Early Spring...

It's Spring here in Manhattan, KS! Spring! Ok, so it's really early spring, but daylight savings started over the weekend. And while it could snow again before summer, the nights are now just warm enough to leave the windows open a little and during the day we are down to 2-3 layers, and sunnies.

Yes, the sunglasses are out because the sun is just blinding. As Jimmy said today: sun-bright. Yesterday, when these photos were taken, Jimmy had his sunnies on when we left the apartment and they stayed on until we were at Arrow Coffee Co. I was pretty impressed with how long he kept them on, but then we have been out without them lately, and we have needed them.

It was a lovely day, Tuesday, like the last 5 or so days have been, so when Jimmy woke up from his (rather late) nap, I knew he would need some running around so that he might just go to sleep by 9:30pm... I asked him what he wanted to do. "Ride Daddy bike" was the response. So, we took the bus and walked about the K-State Gardens, sans snow, before meeting up with Michael. Prepare yourself for lots of photos of Jimmy...

Climbing up all by himself...

Checking out the seat...

Just hanging out, you know...

Signs of new growth!

More new growth!

The inside of the western end of my favourite structure in Manhattan, KS...

My favourite little dude, complete with my favourite filter: fingerprints-on-lens...

We were talking about the turkey bronzes...

I think he's pointing at them...

(Sunscreen and hats are needed too... not just sunnies...)

The footpath is pretty cool, not just our matching shoes...

Even more new growth!

For Granny and Pop...

Jimmy was actually being pretty gentle with the sign... 

No snow - I'll have to get another photo in summer and then in autumn fall too...

He remembers the fountain that is there in summer and wanted to see it but there is still no water...

Daddy finished work and joined us, and Jimmy was about to "ride daddy bike!"

"Ride Daddy bike!"

Jimmy rode all the way to Arrow Coffee Co., and still wanted more. Everyone ooo-ed and ahhh-ed over his sunnies. He responded suitably, and one day he'll be able to say "thank you".

We had a few drinks*, a snack of snickerdoodles (they were out of monkey bread), entertained Jimmy, and remembered those back home, in Australia, wishing we could be with them, our hearts a little heavier than usual.

We walked home, and by that I mean Jimmy "ride Daddy bike" until he didn't want to ride anymore and then I wore him on my back. It seemed early but we were home after 7:30pm... thanks daylight savings...

As much as I am enjoying being about to go outside without a coat, I am starting to dread summer because it feels hot and today the temperature was a mere 23 C... I guess we became accustomed to the cold of winter...

Well, Spring, you bring a very, very welcome change. Thanks for arriving.



*coffee, soda, g&t, old fashioned, bourbon, and water.