Sensing Spring

It felt like spring yesterday, for real, and we took advantage of it. We filled the backpack with lunch, field guides, binoculars and hats and mitts and headed 20 minutes south for a hike at one of our favourite trails. At home, we are still covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, but just a short drive south, and a slightly lower elevation, makes the world of difference. We found spring!

As we began to walk my senses came alive. First, the smell of spring. The deep, musty, earthy smell of the world awakening from its deep sleep. As we walked the earth below gave way to the softness of the thawing ground. The mushy, muddy feel of spring, it was messy, but felt oh so good. Then the sound of the robins, yes, our first robins of the season. It was glorious. There was a little excited shout of "there they are" as we saw them fly from the tree they were singing from. And finally, after searching for most of our walk, we found the first beautiful buds.

Yes, my friends, it is here, finally. We have waited for days like yesterday, and while I know there will be some cold, snowy days ahead, this little taste of spring reminds us that we are indeed almost there. And with that, the promise of so much goodness to come.

Playing along with Country Kids

13/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Reece, a rare moment when you were sitting still. Before I grabbed the camera you were sitting quietly, I could tell you were off in another place, deep thoughts running through your mind. At first you didn't notice I was taking pictures, but when you did you played along with me, staring into the camera with those beautiful, dark brown eyes.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soulemama.

Also playing along with Country Kids.

Heading Home

We are on the road again, this time heading home. Our time in Myrtle Beach has been filled to the brim with goodness...walks on the beach, hiking in the woods, visits to interesting places, afternoons by the pool, fun with my parents (thanks mom and dad) and time to move slowly and easily through our days. It was a lovely break from the day to day rhythm of home, but both Reece and I are ready to go home.

It's a funny thing, going away on a little trip, there is always so much excitement to go, to do something different, but it always feels so darn good to go home. Going back to "reality" is a good thing for us, there is so much to look forward to now that spring is here. And although I hear I am returning to the same snow I left, I know it won't be much longer before the grass is peeking through the snow, the snow drops are pushing up towards the sun, and the robins are waking us with a happy tune.

So much to look forward to in the weeks and months to come. I can't wait!

A Year Apart

March 2013

March 2014

Reece and I visited Huntington Beach State Park on Monday, a place we also visited when we were here last year. As he climbed around on this boat outside the nature center, I remembered him doing the same thing last year, so I snapped a few pictures. It has been a year of growth, both inward and outward, for both of us. When I look at these photos, I see my little man, a little older and a little wiser. I see how much he has changed and am so happy to be along for this ride, holding his hand, as he walks his path.

Morning, Noon and Night

Morning, noon and night...three little peeks into my day yesterday.

Morning, 7:45am

Noon, 12:15pm

 Night, 6:30pm

***If you would like to play along leave your link in the comments section so I can stop by and visit.***

I am guesting posting over at Mud Puddles to Meteors today, stop by and say hi.

Worth Getting Up For

Happy Monday friends!

12/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Reece, we are having a wonderful time in Myrtle Beach. We walk the beach together, usually in the morning, and then again after dinner. I love these walks, and I know you do too. Sometimes we walk hand in hand, looking for shells or watching the waves, other times you run ahead, enjoying the freedom being in this wide open space allows. On this evening you were running along the beach jumping in the puddles left behind as the tide went out. You had such a great time, and at one point as I snapped pictures you stopped and looked back at me, this is that photo.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Following the Trail

The beach has been absolutely wonderful, and both Reece and I have been enjoying our time by the ocean, but the woods were calling us yesterday. So we left the beach behind for a bit and hit the trails at Myrtle Beach State Park.

Reece was on the hunt for new and exciting nature treasures, of which he found quite a few, and I was looking to connect to a place a little different than home. We both found what we were looking for and more, including a pileated woodpecker sighting.

This maritime forest was beautiful, and the most exciting part was coming to the end of the trail and walking onto the beach. If only all wooded trails ended at the ocean. At the ocean we walked, searched for more shells and enjoyed a little picnic before returning to the forest for our walk back to the car.

As we walked back, hand in hand, there was a sense of calm and a feeling of deep connection with my little man. The woods are a special place for us, and although this is a different place we both felt at home and just might head back for another walk before we head home next week.

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soulemama.

Hello Spring!

The day began with a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, and a visit from the Root Children. After a walk on the beach Reece and I headed to Brookgreen Gardens. We visited the Low Country Zoo, by far Reece's favourite part of this beautiful place, and then enjoyed a lovely lunch in the cafe. After lunch we strolled the gardens and stopped for a few moments at Live Oak Allee to soak in the majestic beauty of the 300 year old oak trees. I still cannot find the words to express the power and inspiration I feel when I stand among these trees. They are stunning and I could sit there all day long with them.

We slowly made our way back to the condo for a swim in the pool and another walk along the beach. It was the perfect first day of spring, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Happy spring!