Happy Easter

Each of the holidays we have spent here have turned out to be pleasantly fun and meaningful.  I think people go above and beyond here when it comes to holidays in the compound because certain ones are forbidden by law from being celebrated for religious reasons.  Being forbidden to do or say something only makes one want to do it even more... strange how that works. 

So this was our first Easter here in Saudi. The entire weekend has been very fun and exciting with friends and egg hunts and craft activities and lots and lots of candy and running around until we were dead tired. It has been really wonderful.

We've also done a few things for ourselves, for our own little family. Now that Madeline is a little bit older and can understand a little bit more, the holidays have been really exciting for her.  I've tried to teach her the meaning of these religious holidays - what they are really all about - but I think this is more of an endeavor I will attempt next year because I get two seconds into an explaination and she is too busy making her toes talk to each other.

I remember in elementary school, on St. Patrick's Day, a teacher of mine once put little green footprints all over the walls and desks to make it look like a leprechaun had visited while we were away to lunch or recess.  So I took that idea and painted little rabbit paws all over our floor. 

Madeline was totally blown away, slightly concerned (that a rabbit could get in our house from the back door), and genuinely impressed with the display.

She spent a good amount of time trying to rub the footprints off the floor and seeing if she could hop in the same exact place as the bunny did. 

Mr. E. Rabbit left her some lovely Eastery shakers, some candy, and some lovely new jewelry.  He also decided to take a little taste of Kitty's food apparently. 

And then, rumor has it, he just POOF! Disappeared to go back to the forest and prepare for next year(because mommy was sick of painting feet at that point).

We actually celebrated Easter on Friday morning because that is our "Sunday" here in Saudi Arabia.  It crept up kind of fast on us.  On the real Easter, a work day for Paul and a school day for Mads, we basically had a regular day.  But every day with my cute little family is a holiday, and every day we remember those who have sacrificed so we can have a better life. Happy Easter!