Easter Sunday with Baxter the Bunny

Easter Sunday down at Marina Drive in Seal Beach, out on the patio under the blue umbrellas, and the main attraction as far as our daughter was concerned was Baxter — a six-foot rabbit in a plaid vest with his name on a yellow tag, working the crowd between the buffet stations.

She warmed up to him fast. First a hug wedged in against his side while he leaned his whole enormous head down onto hers, then a proper pose, then cheek to cheek with the giant embroidered eyes. One of the staff, wearing bunny ears over her green polo, came around with a basket of candy and handed some over, which sealed the friendship.

The younger one was less sure, and hung back near her sister the whole time, flower in her hair, keeping Baxter at arm's length.

By the end, plates were stacking up on the racks by the buffet and Baxter was still going, one paw on his hip, posing with anyone who asked.