Sunrise to Sunset

I'm not trying to jinx anything, but this has been a weird winter.  Aside from some frigid temperatures in December, our winter here in Michigan has felt like, well, SPRING.  The small amounts of snow we have received have been quickly replaced with warmer air and lots of rain.  The ground hasn't even gotten the chance to freeze, and my spring plants started peeking up out of the dirt in late January!  Four days ago, I ran outside in ice and snow and three layers of clothing, and then we were given a glorious weekend.  It has been in the 60's here the last two days and we have been spending as much time outside as possible.  There is plenty to do around here, as you know, and we took full advantage of it this weekend.

Saturday morning started with a beautiful sunrise.  I had a full day planned, and had to get my run in early or not at all.

The day was warming up quickly, even before 9am, and ice fishing on this lake was clearly not happening.

Later that morning, some of our family from Chicago stopped over.  We explored the property and rode dirt bikes and climbed ladders and held our ever-so-patient chickens.

photo credit: Michael Carlson

photo credit: Michael Carlson

photo credit: Michael Carlson

It was so great to have our family here, but like I've told you before, a quick stop-in just isn't enough.  This place is really hard to leave!

After that, we headed indoors for a bit to watch Greyson play basketball.

Then, it was off to the humane society.  We have visited before, and it's nice to go back every now and then to check out the new arrivals.  Plus, Aunt Jan works there and she has the keys to let us play with any available animals!

We didn't stay too long, though, because it was GLORIOUS outside.  Nearly 70 degrees in February?!  Unbelievable!  Grey took some practice with his BB gun, and Nash followed suit with his nerf gun.

And, of course, Owen got some extra snuggle time with the chickens!

At dinnertime, we fired up the grill and invited a little bit of family over for wine and a cookout.

And the fire that had been burning all day, turned into a campfire at night with a couple of ninjas to enjoy it.

photo credit: Jason Martin

Sunday morning greeted us with bright sunshine, so we decided to pick up a couple of our chicks we had ordered last month.  The kids all took turns holding the chirping box in the car and were very excited to get the little fluffballs home.

Introducing French Black Copper Marans, Dijon and Bordeaux,

and White Crested Black Polish, Pila.

They are the sweetest little things and we are enjoying the sounds of tiny peeps in our house again!

Of course, there was still much to do outside, so the boys unloaded and stacked some wood,

the girls had a front yard picnic,

photo credit: Jason Martin

and then Jason and Grey took turns working on some barnwood projects.

The chickens wanted to know WHY I was all up in their business with my camera,

and Owen and Winston spent some quality time together.

I can't remember the last time I saw feet in flip flops in mid-February in Michigan, but I am not complaining. If Spring wants to stick around and keep Winter from reappearing, that will be just fine with me.

Oh, and that Saturday morning sunrise I mentioned?  Well, tonight's sunset totally kicked its butt.