Rabbits and Spring Attitude and other Easter things

Earlier this afternoon, Jim and I were talking about raising rabbits for food.  Kaden overheard us, and then asked his Nana- "why would they do that? Grow up a bunny and then shoot it and eat it?  Bunnies are sooo cute!"

This evening, I overheard this conversation:
Kaden:  Let's shoot the bunnies.
Jim:  No.
Kaden:  Why did you say no?
Jim:  I don't like to shoot bunnies.
Kaden:  But you said you like to EAT bunnies...

***
Kaden's favorite phrase lately is delivered while he looks you straight in the eye, and deadpans "I don't know what you're talking about."

***
Also earlier today, Jim asked Kaden to tell Nana we'd be leaving in 10 minutes or so.  Kaden happily skipped off, and a few minutes later I heard Nana rushing around, so I shouted back "We're not leaving too soon."  Nana said to Kaden, "why would you DO that to me" and then Kaden started laughing hysterically.  It turns out that he had told her we were leaving "right now" and that if she didn't hurry and get her shoes on, we'd leave her behind.

May I remind you this child is only 4 years old?

***

Also, Grandma had all the grandkids who were around up to dye easter eggs today. Kaden was very excited- and did 4.  Then went off to play.  No decoration, just two blue, a green and an orange.  Hey, that's Florida colors :)  I just realized that.

***
I'm looking forward to the Easter season this year for a few reasons... one, I'm so ready for warm weather.  Two, I'm ready for some hope and joy and resurrection.   We went to Good Friday services- and I always forget how much it's like a funeral.  Sigh.  Here's hoping tomorrow's Mass will be joyful... while the resident 4 year old has it in spades, I could use a little divine inspiration these days :)

Happy Easter to one and all!

Spring is coming! Spring is coming!

It almost hit 60 degrees the other day, so we headed to a local park.

Spring, oh early Spring!

You look a lot like Fall. 

Our original intent was to get a little hike in on the trails, but we are so easily distracted. 

 So we explored.  And we found this cool creek.

We had a lot of fun showing Kaden how to use the rocks as stepping stones.

He had a lot of fun doing it "by myself" and then climbing up the embankment on the other side.

Well, it *was* fun... until he fell in.

That water was c-c-c-coooolllldd, my friends!

But he recovered.  Eagle eye JimDad saw some flowers at the edge of the forest.

 And then I found some wee little buds on one of the trees.

Kaden even took a photo of us...

 to make up for all the photos I take of him.

Good times, north of the Mason Dixon line.

Conflicted.

Blame it on the climate change.
Here's two conversations with my 4 yr old, that happened within 6 hours of each other.

***

CHAT #1  (At home, while we're getting ready to go out.)

Hey Mom, you've got your VBS hat on.
yes, yes I do.

I remember when you worked at VBS.  Really?  Yes, I was so sad when you had to go off to work.  But then when you came into my room, I was so happy and excited, I just wanted to hug you and kiss you and show you what I was doing! (and he proceeds to hug and kiss me repeatedly, with a big smile.)

Wow, buddy.  I'm glad you were happy to see me at VBS.  (pause to silently berate myself for not checking in on him more often.)  So, are you happy that I'm with you all the time now?
OH YES, MAMA!!!  (more hugs and kisses and smiles)



CHAT #2  (In the car, just after I bought 3 lottery tickets.)

You know what I would do if I won the lottery, Mom?  Hmmm, what?
I'd buy a house in Florida and live there forever!  Really?  What would you do? 
Yep, I'd buy a house in Florida and play with my friends everyday, because then I'd be happy again.
(The sound of my heart breaking.)

***

Needless to say, Chat #2 was especially heartbreaking considering we just had a morning out with other lil' big kids, AND a smallish dose of cousin fun.  I *know* this transition north has been harder - on ALL of us - than we thought it would be.  And I *know* that once he gets into a regular routine with buddies, he'll be fine.   But now?  Oh, kiddo.  Mix in a crazy schedule and cold weather and winter colds/germs/sick times...  the forecast doesn't look so promising here.  Good thing we had Chat #1 so my heart isn't completely shattered just yet...