Springing into a Birthday Weekend

First Bare-footing of the year

Grandprize and Merrick scout a trail at Osprey Point

Sophia and Grandma avoid a Mouse we kicked up in the field on our hike

The weather turned in a stellar performance in honor of Merrick's Birthday Party and it felt like spring was here to meet the seven year-old the way he deserved to be greeted.  Full of sun and warmth with the promise of great potential.  Friday night was pretty relaxed, with some cards at the kitchen table, in preparation for the weekend, Sophia had gymnastics and Merrick and I shot buckets, not in honor of March Madness but rather to pass the time and a couple of quick games of PIG quickly turned into a soccer game instead, which matched much of what was taking place under all the other hoops at the Y.  We meet Grandpa and Grandma back at the house to start the present opening and story telling.  We did head over to hike Osprey Point for the first time and were impressed with the area and great proximity to the house.  Saw several deer, multiple times, as well as a scurrying raccoon.  We scouted a couple of places to drop a line later this summer as well.  Merrick's Party was at the indoor soccer complex where the kids play in the winter.  It was the end of his spring break so it was certainly nice for him to see his friends after the week hiatus.  There was pizza and brownies and the kids ran around until sweaty in the face playing dodge-ball and capture the flag.  It was a great party and he was very appreciative.  The weather just kept getting better and by the time the party was over we headed home to clean up some of the winter yard debris and the kids even went sans shoes for the first time this year to feel they mud and grass on their toes.  The weather is supposed to hold for another day before dropping off again, but it was certainly nice to feel the temporary warmth and know that the seasons are about to change.