Our "first day"

 "While the changing of the seasons is a slow and gradual transition, it does seem as though there is always a First Day, the first day on which the scale tipped and more of our time is spent out of doors than in, the first day on which jackets are shed, the first day on which we spy crocuses beginning to appear under the debris that winter left behind..." -Amanda Blake Soule

Although the crocuses have been coming up for a week or two now, Monday was definitely the first day that we spent more time outdoors than in (we only went inside for quiet time and then right back out again). It's wonderful to be outside for more than a few freezing minutes at a time!

Playing with Baxter, our next-door neighbor's dog (since Delilah is too sophisticated to play fetch)

Henry and Jude climbed up a tree to play with Henry's new bow and arrow set

A neighbor's cat joined Henry and Jude in the tree

Our first picnic of 2013!

And then Henry lost his first tooth!

I was already tucking this day away in my mind and heart as a memorable one, but of course Henry losing his first tooth made it even more special. He came up to me later that afternoon, leaned in close and whispered, "Mommy, I'm a big boy now!"