I’ve heard of some big white bunny who hides eggs in bushes and bedrooms, but at our house we have a little pink one scattering candy throughout the yard.
Watch out, she throws it around pretty recklessly.
While Pinkie Pie does the hiding, the big boys take on the serious work of reading Sunday comics.
We take both papers just to insure we don’t miss a single funny. Hmm, you think they’d at least crack a smile.
I don’t know why I blog this, it’s always the same, every year– the rush at the bottom of the stairs, jelly beans behind picture frames, chocolate eggs in the windowsill and chocolate carrots hanging from the lamps and cabinet knobs.
Gabe finds the Cadbury jackpot between the piano keys.
Mary gets a lift.
Ah, there are some advantages to knowing where everything is hidden.
Once inside, everyone takes a careful inventory of their haul. Each child must have four chocolate carrots; nothing else matters. Inevitably we have some sort of crying, yelling scene until the person harboring five carrots hands over the hidden contraband.
Next, Mary sets up her candy store.
She does a brisk business offering generous trades and numerous giveaways.
Everyone is happy,
Until Mary realizes she just traded her last Kit Kat away. :'( The boys replenished her stock pretty quickly.
Stefan avoids the fray– eating an apple and watching the candy wars while he reads.
Soon, it’s time to set the table and make our traditional Easter dinner– pasta primavera, strawberry spinach salad, popovers (like the empty tomb, you know) with chocolate bunny cake for dessert. I love using my mom’s fancy dishes and tablecloth.
Laughing with Grandpa Fritz.
A rare photo of Erik and his mom.
Even pink bunnies load the dishwasher.
Admiring old photo albums between dinner and cake.
We miss our Benjamin Bunny.
These photos may look just like last years’ Easter– the cake, the window display, the hunt– but I love tradition. And if I ever have a household where everyone is too mature to wear bunny ears or fight over chocolate carrots I may break down and cry.
Hope your Easter was filled with love, happiness and a least a few chocolate bunnies.
Anne Marie
Absolutely lovely. I love the telling of the chocolate carrots. Your kids are so lucky to have those Easter traditions.
Tasha
I’ve always loved your mom’s dishes – they are so magical. And we have those same Anthropologie bowls (in your dishwasher photo) in almost all the same colors. You have great taste in dishes 😉
Cath
Oh my goodness, so delightful Michelle! I love your celebration, the smiles, your chocolate bunny (wow.) I struck out with Easter dresses this year, but little Miss Mary found a gorgeous one! All of you are beautiful and inspiring. xoxo
Tracy
Those chocolate carrots were the prize in our home this year too. Pretty sure Jed stashed them all somewhere.
Anne Marie
Michelle, have you ever heard of a documentary called “5000 Days Project: Two Brothers”? It’s available to watch on the BYU TV website, and we just finished it. The older brother kind of reminded me of your oldest who’s on a mission right now. It was amazing just in case you hadn’t gotten to watch it yet. Thank you again for the beautiful person you are.
Claudia
I love your traditions and that you take the time to journal it year after year! It’s amazing. I want to shop decor with you next time we’re out and about. And dresses too, of course!xoxo
Melody
I would kill (have killed, but hid the body) for those Lindt Hazelnut Chocolate carrots. They are a tradition in our home to. My kids simply think they’re “fun” . . . they have no idea.
I’m kidding about the killing thing, of course. And with this post being about Easter and all, that’s probably really offensive to someone.
Rachelle
Wonderful photos to warm my heart. Your Easter dinner sounds fabulous!
martha corinna
Oh my, that easter dress! My daughters would be in heaven…and the chocolate bunny cake. You are a dream mom Michelle. Seriously.
I think of you often too. I am so envious of your chickens and your bees.
Kayci
Michelle,
I don’t know you, I found your blog from my friend, Heidi (McMurray) Barton’s blog. I have fallen in love with it.
I wanted to thank you for being an example for good to me. I love how you are able to convey the positive, lovely, inspiring, and important things in your life even though there are other rough things. You photography is beautiful, and your mothering seems extrodinary. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your life. I am a better person for it.
Kayci