SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — This Easter may be a little different.
But if there's one thing this neighborhood in Snoqualmie is proving - it's that the magic of Easter still exists.
“I've always instilled in my family, do kindness and be kindness wherever and whenever you can,” said Amy Hunter.
Amy knew she had to live those words when she saw how social distancing was affecting her 22-year-old daughter, Rachel. Rachel works at Disneyland, but has been home for about a month after being furloughed.
“Staying home to stay health is really important but it does start to take a toll on you,” Rachel explained.
Rachel missed making magic for people as they explored the happiest place on Earth.
“So I went to bed thinking, how can I raise the spirits in my household, let alone perhaps do something here in my neighborhood?” Amy said.
Then Amy remembered a family trip to Disneyland from a few years back. It was during the park's annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. She even held on to the map they used to search the park for large hidden eggs.
With all the kids in their neighborhood locked down, she decided to bring the magic to them. But what happened next, even surpassed her wildest imagination.
“I envisioned just making these big eggs but I'm just one person and I'm not the most artistic person,” Amy explained.
She made a phone call and less than 3 hours later, plywood appeared at her door. Volunteers stepped up to cut out the eggs. A neighbor offered to create the artwork on each one. People dug up their paintbrushes and paint. The entire neighborhood chipped in.
“Family group by family group we were able to set up stations within that 6 feet parameter so we could sit and make this artwork for the kids.” Amy said.
The end result - almost 40 two foot tall eggs to be hidden throughout the neighborhood so children can hunt for them safely.
For Rachel, the experience has been therapeutic.
“It's putting a smile not only on my face but putting smiles on children, adults,” Rachel said. “Finally being able to see that again has really re-sparked that magic in me.”
The magic was in the neighborhood the entire time.
“The magic lives here whether in the good times or in the bad times,” Amy added. “It lifted our spirits so it's been a win-win and it's a silver lining - which we need to continue to focus on. The silver linings are out there. You just have to look. But they're there.”
Amy said there are more than 60 young kids in their neighborhood. The eggs will be up for a few days so kids can take their time and be safe while on the hunt.
She also said this may just be their neighborhood’s newest Easter tradition, even when things go back to “normal.”