Easter - Now and Then

Jill - March 30, 1986

Once upon a time, a little girl named Jill sat in a little rocking chair for a portrait on her very first Easter. She would have been about 6 1/2 months old.

Yesterday, a little girl named Kinley sat in the same rocking chair. Though Antiques Roadshow would not approve, the fabric has changed.

And instead of the Easter bonnet of the 1980s, the hair adornment has given way to headband bows.

April 8, 2012 - Kinley at 3 1/2 months old

Kinley was really more interested in the fascinating ruffles on her dress.

Kinley's great-uncle Kent would have been a similar age in this photo from Easter 1967.

March 26, 1967
My dad, me, Kent, my Mom
Darci & Lisa

Their level of attentiveness to the camera is about the same. Kinley has plenty of smiles for her Mommy and the rest of us, but it takes a more direct approach than three people wildly clapping in the background while Grandma the Amateur Photographer attempts to snap the shutter at the right time.

Easter fashions may change through the years. And so do the celebrations as extended families grow or as loved ones go Home to heaven.

There may be a few new wrinkles: The wrinkles may be in the faces of little girls who grow up to be Grandmas.

Or the "wrinkles" may come when family members are separated by distance.

Easter 1990 - Brent & Jill

Brent couldn't come home for Easter this year. Instead of the Easter bunny leaving him a treat on the dining room table, the delivery happened through an Internet gift certificate.

So, yes, the traditions change. But, hopefully, someday when Kinley's a little bit older, she will help add some Easter eggs to this Easter tree.

And she'll be just as proud of her creations.