Easter

It was his third Easter, but the funnest yet. Being 2 1/2 and hunting for eggs was far more fun this time than the other two he's lived through. We have a deal at our house that since Halloween/Samhain is a major pagan holiday for me it's spent with my family. Easter being more of a Christian holiday, and since I already have Ostara, is spent with my in laws. It works out well. The only downfall is that our son is the only young child on my husband's side, so he is the only one looking for eggs. Until his sister comes along that is.

Since we paint eggs for Ostara, I just hide a few plain white eggs for him. That way he will be able to differentiate the two holidays a little better, instead of thinking we celebrate Easter at home twice. So, he wakes up at home Easter morning to an Easter basket from us, followed by a short white egg hunt. Then it's time to get ready and head to the in laws house.

This year we went to my husband's aunt's house to celebrate. He usually gets an Easter basket from his Nino (my brother-in-law) and from my husband's parents. My parent's make him one also... we just have to pick it up on another day. He also got one from my husband's other aunt. The boy sure makes out with gifts at all holidays. He is a spoiled one. Spoiled with love! And now we are overloaded with candy and chocolate. We usually get a basket also which is pretty much just chocolate and candy. My weakness.

He got to find about 30 eggs. Much more than the 6 he had at home, but he also had far more space to hunt around in over there. He got them all and collected even more candy, and some cash too! He loves adding money to his piggy banks.

He had a great time wearing his bunny ears, eating candy, and playing with all his family members. Another Easter down. How long will the candy last...?

Griffith Park Adventure

My Mother-in-Law is a teacher. So naturally, when spring break rolled around, she had it off too. I thought it was a great opportunity to go out and do something on a weekday together, avoiding the crowds. I've gotten spoiled with that timing being a stay at home mom, and I used to be home schooled also. What I haven't gotten through my head after all these years, is that ALL THE KIDS are out of school during spring break. HA HA! I find it funny because having my birthday on March 30, I have often had to celebrate with the crowds of spring break, and I still haven't learned to remember this small fact. We attempted plans still and headed out to the L.A. Zoo. My son is a major fan of any and all animals, and we knew he'd have a great time.

It had been about a year since I took him with my friend and her kids. Still, he recognized the front of the place and started shouting, "ANIMALS" as soon as we got there. While he was doing that, we were driving around in shock at how packed all the parking lots were. Even if we could find a spot to park, along with the other 40 people searching for one, then we'd have all those people to deal with inside. It didn't seem worth it, not to mention the parking wasn't even guaranteed. So, we decided to take advantage of some of the other Griffith Park attractions my son hasn't had a chance to experience yet. The pony rides, and the train. They have a great carousel there as well, but he had been on it before and neither of us were interested in spinning in circles this day.

He asked for the animals the whole day... but he still managed to enjoy himself. It's hard for a two year old to wait in line, but we made it through and he got is fun train ride. After that we went on a cart ride pulled by horses and then waited for the pony rides. He really liked being on the ponies. We were happy he was able to have some fun and enjoy himself, but still felt bad he didn't get to see what we had gone for. Another time, I'll make sure he gets to see the zoo. Unfortunately, I don't know if my mother-in-law will get the chance to go. Maybe I can convince her to play hooky one day.

Easy Handmade Easter Baskets

In order to be able to give to everyone when we celebrate a holiday with the family, we try to make cute crafty gifts that are affordable for us. The family gives us so much, and we try our best to give back to them also. It makes our son happy to paint anything, so this crafts was very exciting for him. One day we will have more money, but even then I plan to make crafty gifts all the time. They just might be more advanced and detailed.

We bought some paper cups at the party store. 24 for $1.99. Then I had my son paint spring colors all over the outsides (and he also covered the insides). I attached a pipe cleaner to each one to create a handle. Together we filled them half with fake basket grass (25 cents for one package was all we needed) and half with Easter chocolates which we paid about $5 for (with some leftovers for us to snack on)



This simple and super easy craft cost us less then $8.00 and everyone loves getting cute handmade gifts from our son. We can be sure no one else will show up with the same gifts anyway, these are unique.