The Big Day

On the Saturday before Easter, the Cronins rise early for the big task of hiding 2,200 eggs. To give each child a fair crack at filling his basket, they create three areas: one for kids ages three and under, one for ages four to six, and one for ages seven and older. This way, young children can find eggs without being mowed down, while their older siblings get a greater challenge. Alternatively, you can assign a different color egg to each age group.

For the youngest kids, you can blanket a lawn with eggs for easy picking. For the four to six age group, place eggs in slightly more obscure spots (like porches, windowsills or potted plants). For older kids, stow eggs higher in trees, in bushes, atop car tires, and in mailboxes. Then let the hunt begin--and don't be surprised by how quickly it ends. "It takes two hours for us to hide the eggs, but only minutes for the kids to find them," says Shelley. "But," she promises, "it's worth it." Stretch out the festivities with two simple crafts--a paper plate mask (to fool those rascally eggs) and a bunny basket.