Easter Eggs
We colored Easter eggs today. We actually used one box of egg dye that we bought last Easter and, for some frugal reason, saved for a whole year in our kitchen cupboard. I probably saved it more because I really like that dying method than because I didn’t want to waste the $2.49. Anyway, dying eggs with Ian and Lucas was great fun.
A whole bunch of colored Easter eggs is somehow very uplifting for me. Maybe it’s the colors—the diversity of pastels and brights, patches and tie-dye mixes all peacefully cohabiting the basket or egg carton that fills me with such joy. Maybe it’s the fact that they are lovely little goddess packages on a “Christian” holiday that I like so much. I guess it could simply be joyful childhood anticipation of hunting the eggs on Easter, even though I’m a grown-up now. This Easter, I am eager to see Lucas enjoy the family traditions.
Anyway, we used little packets of bright dye and little plastic baggies to make “tie-dyed” eggs. Place a couple of drops of dye in a baggie, add one hard-boiled egg, and squish the baggie around the egg until the egg is covered with the desired harmony of colors. It’s a method that Lucas could do quite successfully without getting dye all over the place and the resulting eggs were gorgeous and bright. (Much brighter than the standard vinegar/dye soaking method, and also much quicker results!)
Ian couldn’t resist purchasing another dye package, despite the fact that we had one already, though. This one involved little sponges that you dipped into the dye and sponged onto the egg’s shell. Lucas had a little more trouble with this one—or rather, I should say it was messy, and he loved it. It required a lighter touch than he is really capable of right now. Still, the eggs were cute. We colored two dozen eggs.
Most importantly, it was a wonderful way to spend the morning together. A little later Grandpa Glen came over and presented Lucas with an Easter basket. It came with a fluffy white bunny and a ton of candy. Lucas was very pleased to see him, and very excited about the candy—most of which disappeared, mysteriously…
