Neighborhood Egg Hunt '09

This our third-annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. There were about 40 kids ranging in ages from 6 months to 13 years. There were homemade treats, juice, fruit and snacks as well as activities like egg dying, races, and a friendly Dad's competition. The kids had a superb time and we came home ready for a nap! These were just a few of Madeline's eggs; she ended up with a full basket. Mason had great time picking up each egg, opening it, taking out the candy and throwing the empty egg back on the grass. Next year he'll understand better what the concept of an "egg hunt" is. The kids had 4 different buckets of color to choose from to dye their eggs. We put differing widths of rubber bands around our eggs before dipping them to create designs. To be honest, I was hoping Mason wouldn't remember how fun it is to throw eggs! I was in charge of handling them for this event. These were some of the kids. If you'll notice the poster hanging in the background, you will see how the hunt was regulated. We have so many little ones that it was important to allow them to find their own eggs without being trampled by the bigger kids. So, Mason found pink eggs, mostly scattered on the grass and path while Madeline found orange and green eggs hidden in and under the bushes. We have always had success with this method. And the older kids get to climb on structures and scale walls to get their eggs. What fun.

If you were to ask Madeline what the true meaning of Easter is she would readily tell you that it is NOT about eggs and bunnies. She would tell you that it is the day we celebrate Jesus' rising from the dead and that He died on the cross for our sins. Jay and I are amazed how the Lord can open the eyes of her understanding, even when she is so young. We continually pray that He will bless her and Mason with the faith that leads to salvation.