Signs of Spring Bonus Challenge

The weather here has alternated between snow and spring for several weeks now, but today was one of those "spring is coming" kind of days. We decided to combine cleaning up the backyard with The Handbook of Nature Study's latest nature challenge. Living in a desert climate, we weren't too hopeful we would see much color, but we did find these dandelions growing!

And, we discovered that the trees are indeed beginning to bud.

The sun was bright and warm, and Grant learned the value of hard work!

As did Abby!

Way to go kids, and thanks for the help!

We did not record in our nature journals today as we are too tired! But check out the Handbook of Nature Study blog for a great journal page for this challenge.

Also, Barb, who blogs at The Handbook of Nature Study has just put together an e-book for spring nature studies that you might check if you are interested in a little guidance to spending time with your kids outdoors this spring. Check it out for yourself here.

More Signs of Spring

Robins are visiting more often! And, we can see the buds on the tree behind this one.

I love the robin's eye as well as the fact that robins don't seem to mind me outside taking a few pictures of them.

The temperature reached around 70 degrees outside today. The sun's warmth felt great!

Looking for Signs of Spring

I love living in the desert, but the winter here is the hardest season for me. The cold weather, and the lack of anything green makes me long for spring. As soon as the calendar flipped to March, we all got spring fever, so we took a trip to the park today for a short walk to see if we could find any signs of spring.

We can still see snow on the mountains. But, the sky is wonderful blue color today!

The grass is still brown and dead looking.

Brown sand, but fun for digging in!

Even our favorite pine tree is still looking a little dry and brown.

Allison brushed away the brown pine needles and found a patch of green clover!

Chloe found some sap dripping from our favorite pine.

We found our park mostly dry and brown, but the best thing about today was the promised high of 59 degrees! Mr. Sun still seems a little far away, but we could feel the warmth of his rays today--a perfect day for climbing trees!