The forecast last night called for temps nearing 70 degrees and sunshine today. I checked the calendar because I thought it had to be April Fool’s. It has been 4 months since we have had a warm day (until this point 50 degrees felt like summer), and to have a warm day that also includes sunshine is truly a gift, and one that we weren’t about to let go to waste.

I ran this morning in shorts, and I felt so loose and light. I’m really seeing the effects of all the winter training. The strangest part is that when I look down at my blinding, white legs I almost have to look twice to be certain that they actually belong to me because they look strong and muscular and confident…they know where they are going, even when I don’t. They tell the story of my winter, and after hiding under layers and layers of clothing and enduring mile after mile of freezing temps and snow and ice, they are ready to face the world…(and the sun…they are desperate for some color).

My morning runs allow me to organize and plan the rest of my day (they also allow me to work out stress and make important decisions, but those are posts all on their own). I was so energized by the weather that I decided to take the kids to the zoo.

You could almost see the burden of winter lifted off of Kade’s shoulders as we walked through the gates. He breathed in and released all the months of being cooped up inside. He was back in his comfort zone, surrounded by all the great memories we had from the summer and fall. We skipped and laughed and talked and didn’t stop smiling the entire day. Liv was just as excited to be in the warm sunshine. She giggled and babbled with the animals and was simply happy. If Kyle had been there, it would have been the perfect day.