Spring is here!

Spring has finally arrived in Fairbanks. There are huge icy puddles on the roads and in the parking lots -- big enough to swallow small cars. The playgrounds are a combination of mud and slush and the kids come home all brown and wet every day. The geese have finally arrived in Creamer's field, lured by the new grass seed spread out for them between the snow berms. Several flocks of gulls have been spotted already rummaging through garbage bins and trash heaps now exposed. The sweet scent of sugar can be smelled when driving by Hot Licks ice cream stand. And, it's Easter.

We celebrated the arrival of subarctic spring by hosting our annual egg decorating party this past weekend.

Creating works of art!

Jeff and Will working on their creation....well, Will is eating it actually!

Our friend Lois did her magic by creating beautiful sugar egg shells that we could all decorate. Ten years ago, Sheri and I tried to make these same shells and it was a disaster! Maybe it was the humidity in the house, maybe it was the wine, but I really think we just didn't have Lois' magic touch.

Lois and her magical eggs!

Skulls were popular decorations this year.

Anyway, we were grateful to have Lois join us again. We also had a spot for the traditional egg dying which is more of egg "splashing" if you are under the age of 12. Typically, there is more dye on the counter than on the egg and lots of glitter everywhere.

The Glitter Girls, Riley and Kalena, decorating eggs.

Kalena and Eliza dying eggs.

Molly and her creations.

Garrett having a great time!

It was a full afternoon of activity and a great start to the spring!

Happy Easter!