Halleluyer! It's Spring!

Spring is here!!!  Though it's not official until next week, we see signs all around us. This morning, Taelyn wisely informed me that when there is water on the road, it is a sign of spring.  Yes, my love, you're so right, and I couldn't be more excited.

I have a notebook where I record random lists.  One of these lists outlines a growing number of occasions or happenings that I love and look forward to each month of the year.  I love the diversity of our Canadian weather, and the new, unspoken nuances that each new season brings to our daily family rhythm.  So, in anticipation of spring, here are some things I'm planning to embrace and savour in the upcoming weeks: 

• The melting snow.  It's what us Canadians talk about for weeks on end.   We never tire of it.  It's a nice change from "Sure is cold out there!"  "Yup, sure is."
• Love the smell of the earth thawing. OK, around here, it's maybe more like cow manure, but it's equally intoxicating.  At least to me.  I may stand alone on that.  But there's gotta be at least a few farmers out there who would agree. :)
• Spring break
• Rubber boots, anyone?
• "Vacuuming" the lawn with the lawn tractor to freshen up all the grass that's been burried beneath mounds of snow....and inhaling the smell of freshly cut grass. Mmmmmm.....
• Picking the first green onions out of the garden.  This usually happens before the last of the snow has disappeared.
• Happy to choose a spring jacket or sweater over a heavy winter coat more often.  It's equally fun to grant permission to my kids to allow them the same freedom.
• Actually enjoying the walk from my vehicle to the grocery store, without having my shoulders scrunched right up to my ears.
• Resuming our family walks.  Warmer weather always seems to inspire our family to get out there to get some fresh air together.  Oddly, -30 temps don't have the same effect. 
• Setting up the trampoline.
• Planning the garden; considering new seeds.  At this stage, anything is possible!
• Seeing our yard with a fresh perspective, and dreaming up summer projects.  We do love our project scheming around here!
• Going for walks/runs after the kids are in bed, while there's still daylight.
• First bonfire of the year.  Yum-o!
• Celebrating several family birthdays.
• Considering which new animal faces will make an appearance on our yard.  Last year, it was a bunny; this year, we're considering lambs.
• Spring cleaning.  I actually don't dread it. I create a plan of action and attack my house. Perhaps more about my plan of action in future postings.....
• Opening up the windows and letting that gorgous fresh air in.
• Hanging laundry outside to dry.
• Celebrating Easter!
• Biting into the first piece of fresh, warm rhubarb crisp (ok, I took a quick peek into my May list, but it will be here before we know it!)

What do you love about spring?