bunnies and eggs and chicks oh my!

i have always loved easter, with its festive springtime displays, but i never really knew what to do with it. i have always dreamt of doing a sort of "sunday service" out in nature or in our backyard, representing the ageless dramas of the gods and goddesses, the passage of time, the secrets of the seasons. a little spiritual connection made possible by a day given special resonance by our present day culture. 

and i do hope to incorporate some meaningful ceremonies as the girls get older. but for now, with these babies about, it's just colored eggs and baskets of goodies and fun. a big old spring celebration!

the big morning:

lucy is still too young to conceptualize a giant bunny coming and bringing treats, but she sure had fun looking through her basket nonetheless. and i, of course, gave into the consumerist trickery and bought the girls bathing suits on clearance at target, along with some other impractical hogwash for which i quickly felt regret.

but the best-loved easter gifts were the vintage berenstain bear figurines i got on ebay, and the barn animal set i got from etsy.

and of course, a new (used) book, which promptly required reading.

and then on with easter dresses and bonnets!

we had friends and family over for a little brunch celebration. emily is on a special diet due to her baby's colic, so i made a gluten-free, dairy-free coconut cake for the occasion. it turned out pretty dang good! i followed this recipe.

all the spring chicks were in attendance!

arlo born february 4, polly born january 5, and scout born february 7.

both my mom and addie brought gorgeous flowers from their yards. a green thumb runs in my family: why didn't i get it?!! but at least i get to appreciate their bounty!

ade and utah. he is 15 months old now, starting to talk, and such a great playmate for lucy! they adore each other.

becky and arlo. he is a sweet, mellow, BIG baby!

zack and polly did some bonding during the egg hunt.

there were three participants in the easter egg hunt:

but only one who would enthusiastically proclaim, "I'm on a mission!" as he ran for each one!

nana brought all the babies new books to read in the sun.

and the poppies were in full bloom for easter.

my pretty cupcake!

having babies around on easter really reminds you what it's all about: creation, fertility, hope, new life. the love that binds us all together, on a planet that requires our care and thoughtful respect. birthing and raising babies, we hope to be contributing to a legacy of love. 

hope you all had a beautiful day!