April in Virginia

... or is it June already?

On Saturday, we got together with our friends to check out a private lake in town and let the kids "dip their feet in." I dressed Caleb in what I thought was appropriate attire, shorts and waterproof sandals, so he can get his little feet wet, if he felt so inclined. Little did I know that it was going to be 90 degree weather that day and the "foot dipping" would turn into our first beach outing of the year. Yes, it's still April.

My friend's kids had their bathing suits on, but I was not so prepared (since I didn't know we were going to a beach, and oh yeah, it is still April). We improvised though, and one by one Caleb's clothes came off and he had a splendid time frolicking in the lake in his boxer briefs. (It was so hot that I eventually had to put his shirt back on, lest he get sunburned.)

I had been saying we need to start the swimming season early this year, what with the baby coming smack in the middle of it in July, but never did I imagine it would start this early!

Backyard pursuits

After a day of endless appointments, we finally headed out to the backyard to take in the last hour of the April sun. It was a good hour. Here's what we did.

Inspected the newly forming leaf buds

Sang to ourselves as we circled a tree many, many times

Gave some trees a hug - spontaneously

Ran

Found some treasures

Pretended to eat them

Played peek-a-boo in the branches

Ran down hills with deep depressions

Built a pretend forest with sticks in the moss

Enjoyed the arrival of spring

First signs of Spring

Spring

by Robert McCracken

Today is the day when bold kites fly,

When cumulus clouds roar across the sky.

When robins return, when children cheer,

When light rain beckons spring to appear.

Today is the day when daffodils bloom,

Which children pick to fill the room,

Today is the day when grasses green,

When leaves burst forth for spring to be seen.