april 8, 2012

This Easter was totally low-key. Well, until Cannon had an epic meltdown, but I'll get to that later. The boys woke up to the traditional egg trail and Easter baskets.

Then we made a donut run to Krispy Kremes (in our pajamas, of course!)

Next it was time to dye some eggs.  I had seen a few recommendations for the Egg Spinner kit from Dudley so we decided to try that this year.  Overall, it was a hit.  The lid was hard to get on sometimes so the boys did need some help with that.  The eggs would have turned out better if we had taken the time to rinse out the spinner between colors as recommended, but we were too lazy for that!

A certain three-year old was a little heavy-handed with the glitter.

The day ended with a big bummer, aka The Epic Meltdown.  We have really been struggling with Cannon and his control issues lately.    He is insistent on pushing every single boundary that he is given.  He wants to do everything on his own time and in his own way.  I know this stage is part of being three, but he is absolutely taking it to the extreme.  Today, it all started with not wanting to take a nap and then it went downhill from there.  Then it was time to start getting ready to go to Grandpa Rodger and Grandma Anita's house for an egg hunt and Easter dinner and Cannon was being very difficult.  Eric and I were extremely frustrated.  I eventually threw out the "if you don't get dressed NOW, you will not be going to the egg hunt!"  And of course that led to no where and I had to follow through with my threat by Cannon and I staying home.  And of course he was VERY unhappy with that.  The next few hours were tough.  I was questioning my choice and feeling bad that he was missing out on the festivities.  He continued to let me know how upset he was. But in the end I decided it was the best choice to not let Cannon participate.  I wasn't going to let him ruin it for everybody else.  Unfortunately these tests in parenting aren't always going to present themselves at the most opportune times, despite our best efforts.  Sigh.

Luckily, despite all the drama, Charlie went and had a great time.  He egg-hunted, won a game of bocce ball and hung out with the other grandkids.

Although I hope that we don't have to go through another one of these days anytime soon, I do want to remember to keep things simple.  Until the meltdown, we had had a great day just enjoying the holiday and spending time together.  That's what it's all about.