Welcome Spring

While the start of winter is almost always undeniable with the first coat of snow blanketing our yard, the end of the season is much less defined, often measured through a series of subtle changes. Some changes, like less frequent interruptions from our furnace, might go unnoticed. Others, like feeling the warm sun on our faces, are quietly celebrated. And some, like the spring equinox, are discussed at dinner, but combined, all are evident in our demeanor as these early spring days bring a renewed joy to our spirits. These days we regularly shed a layer while playing and working outside. Maple trees are tapped. The sky is still slightly illuminated when we put the boys to bed. And the boys are back to adding miles to their bikes.

They began a few weeks ago, with long-johns beneath their jeans, hats under their helmets, racing through the neighborhood. Their riding styles are surprising reflections of their personalities. Six leans into his handlebars, racing down the road with the intensity he brings to nearly all his endeavors. Four sits with oddly perfect posture, meandering down the road, then occasionally, without warning, intentionally plows head first into a snowbank (yes, they are still here, but shrinking rapidly). This, too, is much like Four. Just when we think we've figured him out, he surprises us again.

We're hoping to not be surprised with a spring snow storm, though it's certainly not unheard of. As much as we love our winter, we also love to see spring arrive.