The true meaning of Easter was always talked about in our household and preparing the celebration of the Resurrection was a busy time. There was the sunrise celebration, the egg hunt in the park and this year the boss and his family were coming to dinner.

After weeks of baking and cooking, I collapsed into a chair the night before Easter.

I was watching my four year old twins play with their cars on the floor with their older brother and I realized I had taught them the important things but had neglected their fantasy life and the joy of childhood wonder.

“I wonder if that darn rabbit is going to sniff around again this year…” I mused. Suddenly I had the full attention of the three boys.

“What rabbit.” queried the eldest?

“Well, every year when I get up to make coffee on Easter morning; I see the tail end of a rabbit hopping out the back door.” I said.

Eyes popped open wide.

“I wonder if we could catch him,” I said.

For the next hour we plotted and planned. I got out a cardboard box. The boys balanced it on a ruler. The eldest tied string around the ruler and I tied the other end of the string around a carrot. We set and reset the trap. Everyone had a turn grabbing the carrot and having their hand trapped in the box as it fell.

“Okay guys, its bedtime.” I stated. “We have a busy day tomorrow.”

Reluctantly the boys readied for bed.

After the teeth brushing, story reading, prayers, kisses and tucking in, I ducked into the closet and grabbed the baskets I had prepared for the boys. A few more minor preparations and Mom and Dad were also settled in for the night.

I awoke to the sound of feet padding from the bedrooms. Excited but hushed whispers echoed down the hallway. I nudged my husband awake and we snuck around the corner.

The boys stood in silent awe in the middle of the living room. White paw prints and foil wrapped eggs were scattered over the carpet. The ruler was askew and the box was planted firmly on the floor. My husband and I snuck back to our room and pretended to be just waking up.

“Momma, Momma, Momma! “The twins squealed as they ran to our room.

“Mom, Pop, I think you better get up” prompted the eldest.

“What happened here!?” their father played along.

“Oh, my gosh, boys! “ I exclaimed. “It looks like that rabbit got into my flour in the kitchen and tracked it all over the place, but I think we might have caught him in the box! Who wants to lift it up and see?”

The boys simultaneously stepped back from the box.

“Well, I think I better take a peek here.” Said their Dad kneeling on the floor. Carefully my husband lifted the box about an inch off the floor on one side. “Yep, somethings in there all right. I think I saw a fluffy white tail.”

Curiosity caused them to inch closer again.

“Blue, you’re the oldest, I think you better lift up the box,” I declared.

Blue placed his hands on either side of the box. He bent to lift it up.

“Thump, thump, thump.” My husband kicked at the coffee table leg. The twins’ eyes were as big as saucers. I put my hand over my mouth to stop from laughing. Already my eyes were watering from the strain of stifled laughter.

The carrot was gone.

The box came straight up as Blue lifted it.

Something rattled. Something thumped. A flash of white fur and both toddlers sat down abruptly on the floor.

Perched on top of three sparkling baskets filled with trinkets and candy sat a stuffed bunny with a sign around his neck that said “Happy Easter!”

Amid the rustle of cellophane, oohs and ahs, and reminders that breakfast comes before candy, I turned heading toward the kitchen to make coffee. I poured the last bit of flour on the paper plate into the compost bin. I wondered how long it would take to vacuum the prints off the rug.

May each and every one have a joyful Easter!

Prints: pour flour or talc on a paper plate. Dip three first fingers in and transfer to flat surface (carpet or floor). Make two sets about five inches apart. Curl your fingers in making a half-fist. Press the pinkie side of your hand in the flour or talc and transfer print just below second set of three- finger print to complete back paw print.