I'm not only happy but extremely excited to report that it IS in fact possible to have a dye-free Easter!!
Possible? Yes. Easy? No. Worth it? Most definitely.
It began on Saturday with an egg hunt at the park. It was an experience that I don't find necessary to have again but none the less, "fun". Do you sense sarcasm? If not, you should. If you don't know me, I should make something very clear...
I have anxiety. Not in the socially acceptable sense of the word. I have an over active imagination, and it's my worst enemy. I think of every possible (and many that aren't feasible) what-if. I'm told that I've been like this since day one. I [believe] hide it well. At least I like to think I do.
What does this have to do with my children and their diet? Nothing. Everything. Does that answer your question? Good, mine either.
So, back to Saturday... The egg hunt... It was fun, if you like (well organized) chaos. I'm not a huge fan and it takes me out of my comfort zone. Kenny did fabulous however. She is my social butterfly. I have yet to find a scenario where she is frightened. That makes me happy and oh so scared!
This is where it gets tricky. The eggs where filled with (GASP!), Jelly Beans! Shocking, isn't it? Not really. I expected it. Thanks to my brilliant sister's idea, I had prepared Kenny that she was not to eat the contents of the eggs. Instead, she could exchange them for something much cooler.
So after the hunt, we headed to the store. With a price limit of $5, Kenny walked around the store and chose a (purple) purse and a (Tinker Bell) kite. She was in her glory! No issues, no tantrums. Complete success!
On Easter Sunday, her basket was filled with toys like a (purple) jump rope and a (purple) hula hoop. (If you haven't noticed the theme yet, her favorite is ALL things purple!) Kensington was able to enjoy some candy in her basket. In my opinion, the dye-free diet leaves her with only the best...Chocolate!
Another egg hunt was enjoyed also, at the family homestead. 100 eggs were placed around the porch, lawns, and park (wooded area). The eggs were filled with stickers, temp. tattoos, coins, playdough and chocolate. My nephews Nate (6), Alex (3) and Kenny enjoyed the hunt, as well as the adults!
So all things considered, I think this Easter was a huge success! Kenny is learning what she can and can't eat. She understands that food-dye is "bad", and will point out things that have it in a very matter of fact way. She surprises me everyday and after this hurdle, I say: Bring on the next!!
