It's finally here! The first day of spring was this week. After the cold of winter, there is something utterly amazing about seeing the grass grow greener, the trees begin to bud and all kinds of flowers blooming everywhere. Birds chirp in the trees. The sky is crystal blue with white fluffy clouds spattered around. The air is fresh and cool. People begin to venture outside of their homes, and soak in the sun, enjoying the warmth and freshness after the harshness of winter. Spring is a time of life, growth, and newness. It is a beautiful, incredible time of year.

Here are some of my favorite things about this new season we are entering;

1. The sky is clear blue and sunny.

After the gray, misty, depressing weather of winter, the blue sky is cheerful and brings joy and hope.

2. The air is refreshing and pleasant.

The temperatures are now typically somewhere between 50 and 70 degrees where I live. Those perfect temperatures accompanied by a gentle spring breeze are absolutely invigorating.

3. Birds are chirping all over the place.

Almost every morning when I wake up, I hear birds happily chirping outside my window. It is such a lovely sound.

4. The grass is rich and green.

Everyday, it seems like the grass is a little deeper shade of green. Suddenly, it has been transformed from the dead of winter to the growth and life of spring. Everywhere people are mowing their yards, filling the air with the sweet, fresh scent of newly cut grass.

5. Trees are budding.

Trees are quickly changing from the dull dead of winter, to red and green buds that will soon unfurl into leaves and cover them again. Many trees are covered in delicate and colorful flowers.

6. Spring rains and thunderstorms are beautiful to watch and relaxing to listen to.

Falling asleep to the sound of rain falling...is there anything more relaxing?

7. Baby animals are everywhere.

If you drive through the country, chances are you will see fields dotted with new calves and other baby animals. So cute!

8. It is warm enough to actually enjoy spending time outside.

Winter seems to never end when you have to spend most of your time cooped up inside, avoiding the cold. Now that it is spring, it is finally warm enough to sit outside, go for walks and do many of your favorite outdoor activities!

9. The days are getting longer (YES!).

Something else that makes winter seem so long, is how short the spans of daylight are. Thanks to the time change and the days naturally getting longer, spring brings more daylight. It seems like there is more time to get things done, and more time to enjoy the outdoors with those we care about.

10. I can finally wear my Teva sandals again!

I've tried the whole Chaco thing – I absolutely can't stand them. Instead, I am a Teva girl all the way. When it was cold and snowy, all I wanted to do was pull out my Tevas, but the few times I did that, my feet froze and people gave me odd looks. Now that it is warming up, I can enjoy wearing them, without the frostbite and ugly looks.

11. No more heavy coats and frozen noses.

It gets so old having to bundle up in heavy coats, scarves and winter layers, and no matter how many layers you put on, it never fails that your nose will end up almost instantly numb. Say goodbye to all of these struggles! Spring is here!

12. Daffodils, dogwoods, redbuds and all kinds of flowers are springing up.

Flowers are my favorite! Their bright colors are a sure sign that winter is definitely leaving.

13. Baseball season is essentially here.

Okay, so this is a new one for me. I used to hate baseball. But two years of dating (and now being married to) a guy who has played baseball since he was four has changed that for me. This spring I am shocking myself by actually enjoying the beginning of baseball season. I'm still learning, but I have come a long way. Bring on hotdogs and the fear of being hit by foul balls!

14. Life feels fresh and full of hope and new beginnings.

Winter can be so very depressing and dark, but spring sunshine, warmth and beauty brings a feeling of newness and hope. Happiness abounds.

15. Robin Eggs candy and Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs...need I say more?

I mean, this really speaks for itself....

16. Sunsets seem to become even more incredible than usual.

Sunsets are gorgeous any time of year, but with the clear skies that spring brings, the colors of sunsets become even more varied and awe inspiring.

17. It is now possible to order iced coffee without getting weird looks.

I am one of those people who likes cold drinks even when it is bitterly cold outside. I have definitely gotten some strange looks for ordering iced coffee or similar things in the winter. Now though, it should be acceptable to order these things again.

18. Stores are stocking swimsuits and warm weather clothing.

My favorite styles are here again!

19. People are actually visible when you go outside.

In the winter, everyone hibernates away. There is no life visible. With spring weather, people start to venture outside again. Driving down the streets, signs of life are once again apparent.

20. Beauty is everywhere you look.

What are your favorite things about spring?