Easter Break-in

Many, many years ago our house was broken into.

We'd been out at my parents' place for dinner and arrived home to find the back door and some windows open. But weirdly, nothing had been taken (or if it had been, I didn't notice). The kids' Playstation was out on the coffee table. What little jewellery I had was still in my top draw (the left one, if you're wanting to know specifics for your own nefarious purposes - really don't have much that's not junk). All our electronic stuff was where we had left it. As fas as burglaries went, we'd been lucky. And that was probably because of our very old, very blind Labrador cross.

Fast forward to this Friday. Easter Friday. We were out at another family function - Easter brunch at my sister's house. It's a family tradition and it's a good one. The entire extended family gathers and eats till we need to sleep - which wasn't that late for me due to our long run that morning and the accompanying early start.

This year we had a few additions to the gathering. An Aunt and Uncle were over from Western Australia. And then there were my niece's beautiful little boys - the cutest little Easter Bunnies I've ever seen.

It was a lovely morning of food and laughter and talking and more food (thank goodness I started the day with a run) but by midday we were ready to find a bed so we took off home.

We walked in the house. Nothing unusual to tip us off that something had happened in out absence. Toby and Bubbles greeted us at the door - Toby with the closest soft toy he could grab in his mouth. We walked up the hallway and through the kitchen I could see that the back door was wide open. And at that point I knew something was terribly wrong. 

We'd been broken into again. A million things raced through my mind. Grateful that my dogs weren't hurt but annoyed that Toby had probably greeted the burglars with the same soft toy he'd greeted us with - useless guard dog! Then there was a very short list in my head of what I'd be upset about if it had been taken. Just one item. My Grandma's engagement ring. It's the one thing I have that is irreplaceable apart from our family photographs and I can't imagine a burglar wanting to steal those.

My frantic, racing head was brought to a screeching stop when I heard a voice from the lounge room. A voice that I hadn't heard (except over the phone) since two days after Christmas. My #1 son had decided to make a surprise trip home. Nothing was terribly wrong at all - it was all wonderfully right.

Best Easter surprise ever!

Everyone was happy he made the trip home but Toby has made the most of his visit and the extra cuddles.

And of course a special trip home deserved the ritual baking of Sam's favourite cupcakes - decorated in a seasonal theme.

I hope you've all had a great Easter. And if you didn't get any Easter eggs I have to apologise. Toby is still holding the Easter Bunny hostage until he gets some too.