Hello, old friend

The snow is all gone. 

Well, you know, the snow that was there all winter. The many new layers of snow that we have had since then have all melted too. Except for the one out there right now which fell last night. 

Just to clarify.

 On a particularly sunny day this week we wandered up to visit the secret garden.
Just looking through the fence was making us lonely for it, so in we went.

 "Peach Tree, will you grow please?"

The pretending began almost instantly. Secret Gardens are good for that.

 Garden work is new to Claire, as last year she was only big enough to silently observe. Or not so silently.

 She was silent in this case only because her mouth was full of rocks.
There is good nutrition to be found in rocks! I think.

Luckily for us, we didn't have to pretend for long. When Pete and Trena saw us playing out there they couldn't help but come out and play with us! A brief morning wander into the garden turned into an all day event, weeding tilling digging planting included.

 I really can't imagine a better landlord/tenant relationship. We need each other, like each other, and really enjoy spending time together. Weird.

When Pete came outside Emmy ran to him with outspread arms yelling "PETE!" He knelt down and scooped her up and said "Ahh... I know it's really spring when Emmy and I are in the garden again."

 And may I also mention how much I love Caleb's new 6-2 work schedule?  So nice to have him here more.

 We could only plant cold crop veggies; spinach, swiss chard, peas, things like that. Honestly, we could have been planting pebbles - we were all just so happy to be out there!

Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if a few pebbles did get planted. The hired help is a little... imaginative.

There's nothing like dirt, seeds, and worms to put my kids (and their parents) in heaven.

P.S. The snow melted whilst I was typing this, so if you'll excuse me, my mud boots are waiting.