it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Spring covers a multitude of sins. We're not done with redemptive suffering - that is it's own post, and it's up next - but I have to comment first on how beautiful Alabama is right now - it's all budding trees and perfect weather, and it's the time of year when I basically only go inside to sleep. We had dinner in the backyard last night, bagels on the restaurant's patio this morning, and spent the morning walking through downtown ("Go exploring one more time," Asher says). We stomped around on the river boat, watched part of a high school baseball game, found the new splash park, and generally absorbed as much vitamin D as possible until it was time for nap. Now I'm sitting outside, talking to you guys, while my children enjoy the rest they need after exploring (one more time) all morning and Brian works on the yard.

Aahhh.

And as Brian says, it's not even a faux beautiful day, where tomorrow will be cloudy and cold again. It's the real thing. Cold and dark are over, spring and Daylight Savings are here. March in Alabama is glorious, and if you ever have a reason to come to Alabama, this is the time to do it. Plus tomorrow begins Good Time, and marks the end of Brian's annual winter hibernation. Hooray.

Now we move on to weightier things. But first, a conversation. As we were walking yesterday morning, going to get coffee before play group and giving Brother the opportunity to nap in the stroller, Asher is channeling Diego once again.

"Come here birdies! Time to fly!"
"The birds are getting ready to have their babies," I told him.
"The babies are getting ready to have their mamas," was his reply.
"Yes, I guess you're right."
He thought for a second, then said, "But Asher already has his mama."
Yes, honey. That you do.