Spring!

After a very snowy winter, spring has finally arrived in Minnesota. Irises, tulips, and fuzzy tips of strawberry plants are poking through the soil around the house. The giant snowbanks, once several feet high, are reduced to a small icy pile in the shaded corner of the yard. As we head out on our walk down to Como Lake, we see dozens of people enjoying the same activity, some with strollers, many with dogs. We all feel reborn, like the tulip spears, emerging gladly into the sunlight.

The kids and I love taking walks, especially down to the lake, where a paved path takes us past a scenic point of land that juts out into the lake, allowing walkers a closer look at the water and waterfowl. We call this mini-peninsula "The Point." The children love finding rocks to throw into the water, and could spend half an hour at this activity if allowed. A little further down the shoreline is a spot with benches, and large boulders separating the paved path from the water. These boulders are more fun to climb on than a playground jungle gym, and although mommy has to be vigilant, this is another essential scenic stop in our tour around the lake.

The third place where the kids enjoy playing is near the large white pavilion on the west side of the lake. A man-made waterfall and pond, with a bridge, is set into a man-made hillside, with boulders and coniferous shrubs giving it a vaguely western feel. People like to have pictures taken in this spot. I've seen bridal parties, high school students, and wetted-and-combed little tykes being posed by a photographer at various points around the waterfall and tiered pond. It is quite pretty; but my kids only see this attractive spot as another opportunity to climb around and collect things like pine cones. I'm all for it! In the city there aren't lots of opportunities and locations to get out into nature; but this is a glimpse and a taste that they never tire of. And I'm glad to see Zander, Olivia and Eleanor all exhibiting a love of the outdoors and a wonder at nature's beauty. I hope this carries on through their childhood and beyond, just as it has for me. And with the milder spring weather upon us, I trust we'll take every chance we can to get out in the fresh air and watch the waves and clime some rocks!