Is Easter still Easter if I can't eat any candy?

Well, fortunately we didn't have to address such a weighty dilemma, as everyone was just sufficiently recovered from a stomach bug to enjoy Easter goodies.  After Easter certain anonymous family members had to avoid caffeine, sugar, fats, and dairy -- basically everything that makes life worth living -- and go on a BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for a couple days.  But we still had a mini Easter feast (thanks to Mr. Pickles).  By Saturday I was feeling recovered enough even to make Kulich, a traditional Easter bread.

my tulips bloomed just in time!

Miriam was the only one who stayed healthy while the rest of us were in various stages of recovery, so the poor kid had to entertain herself.  She did so very profitably, I believe: she made Easter decorations.

these are all her own ideas

 They add a nice seasonal touch to the dining room.

 

 The kids waited very patiently Easter morning for me finally to drag myself out of bed before they started on their Easter egg hunt.  The Easter bunny very sneakily hid their baskets as well as their eggs.

although perhaps the Easter Bunny should have remembered that there are ants near the front door and that ants really, really like sugary things like jelly beans...  (white powder is borax to disperse the ant super-highway)

Smokey helped us look.

it is very hard taking a non-blurry photo of a bunny in natural lighting

Daniel helped too.

The Easter Bunny thoughtfully brought some treats that Daniel could have, so he got to enjoy some Easter goodies along with everyone else.

mmm, yogurt bites...

Joseph, however, did not help look -- he is not his best self before breakfast.

But all the eggs were eventually found -- although some not until later in the day.  Chocolate and peeps were consumed in large quantities, along with Kulich and sausage and coffee.  Mr. Pickles wasn't feeling the best, so he stayed home with Mr. Sourpuss and I took the girls (and Daniel) to Mass. 

what a good-looking family!

Easter dinner was very simple, but still delicious.  I was feeling just well enough to make dinner, but not so well to make a big production out of it.  In some ways that was a grace -- I was forced to keep things simple and therefore not stress out!  

And even though we weren't able to make it to the Triduum as a family, we were still able to celebrate Easter in our domestic church in a way that made an impression on the kids.  To drive home the fact that It's Easter!, we also let the kids watch movies and play Wii for a good part of the day.

Christ is Risen, Allelulia!