Outdoor Hour Challenge - Winter Tree Study

I have been very lazy the last few weeks and we haven't been doing any formal nature study. Or even informal really. We certainly spend a lot of time out of doors but nothing that I would really call nature study. But we have been noticing the changes in the tree we picked last spring. We picked a birch tree that is right outside our door and that I park under everyday, so we can't help but look at it.
This is our tree a few weeks ago between rainstorms. Sophie made the comment that the water droplets all over the branches looked like Christmas lights. The trees really do sort of glitter when the sunlight peaks out behind the clouds and hits those droplets the rain left all over the branches.
This birch tree in particular was beautiful because of the way the branches droop and all the catkins hanging on each. There is just a lot for the water to cling to.

The last week or so our tree has been telling us that spring is on the way. Sophie was the first to spot the new leaves popping out all over.

This is our tree today. It doesn't look that different than it did a few weeks ago when standing far away. When you get up close you can see the green leaves popping out that really make us feel like spring is here.

Henry decided he had to get a really good look at the tree. He loves to climb trees and has decided this is his new favorite for climbing.

This little guy gives every tree he comes across a try. He just loves to climb trees.

It is hard to believe that in just a few weeks our tree will look like this again.