Who'd of Thought We'd have Warm Days, in March, in the U.P.

Spring is here. Outdoor adventures ensue. Nap time returns. Painting continues. Oh, how much I missed you warm, sunny days.

Playing basketball, cleaning leaves out of the flower beds, running bases in the field down the hill.

Picking up acorns and pinecones, blowing bubbles, kicking a ball around.

Cleaning up poo in the yard, checking the new flower growth, cleaning off muddy shoes.

This is what a spring day should be about, maybe minus the poo thing.

Today is going to be another 50 degree gift, tomorrow, well, unlikely. More fun to be had and hopefully more painting to be done.

Spring Temps Bring About Muddy Pants

Some things are unavoidable. Some things I just have to accept.

Boys and puddles, splashing and throwing pebbles. When it's above 50, sun is shining, and you are the proud parent of an active two year old boy, opportunities like sitting on the front steps as your son giggles, runs and makes a huge mess of himself, just need to happen. I have given up in defeat in trying to discourage Bits from stepping with sneakers on and pants uncuffed into murky little pools. What's the harm in having to stain treat a pair of khakis and setting a pair of shoes next to the heater.

This afternoon in March was great fun as I watched Mr. Xenopus take joy in running back and forth, finding ice pieces, sharing broken cement chunks with Mommy, and leaving wet shoe prints on the exposed driveway. Birds singing happy songs about their warmth in the boughs of trees, and grass creeping back to life as more and more snow recedes. Play time in the park is coming and this momma and toddler are counting down the days.