The smell of the first spring rain, the sound of birds chirping outside my bedroom window in the old oak trees, and the hint of warm air blowing through my shag-style haircut reminds me, as a child, that Easter and spring were near. It was the time of year to anticipate playing outside again and feeling the sunlight on our pale faces after a long, icy winter. 

Dad would bring our banana seat bikes down from our storage barn (mine was yellow with a sparkly seat!) and made sure they were in good working order. They needed to be in tip-top shape with the many miles we anticipated riding them all summer long. Mom’s project would be working inside getting ready for our Easter celebration. My siblings and I were excited when our wicker baskets were brought down from the storage bin in the back porch attic. We scrambled to find the one we wanted to leave for the bunny and, most importantly, did we want pink, yellow, blue, or green-colored Easter grass to lay in the bottom of our basket?

As kids, the Easter Bunny was certainly the highlight of the spring season. He hid our baskets and would always be filled with the perfect surprises and treats! Of course, there would be a big chocolate bunny anchoring the middle. Surrounding him would be goodies like egg-shaped bubble gum, a new jump rope, or maybe a set of jacks. One year I remember receiving a decorated purple sugared egg with a little Easter scene inside. It was so delicate and beautiful! Even as we grew older, the Bunny still knew how to pack a basket because I recall receiving my very own hairdryer! 

It was exciting as spring approached and our neighborhood awakened. You saw Moms and Dads outside starting to plant flowers, kids coming together to play the first kickball game of the year, and driveways filled with bikes. There was nothing like those first spring days with my best friend, Jan munching on our chocolate bunnies in the warmth of the sun playing a game of hopscotch. Happy Easter! Happy Spring! 

Picture courtesy of the huge pile at my sister’s house taken of our family around 1970 on Easter. I’m the baby in the blue dress wearing the nifty knee socks.