back thousands of years to the first Passover meal,) and as we ate each food, we talked about what it represents. Then we watched a video about the Savior's crucifixion and resurrection. The children asked many insightful questions and I think they felt the peaceful, joyous spirit of this special day.