Happy Valentine’s Day!

Video Page Added

I’ve decided to consolidate videos into a single page for easier reference. You can access from the top of the page or from right here. However, All recital links will remain on the Recital Page.

Happy New Year!

If the cold days continue, we’ll be out of wood in a couple weeks. It’s warmed up to 14 below mid-morning.  As a family, we’re coming of a refreshing holiday, with a break from work, school and violin. I’m hopeful for 2010 and hope that you are as well.

The kids enjoyed some time, albeit brief, with their cousins Jakob and Faith while visiting Grandpa and Grandma at their home in Northern Minnesota.

We did a lot of sledding, so much so that when it was time to leave, we couldn’t drive ourselves out of the driveway because it was so slick. Notice the fine steering control by the fingers. Here’s a brief video of a couple slides.

Faith was wise to close her eyes when riding with Uncle Jon.

Jeff and Jakob braving the cold.

One last glimpse at the manger scene.

Have a blessed new year everyone.

Christmas Violin Recital

Elena just participated in the a violin recitial. I’ve added a page link to several of the violinists.

At the Maple Grove Firehouse

Todd proudly shared his firefighting skills with the Cub Scouts last night at the Maple Grove Fire Station #2.

The boys were surprised how heavy the Jaws of Life were.

Can you spot the million dollar ladder truck in the middle?

The boys were each able to raise and lower the flag.

The Maple Grove Fire Department responded to 900 calls last year. Seventeen of them were house fires. Todd noted that there have been fewer calls this year, perhaps because more people are home (poor economy) and so houses are vacant less frequently or parents are home with kids.

I learned as much as the Cub Scouts and I must say that I’ve never met an unfriendly firefighter. Thanks Todd.

Independence, oh my!

Brynn is becoming pretty independent. She just set her hair for the evening.  Beautiful isn’t she?

GTCYS at Orchestra Hall

Elena was back at Orchestra Hall for the Fall GTCYS concert. She’s in the front row next to the concertmaster.  I continue to be amazed at the sound these kids produce. Andrew Bast is the conductor of the Concert orchestra.

If you’re in the Twin Cities, their next concert is at Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul on December 3rd.

Pizza Party

An impromptu gathering in the neighborhood on a nice spring day.

Cub Scouts in the Neighborhood

Last Saturday, Cub Scout Den 9, Pack 211 walked though the neighborhood collecting groceries for a local food shelf. All told, they collected 637 pounds of food and had a lot of fun. Here’s Anders with a few of the Tigers.

Finally Four

Our littlest one is now four. She is also our only kid with a birthday in the first half of the year. It’s rare that the one having the birthday is asleep when their breakfast is delivered in bed, but Brynn was out. Now she’s out and about.