We all know there are twelve months in a year and four seasons. Everybody has a favorite season. For some, it's fall, some winter (how it could be winter is beyond me), and some love summer. I love summer but possibly one of the best times of year is the springtime. Spring is that time of year where everything is new again. I think, for many, spring helps one get that last boost of energy and motivation to get to the summertime. The sun no longer sets at 5:00 p.m., but now will set at 7:30. People driving home from work will no longer have to drive in darkness and can still have time for outdoor activities.

The sun grows larger in the sky as the earth begins to finally warm up. One of the best things, I think, about spring is that since everyone has been so used to being in the cold, everyone seizes that chance to wear shorts and a t-shirt the first time the temperature reaches 50 degrees. The neighborhood kids begin to play outside more and more, and the first lemonade stand goes up on the street corner.

Spring is the time of year where you get that first summer "scent." The scent that is in the air on a sunny day and you can smell it anywhere. I was always able to smell the summer scent at school, in the classroom or on the bus ride home in grade school. When walking down the street you smell the scent whenever the wind blows through the trees.

Possibly the most beautiful thing about springtime is the whole meaning of the word "spring." Spring means "arising from" and "new life." My most favorite part of springtime is to see all of the flowers bloom and open up. I love to drive around and see the trees with white flowers blossom on the branches, and to see the rows and rows of daffodils and tulips that make the world colorful again after a winter of cold and blue. You begin to see new baby animals that are born and are around in nature. You see and hear mother birds gather up the resources they need to build nests for their young. Everything is bustling with life and everybody is busy.

Spring is the happiest time of year because lets face it, it gives you almost every reason to smile. The temperatures are rising, school will be letting out soon, and the summer festivities will begin. We've made it to springtime. It is finally time to get out and about and to enjoy everything it has to offer!