If your strife strikes at your sleep, remember spring swaps snow for leaves.

You’ll be happy and wholesome again when the city clears and sun ascends.

Spring is here. The rain is pouring, creating reflective puddles and washing away all the staleness of winter. Flowers are opening their little buds. And there is the occasional warm, sunny day to brighten your face and remind you that summer is on the way.

I’ve been listening to tons of Mumford and Sons, bundling up in blankets and opening my window to hear the wind whip through and smell the rain.

Last weekend, Miss Lauren and I headed to the small town of Campbell to check out the historic area and hang out with her niece and nephew while her sister was in class. The weather was a perfect spring day — gorgeously sunny but still deserving of a light cardigan.

We found a wonderful garden near a historic house where the kids could bask in the sun while Lauren and I played a bit with our cameras.

California gardens always leave me with such peace because they are so beautiful.

Sophia and Joseph are super fun to photograph when they hold still long enough.

In Campbell, we stopped by a book store where a cat took a liking to me and fell asleep on my lap, had lunch at a delicious organic Mexican restaurant and even made it to the toy store.

Also, the hotel we stayed at has some artwork that I really want in  my apartment. I think they personalized the room for Lauren and I.