Winter feels over here. Our weather has warmed up dramatically and our forecast is looking pretty great.

I gladly welcome it, trading chilly, dark days for warm, bright ones. I even feel a bit of sun burn on my face. The mornings are still a bit rough, waking up in darkness, but the evenings, putting the kids to bed at twilight, is lovely. I can have the window open and just enjoy it.

These photos were taken two and a half weeks ago. It seems like forever ago now. It’s been a long two weeks, and I’m glad to be on this side of it.

This winter has been a season of reflection for me.

And, I’m glad it’s over. I’m glad the ice has melted and we can be sloshing into spring instead. Winter may have been full of reflection, but I expect spring to be messy. That’s okay.

This night, when we went out to watch the sunset at this frozen lake, there was the craziest sound. Eery, almost. Gus was really into Planet Earth’s oceans, or as he called it “sharks and whales”. He was certain the sound was whales. And Reed and Lena agreed, whales. Since whales haven’t been in our part of the country for quite awhile, I’m going to agree with Aaron that it was the ice.

Goodbye, winter.