Momma Post: We were anxious to plan another Southern Oregon trip to visit family. Our last visit had been back in November. This trip was
particularly special because we were able to celebrate Easter with three great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and, Cousin Jack.
Ruby and Willa hadn't seen Cousin Jack for awhile...but both girls warmed up quickly to his charm. Jack and Ruby were throwing rocks into the creek in no time. A game of tag and "tackle Matt" also broke the ice. Jack was very gentle and loving with Willa. He was surprise to see that "babies eat Easter candy, too".
Uncle Tom hosted Easter dinner on Saturday evening. We were thrilled that Grandpa Doyle, John, and
Wajma joined us. I brought a little bit of the Anderson family down with us...as I shared the
hashbrown casserole and horseradish jello mold recipes. Tom made a lovely ham. That evening while Matt visited with the Stockton's at Doyle's house, Aunt Joan, Ruby, and I watched The Sound of Music (have I shared how much Ruby loves musicals). After Ruby finally went to bed, Joan and I filled the plastic eggs with candy.
Sunday morning after breakfast, Aunt Mary Jean, Matt, and I laid out the eggs for the
Dube' Family Egg Hunt. Mary Jean is my aunt that is amazing with the kid-related activities of any holiday. She was responsible for all of my generation's cousins' stockings at Christmas time. It was fun preparing the baskets and hiding the eggs with her...it was like watching a professional on the job. Grandma Martha and Grandpa Jack had front row seats and were entertained by the kids running around filling their baskets. Cousin Jack was great with the Ruby and Willa. He focused on the eggs up high or in harder to find spots.
The best part...the Easter Bunny made a surprise visit!!!! Hence the title of this blog post coined by Matt. A son of one of the retirement community residents dressed up for the occasion. The Donny Darko reference is to a movie with a creepy bunny costume character, although according to the girls, anything in costume is a little suspect. Both Grandma Martha and Cousin Jack received furry hugs. Ruby preferred to shake the Easter Bunny's paw. Willa wasn't exactly sure what to think.
We finally toured Aunt Joan's new condo, close to Grandma and Grandpa in Jacksonville. So beautiful with the tile, dark hardwood floors, and recessed lighting.
Before we hit the road, we had one last visit with the Stockton contingency. John and Wajma gave the girls adorable Easter gift bags with candy and vegetable garden seeds (fabulous). The favorite item was the parachute bunny and egg, which John and Matt enjoyed as much, if not more, than the girls. Although, Ruby did have fun running around to catch the falling parachutes.
The drive home was what you'd expect with a 3- and 1-year old. They took turns crying and we also had the simultaneous wailing for a stretch of the road. Ruby officially whined "Willa's touching me". Ruby played beauty shop by spitting in her hands and rubbing it in her hair for shampoo (Grandma Myrtle would have been proud). We also had both girls removing their shoes/socks and throwing socks at Mom/Dad. Matt and I have pretty much
perfected "the zone" mentality. Matt focuses on his "happy place" and I practice my lead foot when behind the wheel. Home now and really happy we were able to spend this Easter in Southern Oregon.
