Springtime Impressions

This weekend was the first weekend we've had in Northern Indiana in awhile where it was nice enough to go outside for a bit.  Jackie and I have been anxiously awaiting this seasonal change in the weather.  We both like (or don't mind, at least) winter; but the last two winters have actually been too cold to actually go outside and do enjoyable things, particularly with an infant and now toddler.  The past month or so of weekends is a bit of a struggle to try and give Maia enough of the experiences we wish to share, as there is only so much you can do inside.

[caption id="attachment_922" align="aligncenter" width="225"] I guess you could say we had a bit of cabin fever.[/caption]

In any event, this weekend, the sun was out and the temperature pushed past 50.  So yesterday, we just enjoyed our driveway, re-introducing Maia to the bike she got for Christmas.  Maia showed just a little interest in the bike (though she talked enough about it!), but seemed just to be entranced by the experience of being outside, at one point shouting with glee, "I'm standing in the grass!! With my helmet!!!"

[caption id="attachment_923" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pushing the bike...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_927" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking at bike...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_925" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Leaving the bike...[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_924" align="aligncenter" width="300"] because we're outside and standing in grass and mulch is just so. much. fun.[/caption]

Today intially looked like it was going to be a rough day, as Maia finally had last week's time change and several consecutive nights of waking up during the middle of the night for a couple of hours catch up to her.  I present the proof...

[caption id="attachment_929" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Could barely finish morning snack...[/caption]

Following an impromptu morning nap (which never happens anymore), we decided to talk a walk down to a park next to our local library (there and back really wore out our Ellie), and let Maia reacquant herself with the swing, slide, and other playground equipment.  Maia seemed to just enjoy the fact of being outside as much as we did - she actually refused to take her coat off when we got home for a couple hours ;).

[caption id="attachment_930" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Content on the swing...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_932" align="aligncenter" width="300"] She really liked the swing today.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_931" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The slide was also a big hit. Just happy to be outside![/caption]

Everything considered, it was a nice weekend - we watched plenty of basketball in anticipation of the madness this coming week (one of my favorite times of the year), I installed our new programmable thermostat and had some fun with the age of our prior thermostat (now we just need to spend the time to get the new thermostat programmed), and got to spend some good times outside.  It was a classical spring weekend, in a sense, as it builds that anticipation and hope for many more bike rides, park visits, and family time.