Spring Blossoms

I love spring. It's my favorite season. I love the longer days, the grass suddenly green, changing out my heavy wool coat for my light rain jacket. I love birds chasing each other around the yard, flying loop-de-loops and landing in the still-bare bushes. I love Lent, which leads to Easter, and all the pastels and bunny decorations. This year is extra special because it is Hannah's first spring, and Emmie's first one as a big sister. 

Saturday was bright and brisk outside. We worked in the yard, cutting back last year's dead plants and clearing the crunchy leaves out of the garden beds. Emmie and Bruce threw a ball around for a while. I put a hat on Hannah and took her around, holding her little hands to touch a bud here and pointing out flowers there. Then during the girls' naptime I did some cleaning, washing curtains and fixing some things I'd been neglecting. Though Bruce wanted to relax, I was happy to get so much accomplished.

Yesterday, Bruce and I woke with Hannah around 6:30, and soon after Emmie came in, sleepy-eyed, asking if the Easter Bunny came. He did, and Emmie relished in finding all the hidden eggs around the house and counting all the candy inside. When she found her basket, she exclaimed, "Did he really get me all this?" She was so excited, which pleased Bruce and me greatly.

The girls both wore floral dresses with white tights and headbands. We made the rounds from Bruce's parents' house to mine, like we do every year. It was a long day, but luckily Hannah's an easy sleeper, and we were able to put her down for naps throughout. We ate good food and enjoyed the company. The grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins took turns holding the baby and playing with Emmie. We came home with an armful of gifts - new dresses, stuffed animals, and way too much candy.

I love spring the way I love mornings, because it feels fresh and full of possibility. It's a time for wondering and making plans. This spring, I feel hopeful about what's ahead for our little family tree.