Winter covers the ground like an icy blanket. The snowflakes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, not one looking like the other. Mounds of white coat the ground, houses, cars, trees, and anything else left standing still outside in the cold. Snowmen cover every front lawn, all of their faces different, giving each one a special personality. The days are short, nightfall coming earlier and earlier. Coats, mittens, boots and hats are the new fashion. No one goes outside without dressing up for the cold beauty that is the outside.

Spring melts away the white splendor of winter, bringing in the lush green grass and colorful flowers. Rain comes in sheets, giving the plants another chance to reign over the area. The cold bitterness that was winter is replaced with a warm, comfortable temperature, just enough for sweaters to keep one warm. Families are on their knees, planting seeds and store-bought flowers in their yards. Raincoats are always around, along with umbrellas of all sizes, colors, and designs. Rain boots take the place of snow boots, and stomp along the wet ground.

Summer rolls in with nothing but sunshine and happiness. No one dares to wear heavy clothing while the warm weather settles over. Hopes are high as the school days come to an end and bring the few months of summer vacation. Pools are filled with families and friends having fun together while fathers are at the grill, making lunch or dinner. The days are long, the sun seeming to stay out past bedtimes to watch families enjoy its warmness. The bright days are full of laughter and smiles.

Autumn comes soon after summer, bringing in a chill. The bright colors of summer slowly fade into the oranges and reds of fall. Even the smallest of breezes start to pick the leaves off the trees, making them more and more exposed with the passing days. Crunching is heard wherever people walk. Many work hard to rake up the leaves, only to have children jump in the pile and scatter them around once more. The deed goes unpunished, for the laugher invades the anger. Soon, coats and sweaters are brought out of the closets to be worn once more as the temperature drops.

And despite all of these seasonal changes, children always find a way to play and have fun. They adapt to the changes, but keep the smiles on their faces. Through the heat, the rain, the temperature drop, and the snow, they play.