Stomping in puddles seems to be a universal source of joy for children. I distinctly remember doing this as a child, and Everett spontaneously started doing it a couple weeks ago. He probably would have done it earlier but the puddles were frozen. He has also developed his own way of self-confidently stomping off into the horizon, especially when one of his parents is following behind.

Another popular activity is shoveling. In time we may be able to teach him how to shovel the snow from the driveway onto the yard instead of vice versa. But right now he likes to stay outside shoveling until his hands turn purple (the shovel cannot be used with gloves on).

Here is some stomping and shoveling, along with one of the first signs of spring: talking to the birds.