Easter

We maintained our easter tradition of a scavenger egg hunt with the kids. This year, they had to use a cipher to figure out the final clue. Kind of fun making these and seeing the kids work through it to figure out the reward at the end. 

Easter ride

After our Easter egg hunt, we were all going to go on a nice bike ride. Kyle and Emily were too tired and too distraught over not being able to solve the egg hunt riddle so they decided to stay back. So Jeff, Aaron, and I set out on a ride. We took a new route, through the forest and out by a farm. We ended up close to the art museum and on a path that actually goes from Florida to Maine! I can't imagine actually doing such a ride, but it was pretty neat to see that that sort of infrastructure does exist and there are people driven... errr.... ridden enough to accomplish such a feat. Anyhow, our ride was wonderful and we (Jeff & Aaron) stopped to feed the horses (I observed). And again, since I was hauling Aaron in the trailer (and I should say that the trailer is awesome and Aaron can actually contribute and pedal, but it's still heavy to haul), I made sure we got to have ice cream (Goodberry's Custard) that evening as well. Yes, I love ice cream. 

San Diego: Easter, zoo and end of the trip

After our eventful evening with Aaron's teeth the night before, Easter was certainly very slow and subdued. We had figured we would spend a nice, lazy day at the beach, but instead slept in and took it very easy and slow to let Aaron's mouth recover. We went to our friend's house for the afternoon and a fun Easter time. They put together a fun egg hunt for the kids who really enjoyed seeking out the eggs and helping the little kids find them. 

The following day, Aaron and I went to the zoo. I can't recall what Kyle, Emily, and Jeff were doing during that time. Perhaps they were hanging out with Clark. 

Our favorite squirrel monkeys

Aaron and Alice are so sweet with one another. Look at them holding hands, totally unprompted.

The big kids doing what they do best... team gaming

Em and I in front of our old neighbor's house, 3 doors down. 

Aaron napping. 

One more burrito before we left which was perhaps the best one we had there. We call them Tattoo Parlor burritos because they are in PB underneath a tattoo parlor. I think it's called Mike's Taco Club or something like that. Delicious burritos. Can't decide or remember if I liked the veggie burrito or the breakfast burrito more. Emily and I went halfsies. 

Aaron knows no boundaries when sleeping. I'm sure many a parent can related to this sort of sleeping position with a toddler in bed with them. 

San Diego is just so beautiful. 

My run on our last morning there along Kellogg beach. Those are my footprints. I had the beach to myself. 

Easter egg hunt (2015)

Josh and Steph's family joined us in Raleigh for Easter and Passover.  We had a fun time having Ben and David join us for the Easter Egg Hunt.

2015 Scavenger Egg Hunt

Happy Easter Kyle, Em,

Ben, David and Aaron!

A posse five, a group you have,

for this great fun to share in.  

An easter hunt!  Tradition here.

But now larger than the past.  

And harder too to match your brains

and keep you guessing to the last.  

Now read these clues  with a Southern drawl

And the 16 eggs you’ll finda. 

A new home to test y’alls chops

In this here state of Carolina.

New rules as well, we do insist,

shall guide your egg hunt’s stroll:

Switch off each egg as “reader”

then all scamper to your goal.

What’s more: there’s little Aaron,

To be like you he’ll beg.

Some clues have bolded guidance:

Let Bear Bear find that egg!

And at the end a special prize

for each of you does wait.

But first, the final clue:  

a map to navigate.

For intellect and thinking hard

are now the tools to use.

Be off, enjoy the hunt,

and gather up those clues.

The Easter Eggs are near now,

On this I'd like to bet.

The first place that one’s hiding in

He’s bound to get quite wet.

If water drops it will make a clink, 

you will find your next clue right in the __________.

(1 -sink)

Following David, Aaron’s also delight!

I take away gross stuff, keep it out of sight.

Beep Beep Beep Beep

Now eggie too, I also keep.

[2 - one of Aaron’s garbage trucks]

THIS CLUE IS FOR BEAR.  READ IT OUT LOUD FOR HIM.

An expert chef, our little Bear,

You help us like a pro.

To where you cook alone

is where you now must go.

LET BEAR SEARCH ONCE YOU GET THERE.

[3 - Bear’s kitchen]

Unscramble: I’m dinhgi in het crowiaevm in het nithkec.

[4 - In the microwave]

All the world’s wisdom can be found inside, 

but by which tomb will your next egg hide?

This room holds all: monkeys, space and survival;

And the eggie hides by the words of Geisel.

[5 - Aaron bookshelves in library - behind monkey]

“He shoots, he scores!”

Goes the happy refrain.

Your next egg hides 

by the balls for this game.

[6 - Basketball game]

Do 2x5 pushups and then 1 more. 

Your next egg is waiting by the downstairs porch door. 

[7 - downstairs porch door]

What has a flag but cannot wave?

What’s filled six days a week, but if you don’t own it

you can’t take a peek?

[8 - Mailbox]    

  

Reach high and touch the sky

Now bend down and touch your toes. 

Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. 

Then go get the egg at the outside hose. 

[9 - outside hose]

When you're feeling kinda stinky

there's just one place to go.

To wash and get all squeaky clean

and scrub between each toe.

(hint:  Ahoy there matey!)

[10 - Master shower]

THIS CLUE IS FOR BEAR.  READ IT OUT LOUD FOR HIM.

YOU CAN HELP GUIDE HIM TO THE ANSWER, BUT PLEASE LET HIM SEARCH.

