(posted by Pete)
Easter has always been a wonderful holiday for us. Our parents and grandparents were very diligent in teaching us all the traditions they enjoyed in Germany as children and these customs remain with us today. As much as we appreciated the religious significance of the season, it was, in all honesty, quite often dwarfed by the dinners we had together and the wonderfully prepared Easter egg hunts. They ranged from the nature trail at Point Pelee to the 2 acre bush on the back of my parents farm. One year we even had to go into the 15 foot drainage ditch in the front of our house on the farm.
As our children grew up, they too were indoctrinated into these great traditions that seemed absurd to many of our friends. One is quite unique. We would arise early on Easter Sunday (5:00 am) and with pussywillow branched in hand would gather at a common meeting place and travel as a pack from my parents house to My aunt's southwest of Wheatley and then to my grandparents house in Leamington. We would quietly (LOL - how quiet can 12 -15 people really be) enter the house and make our way to the bedroom. Then reciting a verse in German very loudly, we would proceed to lightly use the branches on those sleeping in the bed until they got up and gave us all some chocolate. We were usually back home by 7:30 which allowed us enough time to get ready for the noon feast at my grandparents home. I am so grateful for their example to me and also for all the love they provided for my brothers, sisters, cousins, children, nephews and nieces and me as they struggled to climatize themselves into a new land.
I am also grateful that He rose today to provide us with the opportunity to live with Him in the eternities.
Posted below are some of the pictures taken this Easter weekend as we enjoyed the company of family.
the goody tree in our backyard
hunting for Easter eggs in the chicken coop and finding some real eggs too.
Clara watching the hens closely - maybe another egg will come her way
Kathy, Heather and Patti
Heather and Brett
Easter dinner - l to r Roger, Rosie, Marlene, Heather, Tante Fietsch, Brigitte, Volker
Pete and Marlene with branches in hand waiting for the goody basket
Sunday dinner at Tante Fietsch. s house
Looks like fun! I was thinking of you this morning at 5:30 but turned over and went back to sleep :) I love hunting for eggs in the chicken coop. What a cool idea!!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like so much fun! I sure wish we could of been there to celebrate with you! Like Heidi, I was thinking of you all weekend long!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day we had. The kids will remember this experience for ever. Who else would have a candy tree growing in the back yard. That beats a money tree hands down for kids.!! Thanks Aunt Heather and Uncle Peter for a wonderful egg treasure hunt. It was too fun!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so wonderful to carry on the traditions you grew up with. Thanks for the fun time at your place, and for all you did for our kids. We got the temple and dishes home safe and sound. Hope you and Aunt Heather are doing well and have some time to rest after a busy weekend!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot of fun!!!! Glad you were able to be together at Easter. (I'd like to collect some eggs one day, even if it isn't Easter).
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