Almost Spring

Winter with a toddler is not my favorite thing.  I am feeling really itchy for warmness.  We spent a great deal of time indoors this winter because Ezra had no desire to play with the snow in any form or fashion.  (We know our public library very well.)  We are on the cusp of spring, even though March weather is such a tease.  Here's a little sampling of our recent warmish day activities:

The local botanical garden has many free days, and we took advantage of that on a sunny March morning.  When we got too cold, we ducked inside the orangery and the tropical conservatory.  Ezra was very interested in picking the citrus, tearing apart all the primrose flowers and fern fronds, and filling every tulip with dirt.  Luckily, no garden employees witnessed his behavior. 

 
About five minutes from our house is a large man-made lake with a pier and walking trails.  One warmish day, we made paper boats, launched them from the pier, and watched their progress.  Then we took a little walk, stopping every two minutes to throw any available projectile into the lake.  Next door to the lake is a large acreage.  The owners have a horse and two miniature donkey-like creatures.  On this particular day, the animals were out and close to the fence.  We made our introductions, and found the little donkeys to be incredible gentle and curious.  Ezra is not an animal person, but he had absolutely no fear in approaching, talking to, and touching these new friends.  Maren was riding in a backpack, and I felt comfortable in putting her closer too.  As soon as I put her down, and before I could do anything about it, one of the donkeys stuck its head through the fence and touched its nose to her cheek.  Maren had a small panic attack at the large nostrils in close proximity (arms flailing, high pitched squeals), but did not cry.