When clues are too confusing

Roll your shoulders and say “Huh?”

The next egg’s in Tuh-Mater--

only you got to drop the Tuh

[11 - Mater]

Your next egg hides by something which has keys but opens no locks,

with “space” but no room, and allows you to “enter” but not to go in?

[12 - Computer Keyboard] 

128 / 16 =  ? 

Make a rhyme with the answer and check beneath where Mommy & Daddy check their  __________.

[13 - Under the Scale]

The next Easter egg will be found with ease,

If you get a sudden urge to sneeze.

(hint:  1st floor)

[14 - Tissue Box in guest bathroom]

  

What has four legs, but cannot walk?

Around this we nightly talk.

[

15 - Under the kitchen table]

Cryptogram

[16 - Under Couch Cusion:  Map to prizes] 

Easter Egg Hunt (2014)

Easter Egg Hunt

Kyle, Emmie, Bear-Bear

Happy Easter to you three.

A special treat we have in store,

so excited you should be.

Again on Easter Egg Hunt

do we now send you on,

but challenges you have not seen

await to give you fun.  

This third of Easter Egg Hunts

your expertise does show.

Too easy to repeat it:

at this you are now pro.

New hints, more challenging,

in eggs await you now,

and what is more a special trick,

so attention you’ll allow:

Each egg you find a number has

as secrets for the final clue

so keep good track and write them down

to see the egg hunt through.

A space you see for each egg here

18 eggs there are for you.

In order write the numbers down

to keep the answer true.

To figure out the cipher,

think Air-Bear’s ordered test:

His ABC’s, his 123’s,

will be needed if you’re blessed.

Do not fret our children now.

We do believe in you.

To figure out the answer

think of all B’s as 2.

New rules as well, we do insist,

shall guide your egg hunt’s stroll:

Switch off each egg as “reader”

and as “number-writer” role.

What’s more: your little brother,

To be like you he’ll beg.

Some clues have bolded guidance:

Let Bear Bear find that egg!

And at the end a special prize

for each of you does wait.

If you can solve them all and more

stand up and seize your fate.

For intellect and thinking hard

are now the tools to use.

Be off, enjoy the hunt,

and Mommy’s / Daddy’s ruse.

The Easter Eggs are near now,

On this I'd like to bet.

The first place that one’s hiding in

He’s bound to get quite wet.

1. ____________________
2. ____________________
3. ____________________
4. ____________________
5. ____________________
6. ____________________
7. ____________________
8. ____________________
9. ____________________
10. ____________________
11. ____________________
12. ____________________
13. ____________________
14. ____________________
15. ____________________
16. ____________________
17. ____________________
18. ____________________

EGGS:

(1 - Shower)

Roses are red

violets are blue

look in the place

where we keep your shoes

(2 - shoe box in garage)

To check the mail you'll need a key,

Hiding in your mailbox is clue #3

(3 - mailbox)

Pink Pens and Pencils

Books and lunch

you’ll find me here

I have a hunch.

(4 - Emily’s backback)

Buttons here for Bear to push

to make your food get warm.

And timers ring as cooking’s guide

does tell in its alarm.

(5 - microwave)

I have four legs but cannot walk;

each night at this we all do talk.

(6 - dining table)

Seek Bear-Bear’s Mo-Mo for this egg,

but where on here to look?

Look for the source of magic

that lets this baby cook!

(7 - MoMo battery compartment)

You've been at this for some time

Now you're getting the rhythm

your next egg/clue is hidden

upon the Rayman system!

(8 - Playstation)

THIS CLUE IS FOR BEAR.  READ IT OUT LOUD FOR HIM.

You've been searching for a while;

a noble troupe your crew.

Be careful: this one’s smelly:

It's hidden in Bear's shoe!!!

(9 - Bear’s shoe)

It spins around

It makes me dizzy

But when it’s done

my clothes feel frizzy

(10 - Dryer)

What do you need to have to get the cereal from the bowl to your mouth?

(11 - spoon spot in the drawer)

Come find me before `the mouse’ eats me!

(12 - Computer)

At beach or patio, in it I play and bustle

but for this clue there is no need

for you to build a castle.

(13 - In the sandbox)

THIS CLUE IS FOR BEAR.  READ IT OUT LOUD FOR HIM.

To always be clean is what 14 wishes,

This clue can be found in the washer of dishes.

(hint:  not Mommy)

(14 - Dishwasher)

Next to a popsicle, which is really quite silly,

Is egg number 15, in a place dark and chilly.

(15 - Freezer)

Buckled in baby, safe and ready for a drive,

Clue number 16 should be easy to find.

(16 - Bear’ car seat)

YOU CAN HELP LEAD BEAR TO THIS PLACE. PLEASE LET HIM FIND THE EGG.  TELL HIM HOW.

You sit on me at day

Sometimes you even lay

To watch a show: a George or Chopped

Or oft for games to play.  

(hint: Ostrich)

(17 - Couch)

2X - 5 = 11

make a rhyme with the answer,

and go to the……

(18 - Gate)

The egg hunt is done,

but no prizes yet won.

To the numbers now ponder,

But if your guesses do wander

and help you do seek

for the answers to peek.

Look back at the start

at the blue instruction part.

1. M    13
2. O     15
3. M    13
4. A     1
5. N     14
6. D     4
7. D     4
8. A     1
9. D     4
10. T     20
11. P     16
12. H     8
13. O     15
14. L     12
15. D     4
16. E     5
17. R     18

TP Holder has Map.

Map leads to Prizes.