Easter Egg HuntS...

I decided I wanted to take Z to at least one Easter Egg Hunt this year, to see how she would do. Last year's hunt didn't turn out too well. She was only 18 months and it was freezing cold. We arrived early and they were late getting started, so combining those factors with the patience of a 1-year-old, wasn't good. She wanted to get the one and only bottle of bubbles that they threw out there. Luckily it was right in front of us, but when the horn sounded, a little kid ran and grabbed them, leaving Zoie upset and in tears, while she proceeded to lay on the ground and cry and refused to hunt for any more. I was able to grab a couple, but it just wasn't an experience pleasurable enough to remember.

However, with her being a year older and more understanding, I explained the situation to her. She had a good grasp on what was to be expected. She knew that there would be other kids there, and if someone took something she wanted she would just have to find something else. I told her we would have to share with our friends and to not get upset. She said she wouldn't and she would "run fast and get bunches of eggs".

We arrived early as the computer said 10:15 am and when we got there it was scheduled for 10:45. We were able to walk around and take pictures with the Easter Bunny, register for door prizes and get a couple free eggs from local churches who were advertising.

When it was getting close to time, we went over to the area where the 1-2 year olds were to be. The other age groups had already gone, so her group was the last one left. They had a large area roped off next to the community center. There was a very large turnout, and lots of children impatiently waiting for the horn to sound. Zoie wanted to go early, but I told her no, we had to wait. She accepted it. We scoped out the goods and looked to see what she would want. And of course, in front of us was the one and only bottle of bubbles. Joy. I was getting a flash-back of last year, and was dreading the outcome if she didn't get it. I told her not to get upset if someone took them, and she seemed to understand.

Finally, the horn sounded and we were off. Zoie did get the bubbles, so I was relieved. She also got two big packages of Peeps and a small shovel. I decided to be smart and took her to the very back of the roped off area, so she was able to get some without other kids around. We moved over to the flower bed, and she collected some there. I was so proud of her because there was another little girl getting eggs and Zoie shared hers with the girl. Within two minutes the yard was cleared, and it was over. Zoie was pleased with her loot. Unfortunately, all of the candy she got was bubble gum and Now or Laters, all candy she couldn't eat. But she was content with her bubbles. And so was I.

After her age group's hunt, there was an "All Ages" hunt too. It was a large hunt, and open to everyone. There was a sign saying "Ages 3 and Up", but I figured we would let Zoie try since she did so well at her Group's hunt. We waited for a couple minutes, and they sounded the horn. There were a lot of older kids that ran. I didn't think I could go and help her, so I stayed back. However, I should have. When the kids ran, Zoie got scared and turned around and cried. I felt so bad. I shouldn't have sent her out there. There were some eggs close to where we were, but after the "big kids" got them, there weren't any left. She didn't get a single egg. This is what I saw:

My poor baby. I felt horrible. There were a couple of ladies who threw a few eggs in front of her so she would get some, but she didn't even want to pick them up. Her poor little feelings were hurt. So I thanked them and got the eggs for Zoie. I carried her to the car. Once we got there, she was just fine. She wanted her "Momma" and so I sat next to her and let Dad drive. We opened her eggs and looked at all of her goodies. She was happy. I guess I shouldn't push my baby growing up so fast.

At 2:00 pm there was another Egg Hunt at a local church by my parent's house. I invited Josh and his son Skylar. They had a small 'service' where the kids sang songs, they had a skit and watched a movie on getting saved. Most of the kids had no clue what they were talking about, but I know the church had good intentions. I don't think anyone knew we were going to a sermon, so most of the kids ran around the sanctuary. Finally after about 20-30 minutes, they broke the kids up into groups: toddler - Pre-K, Pre-K to 2nd grade, and then 2nd and Up. Zoie's age group had a ton of kids, so by the time it was all said and done, she only got 9 eggs. But she had fun and so did Skylar, so that is what counts.

Overall, it was a great day. We may try some more next weekend. :)

Love,
Lindsay