CELEBRATING ERIN

We had so much fun celebrating Erin's birthday recently. Here she is enjoying her birthday tiramisu!

IT'S ADVENT SEASON...

Advent is never as exciting as when you have 5 and under little somethings in the house... and when chocolate is involved. They adore receiving a chocolate kiss first thing in the morning.

CHRISTMAS TEA

I am all about traditions, and loved starting a new one this year. It's a Christmas tea party for the ladies of the family. We let Ian tag along, because Dad was at work, and also... he wanted to sample the sweets. Every lady contributed something, and we created a feast! Moriah provided some beautiful Bach piano music to set the mood. Even a Minnesota snowstorm can't keep us ladies from having a good time!!

"SLEIGH RIDE" AT ORCHESTRA HALL

It is true... we pour into our children what we ourselves are passionate about. And music blesses me so much, that I made sure the kids and I shared a morning of special music this week. The Minnesota Orchestra does some great concerts for children, and we went to our first one. I was armed with sweets and silent toys, if need be. My theory is, don't take out the needed props until absolutely necessary. It buys a little extra time. So the kids were content to sit for 45-60 minutes, while our ears savored beautiful orchestrations. I think we can never underestimate the profound, positive impact that quality music can have on young ears. I won't get all scientific or spew Mozart Effect data, but really. Little ears benefit from feasting on quality music!