We had a wonderful day today enjoying the warm weather.  Sophia, Olivia, and I walked along the front of the farm to see what was emerging.  The tiger lillies are about 2-3 inches high, there are buds on the birch trees and my favorite oak tree. 

Sophia all at once laid on the ground along the side of the road (it's a very quiet one...not a lot of traffic which is very nice), and said, "Come here!"  The sun was reflecting off some tiny crystals and it really pretty. 

The bus picked up Olivia to take her to preschool.  She goes twice a week - once on Wednesdays by herself to go to speech therapy, and then to play with other 3 and 4 year olds.  Her special education teacher, Heidi, is in the room with her as well as a couple of other children receiving special ed services.

Sophia and I then continued our walk back, pushing the swinging ceramic pig for a ride; looking at how tall the pine trees are compared to last year (many of the small ones are now taller than Sophia and me); and thinking about how we could improve the garden area.

She suggested bringing out a few chairs and a small table and putting it in the corner in the garden so we can have picnics.  That's a good idea.

Then, we looked at the raspberries - tiny leaves at the bottom (YEA!!).  The rhubarb is now leafing out as well.  Can almost taste fresh rhubarb sauce...rhubarb pie...fresh raspberries.  Yum. 

We went inside and read some books:

- Noah and the Big Ark.  We talked about the flood, and the promise God made to Noah.

- A Long, Long Time Ago.  We talked about what history is, the Egyptians and pyramids, Greeks, Romans (she didn't like that they fought), Chinese, and U.S. History.  She asked very good questions, and was thoughtful with her observations.

- My Eyes are Different Than Yours.  This book talked about how people are different on the outside, but inside we are all the same.  Excellent book and message for children who are adopted. 

Didn't sleep well last night, so we rested for a bit.  We ate lunch, and then decided it was such a nice day that we should fill all the bird feeders.  Just as we got started, Olivia's bus pulled up.  She slept the entire ride home (about 20-25 minutes). 

Although Olivia just woke up from her nap, she wanted to help us fill bird feeders.  So, between the suet feeders and various types of bird feeders, we filled 18 today plus spread some out on the ground in various spots for some of the birds that like to eat in the driveway and on the ground.  We ran out of seed, so we need to get some more to fill the remaining two feeders. 

The girls played on the swingset while I hung up two birdhouses.  We were surprised to see that one of them actually had some sticks in it already.  Apparently, a  bird was hard at work making a nest...and it wasn't even in a tree yet!

We took a walk on the nature trail to see how the evergreens grew over the winter and how everything fared.  Went by the beehive, and Sophia wanted to see if the bees were flying.  Unfortunately, the hive died during a freak bitterly-cold week in February.  A new hive will be introduced later this month.

We scouted out a couple places to make some fort houses.  Brainstormed about different ways we could set them up, where the entries would be, etc.  Lots of fun.  Can imagine how wonderful it will be this summer...

Checked the bluebird house on the pasture fence.  Already has a nest in it.  Lots of grass woven in a circle with fluffy white and gray feathers tucked in here and there.  We are so excited to have the bluebirds back again this year.  We are seeing more each year.

Came in and realized that I had to leave right away to take her to the opthomologist for her 3-month check.  Her vision, with her glasses, is so much better :  20/60 in her left eye; 20/40 in her right eye.  What a difference from her vision without glasses:  20/800; and 20/250 respectively.  Can see relatively well with glasses...legally blind without them.  I was very encouraged after the appointment.  She also was able to name the objects on the eye tests which was wonderful - so much different than just a few months ago. 

Came home and rested.  Had Chinese food for dinner which we all love to eat! 

I love spring, and getting outside again.  My mood lifts so much each day as the flowers grow, there's more sunlight, and the leaves cover the trees.  I am truly blessed by my daughters, their love of life and learning, and being able to spend this precious time with them each day.