Easter Unexpectations

Good morning! I hope everyone had an exciting Easter. We Dungans sure did, although I sure learned a lot. I was not an only child, however, all of my siblings were more than 15 years my senior. So, for all practical purposes, I really have spent the bulk of my time as an only child. I never really had any competition. I was always it. From this perspective, having three children has very much been a learning experience for me. It is especially evident to me on holidays. I am amazed at the issues that arise. Lynley has not lived my sheltered "single child" existence so she is more prepared than I but I think the 3 twerp combo even throws her for a loop on occasion.

I must be honest and tell you that although I am an adult I still don't exactly understand what the Easter Bunny has to do with the resurrection of Christ. I could come up with several scenarios in my mind, but frankly, I don't think any of them are right. Regardless, I try to avoid having that conversation with the kids and stick to the stuff in print.

Easter morning went perfectly. Expecting a rainy day, the Easter Bunny had called ahead and asked us to leave a door unlocked so that he could hide the eggs inside. Just so you know, the kids were confused as to why he didn't come down the chimney like Santa Claus. Yet, another answer I was not prepared to give. Regardless, other than that snafu, everything went off like a hitch. The Easter Bunny got in and out without being seen and our living room, dining room, and kitchen were busting with little plastic eggs. He even left them with 3 Easter baskets jam packed with candy, chocolate and toys. Oddly enough he must also get some of his inventory from the dollar store because all of the kiddos got some of their favorite merchandise. I am guessing that the Easter Bunny must have a large group of garden gnomes helping him just like Santa has elves. I just can't see how a lone rabbit could get this all done by himself. None the less, the kids were ecstatic.

The Easter egg hunt is where everything seemed to go a bit downhill. You see, this is where my "single child" edumification has failed me. I knew that Sydney would find the most eggs but I also knew that she was a pretty conscientious kiddo. I knew I could slow her down and convince her to help her younger siblings. Ainsley is the third child and scrappy. Nothing gets her down. I knew she would dive right in and race for the eggs. What I was surprised with was Graham. The boy operated in slow motion. I have never seen anything like it. It was like he was in a trance and by the time he made it across the room to an egg it was almost certainly scooped up by someone else. Of course this led to tears and all kinds of issues. A minute into the hunt and Sydney's basket was almost full, Ainsley's was halfway there, and Graham's had about 3 eggs and he was sniveling. I did my best to help Graham but he just couldn't seem to get it in gear. Next year I think we will have to work with the Easter Bunny to work on another system because this just was not working for Graham. The pressure and competition was just way too much.

On one hand, I wanted to help him feel better but I would be lying if I did not tell you that I also wanted him to suck it up. What can I say? This threw both of us for a loop. Given the fact that this was a holiday I pretty much let it slip. Next year, though, he will be going through Easter Egg Hunt Boot Camp. I will train the boy. I will send him on practice hunts while shooting firecrackers over his head and playing the sounds of girls laughing in the background.

We will get him there.

It is all part of the purpose.