Easter, Eggs, and Skepticism

We were invited to an Easter Extravaganza today at the Atlanta Speech School. If you know anything about that school, it was guaranteed to be extravagant. When we woke up to snow flurries outside our window, I was slightly disappointed. Everything was going to be moved inside. However, that wasn't the most disappointing part. The biggest disappointment was that Jack wouldn't be able to wear his spring like Easter suit! Oh well, we dressed him according to the weather and out the door we went. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Easter Bunny when we arrived. Perfect...now I wouldn't have to drag Jack to the dreaded mall for a bunny picture. Unfortunately, Jack didn't share my feelings. We approached the life sized bunny and Jack immediately gave both Clay and I a look of skepticism. Pushing the photo opportunity, we placed Jack on the furry bunny's knee. What began as a faint whine turned into a "okay, enough of this guy" whine. So three "not so good" pictures later, Jack was back in our arms. His skepticism really never went away for the rest of the afternoon. He was constantly looking out of the corner of his eye to make sure that big furry white guy was no where around. We tried to distract Jack with lunch, which worked for a while. He was actually more interested in the Easter basket and eggs used as table decorations. Next we were off to the petting zoo to see some Easter animals. Jack loves animals, so I thought this was sure to cure his skeptical behavior. Still not over the shock of the Easter bunny, Jack carefully assessed the situation. He began with a gentle touch to the goose who came to meet him. Thinking he was content, we placed him in the petting zoo with the animals. He was greeted by a sheep, a bird, a rabbit, a chicken and even a pig. The look on his face said, "these aren't like the ones in the books we read". He made several glances back to make Mommy and Daddy to ensure we were still near by. Of course we were always within arms reach. The thought crossed his mind to touch one of the farm friends and then his skepticism would take over. Not too sure of his new acquaintances, Daddy decided to take Jack out and let him observe from the outside of the gate. A much more relaxed Jack gazed on. When it was time to go, we bundled Jack up and started to stroll on out. However, something of interest caught Jack's eye. He pointed and babbled on until we realized he wanted a balloon. Anything to make him happy at this point. He really had his eye on the pink one, but we thought yellow would be more appropriate for our boy's boy. One yellow balloon later, Jack was a happy camper and we were home bound at last. So until next year, we can assume the Easter bunny is not exactly on Jack's favorite list of holiday characters. Only time will tell if he changes his skeptical opinion of the hoppy bunny....we'll try again next spring! (More of Jack's Easter adventure in his 10 month album)