Belated Easter

Well, Easter has come and gone and I have been very good and not put myself into a chocolate induced coma (yet). Whilst I do not celebrate the religious aspects of Easter, I understand its importance to many and respect the symbolism. I also understand the practical aspects of Shrove Tuesday and Lent. Truly, its an odd little holiday - whilst I always got eggs growing up, there was never really more to mark the day than that (no egg rolling and the Easter bunny was a novelty and not a thing, I suppose my parents felt that, like Christmas, Easter has the possibility of getting completely out of hand), so its something that's uniquely become personal to me as an adult.

I digress. My favourite traditions of Easter are simple. My husband and I have, for the last ten years now, enjoyed 'dippy eggs and soldiers' as our brunch (a tradition Missy terribly enjoys - I don't know why, but she is daft on boiled eggs). This is Missys third Easter with us and we always try and get out to Beecraigs for the Easter trail. We managed that on the Monday this year (sadly no organised trail, but they have just opened a new information centre) and watched all the families rolling eggs down the big hill and Missy did her best to eat up all the discarded pieces!

 

I always go overboard with baking. This year I didn't really bother with eggs (my niece and nephew received some house warming bits as we were meant to be going to see my sisters new house, but that plan was cancelled last minute). I made mini-egg rocky road and creme egg tiffin, as well as the classic birds nests. I made them on top of cupcakes this year as, though I really do enjoy the nests, they can quickly become too much. There was also some chocolate cupcakes, but I didn't photograph those.

 

We did have our Easter Bonnet contest! Now in its second year, my family are keen to make a tradition of it. Sadly my nephew had picked up a stomach bug, hence the venue change, and couldn't join us (his hat was brought along in his stead and, no, it wasn't too much chocolate - I jokingly suggested such and received such an affronted tirade from my sister that next time I will stay silent!) To everyone's delight, my Manchester based niece also joined in with a photo entry. My brother agreed to be the independent adjudicator this year (it was such a hit with the kids that he wants to do one next year, so this years winner will judge next year) and I'm afraid to say that Missy and I came in joint last. 

I like to think that Missy and I have better taste than he! With my mother having won, and her love of tat, next year I'm going to have to do something really ridiculous. I have some ideas, but none seem overkill enough.

Although Missys bonnet I'll keep neat and pretty and simple.

Much like the traditions I enjoy most.