[Image] At the end of January we had a huge storm, which gave us a big dose of winter, with over 15 inches of snow. Gradually it warmed up, and we saw the icicles getting smaller, one drip at a time.
The warm up meant we had lots of mud. One day, on the way to school, we spotted a creature we don't see often. [Image] An earthworm! It was leaving quite a trail on the road.
A car was coming so Desert Girl rescued it. [Image]
We still have some great winter light, and one afternoon the kids told me about the Great Horned Owl in our apricot tree. It looked really impressive.
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And then while I was watching it, the owl winked at me! I couldn't believe it. In fact, I was so stunned I didn't quite get a photo at the optimal wink moment, but you get the idea.
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The owl is used to us being around (it's in the yard every night), so it just ignores us. I marveled at how far she could turn her head.
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We've been getting out for more bike rides, and I've come across a great way to get the kids excited about being outside: I tell them they have free time outside. For some reason, that phrase "free time" puts a creative twist on things, and before I know it they're making forts, climbing trees, and swinging from ropes.
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We attended the annual Wild Goose Chase in Delta, Utah. This year was probably the nicest weather we've ever had for it. Desert Boy and I did the 5k, and Desert Girl did the Kids' 1/4 mile race.
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We all did well (although none of us caught any geese) and were happy to have participated. Afterwards we checked out the 39 booths (that's a lot!) at the Delta Community Center, went to the Topaz Museum and the Great Basin Museum, found some 90% off Valentine's candy and clothes at King's Variety store (there was a good math lesson in there), and then went swimming at the West Millard Aquatic Center, where Desert Boy dared me to go off the high dive. I did it once, but the water slide was more fun. :)
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One day, Desert Girl came running to tell me she had found a flower in the yard. I grabbed my camera and we went to take a closer look at it. How beautiful!
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It's fun to see a few hints of spring, but I don't want it to come too fast. I enjoy being outside more, but am not ready for the chaos that is our summer. In other words, I guess I'm not totally ready to wake up from winter hibernation.
[Image] Hope you're getting a few hints of spring, too!