Summer Heart

I can't even begin to explain how thrilled I am at the change in weather. I am a summer girl at heart, so the winter months have sucked the life out of me. I dislike socks and snow, and I will always choose sweating over shivering.
I am extra excited this year because I totally missed the whole summer season last year. The second half of June was spent recovering from my c-section, July and half of August were spent either in the car or the NICU, and then Phoenix and I were on house arrest until the end of September. We didn't lounge by the pool, didn't spend evenings on our porch, and generally missed the festivities of sunshine.

This year, I am most looking forward to:

• Being outdoors with my girl and getting to watch her explore a whole new world. 
• Spending my evenings with Josh on our porch. 
• LOTS of time by/in the pool. I have lost time to make up for, people -- and a lot of reading to do.
• Eating insane amounts of watermelon. 
• Going on hikes/walks (without having to bundle)
• Trying my hand at an herb garden.
• Farmer's markets! And tons of fresh produce! 
• Showing off my adorable baby in summery clothes ... her glorious arms and legs have been hidden too long!
• Feeling sunshine on my shoulders and breathing air that hasn't been passed through a heater.
• Spending some more quality time with my small group girls before they head to college (tear!)
• Watching my man dominate at volleyball
• Celebrating my nephew's first birthday in May and Phoenix's birthday in June!

I do love that God has built seasons into the rhythm of life, but I am thrilled that darkness and cold are relenting. There is a health and freshness in our family that mirrors the weather, and I couldn't be more thankful!