Egg-cellent Weekend

It was Easter Weekend, and as has become our fashion, I tried to make the holiday as special as possible.  I joined Pinterest not too long ago and used Easter as an opportunity to try out some of the things I had been pinning.

Side note--is it just me or is it a little flattering and validating when a whole bunch of people re-pin something you pinned?

About a week ago I realized Easter was coming up quickly and decided to make plans.  I decided to invite my brother (who joined us last year) and my sister and her fiance for brunch.  On Friday Linus and I baked chocolate pudding cookies with robin eggs to enjoy ourselves and also make as goodie bags for our guests.  They didn't turn out as pretty as the pictures, but were quite tasty.

On Saturday we met up with some of our PEPs friends at the Woodland Park Zoo for the Bunny Bounce.

Linus could be heard repeatedly singing, "Hippity Hop Easter's on its way."

waiting for the "hunt" to begin

Here's my advice on the Woodland Park Zoo egg hunt.  Skip it unless you have no other options.  First, there were hoards of people.   After waiting in line for 45 minutes, they let you in and make you wait another 15 minutes.  The eggs are all out in the open on the grass.  Here's the kicker--the eggs are empty!!  Linus kept opening the eggs wondering what was up.  After the kids fill their baskets, they dump the eggs into a large bucket as they exit.  Apparently, there was candy at a table but we never saw it.  We attempted to visit some of the zoo exhibits, but the abnormally large crowds made viewing nearly impossible.  It was all one big overwhelming disappointment :(

We didn't let the egg hunt set back our Easter fun.  Linus and I did some quality egg dyeing.  I bought little bunny egg grippers which let Linus dye the eggs more independently.

 Easter morning brought lots of candy, excited children, and viewing Easter specials while Eileen took a morning nap.  Mass was surprisingly full of excitement.  The parish did a really nice job of conducting a children's mass.  Sometime right after the Memorial Acclamation, the little boy sitting next to us vomited all over himself and the floor.  I was quick to offer baby wipes.  We came out of mass to discover a fire truck (an elderly person started having difficulties).

Linus and I have had a number of discussions about Easter, God, and Jesus.  He informed me that if God asked him to die that he would say no, which I assured him I completely understood, and led to a larger discussion about how doing what is right is often difficult.

Back at home, I got busy with brunch.

our Easter goodie bags and leftover robin eggs

Linus was happy to pose as long as his basket was in the picture.  The Easter Bunny brought him a rubber snake and crocodile, which he LOVED.

We did our own hunt with our dyed eggs.  The Easter Bunny brought Eileen the bird clip in her hair.

Batman was on hand to help.

I am really proud of how brunch turned out and was excited to have an excuse to use the good china.  The menu was mimosas, lemon brioche french toast, spinach egg potato gruyere frittata, and maple bacon.  My brother, Tim, stayed through dinner and bedtime, and was treated to a dinner of apricot chicken, honey cinnamon glazed carrots, parmesan risotto, and rolls.  Needless to say, our bellies are full.  I loved spending Easter with some of my siblings. The kids loved the candy and attention. Dave loved the food, especially the french toast, bacon, and risotto.  It makes me feel good when I can impress him with my cooking.  I am so glad so many people blog, without them I would never discover all the best recipe ideas.