Spring driving.

 Sometimes Mr. Nielson, the Little Nies, and I just hop in the car and drive.  

We don't have anywhere to go; we just drive around our gorgeous 

(growing) city and look out the window.

The weather has really been nailing it lately, and we can drive around

 with our windows down.

I love looking at homes, old and new-in fact when Mr. Nielson and

 I was dating; that was one of our favorite past-times together.

I think it always will be.

Then we encountered this magical scene, and I made Mr. Nielson stop.

A midget pony in a green field with blossoms raining from the tree above.

It was pretty gorgeous.

Once we stopped the car, Lottie popped out, and the little pony

 (who looks like it just trotted out of the movie Willow) 

came right up to her. It was pretty adorable.

(Thanks to the residents of the gorgeous property for making

 barefoot Lottie so very, very happy).

Charlotte turns four

Dear Charlotte Christiansdatter Nielson,

Happy 4th Birthday! You are such a big girl now, 

and it's amazing to see how much you've grown. 

I can't believe how time flies! 

I want to thank you for being my best friend and for being my little miracle.

You inspire me to push harder and further 

and give me the strength to do hard things. 

Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life.

 I know your Birthday was April 3rd, but we are celebrating it 

today- and since you are four, 

you don't know the difference anyway.