springtime in the winter

This January has been a nice contrast to last January. Last year we were getting massive snowstorms, and I spent the entire month wondering if the midwife was going to be able to make it to my house for Amelia's birth. This January the daffodils and tulips are popping up in the garden.

There has still been plenty of chilly weather and cloudy, rainy days. I have still had to reach deep into my bag of tricks to stave off cabin fever in the kids. Blanket forts, cardboard box slides, artwork at the kitchen table, music & dance sessions, and more.

But we have also been taking advantage of those nice sunny days in between and going on lots of walks and outings. A big favorite with the kids is story time at the nature center with "Miss Ladybug". William is always requesting to go to the nature center and "listen to ladybug". Last time we combined it with a nice hike down to the lake, complete with a picnic lunch.

I will be perfectly happy if this weather keeps going and we avoid any severe winter weather. I am rather partial to those flowers popping up around the yard.