Family – Page 30 – M. Sullivan Photography

February 9, 2014February 11, 2014 M. Sullivan Photography Basketball, Cooking, Daphne, Family, Gymnastics, Photos, Piano, Sports

Catching Up

Mike and Sophia went to a Father-Daughter event at the end of January. They had a double date with friends of ours and had a wonderful evening of dancing, laughter and fun. Here they are right before they left for their big date.

Sophia & Her Friend Enjoying Kiddie Cocktails

The weather continues to be below average making it less than desirable for outdoor activities.

We hosted the annual Super Bowl Party at our house. We got a little creative with an old tablecloth to add to the football theme.

Sophia made sure we didn’t forget what day it was by marking it on our daily board.

Sophia made Seahawks and Broncos Rainbow Loom bracelets and sold them for $0.50 each. I forgot to take of photo of them, but trust me, they were super cute and sold fast! Daphne was exhausted the next day.

Sebastian had his first of two band concerts of the school year. The concert included performances by the 6th, 7th & 8th grades. They all did a great job.

Sophia had her own musical performance this week. She played two pieces of music at a piano festival in front of judges. The festival was at a nearby college. I wasn’t able to be in the room with her when she played, but she said it went very well. She will find out the results later this week.

Festival At The College of St. Scholastica – iPhone Photos

We enjoyed my work of art…this giant cookie after dinner on Saturday. I think I finally have it perfected. Homemade cookie dough (my secret recipe) baked in a 9 inch springform pan. Crispy, chewy and delicious!

I tried to find inspiration outdoors for a few photos, but came up somewhat empty-handed.

The week ahead looks busy with school conferences, a piano lesson, gymnastics, basketball practices and a tournament. We may try to fit in some skiing on Sunday if the weather permits. We are enjoying the longer days and are looking forward to warmer temperatures in the long, long range forecast.

January 24, 2014January 24, 2014 M. Sullivan Photography Artwork, Daphne, Family, Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photos, Weather

Featured

One of my photos was chosen by Daily Duluth Photo for picture of the day. It made my day too. 🙂

Sophia created her own artwork on Tuesday. There were no classes for students due to a scheduled staff development day. I worked from home and needed a project to keep her busy. She tried her hand at painting on canvas. I think she did a great job! The best part is that it kept her busy for over two hours. 🙂

Poor Daphne has not been not been well this week. She is playful, but has had some tummy issues. A veterinarian visit may be in her near future.

I’m trying my best to bring this Bougainvillea back to life. Left outdoors in our climate, this plant will only last one season. I brought it in this fall to try to winter it over, but not before letting it stay overnight outdoors when the temps dropped below freezing. It dropped all of its leaves except for just a few. I thought it was lost. I put it in our storage room and left it for a few weeks. The next time I checked it, leaves were beginning to sprout from the bare stems.

Here it is in its former glory.

I don’t know if it will make a full recovery, but I plan on giving it my best effort.

January 17, 2014January 17, 2014 M. Sullivan Photography Family, Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photos, Skiing, Weather

Ice, Snow & Cold

Record snowfall, record cold, sleet and ice. We have had it all and it’s only mid-January. The Polar Vortex has not been good to us in Northern Minnesota. We have been grateful for a vehicle with AWD, a garage that helps our vehicles start every morning and a newer furnace and windows to keep us warm, even if the temperature outside plunges to -29 degrees.

I’m not sure what kind of tree this is, but it has the most beautiful red berries that look like cherries or small crab apples. I have to wonder if they are poisonous because the birds have not been interested in eating them.

Mike has been our designated driver getting Sebastian to basketball practice and tournaments, Sophia to gymnastics and piano and also ski races at Chester Bowl. In his spare time he also volunteers as a ski patrol at Chester Bowl ski hill – that is when the hill isn’t closed because of subzero temperatures. Our Pathfinder has come in handy getting everyone where they need to go through the snow and cold. Here is Sophia’s first ski race of the season at Chester Bowl. She came in 5th in her division.

Due to the blistering cold January 5 & 6, schools were canceled. Although the kids have now had five days of school canceled because of the weather, I have to agree that standing at the bus stop with wind chills of -57 is not something I want my kids to do.

Luckily our summer daycare was able to take the kids both days so that Mike and I could make it into the office. The car ride to work was a little chilly at -22 at 8 o’clock in the morning. The next day was better. Only -21!

The shipping season ended in our port city this week. We won’t be seeing any more ships on Lake Superior from our living room window until March.

I have to be more creative in my photography, but the cold weather has kept me from venturing outdoors much. The best I can do is a few photographs of the sunrise from our front steps.

I did stay outside for all of 10 minutes this morning. After I arrived at work, I couldn’t help but snap of few pictures of the cool ice flows in the harbor.

There was a flock of ducks looking for food in the icy waters. I’m not sure if they had much luck. They were probably more concerned about staying warm as the temperature was 0 degrees.

The weekend is promising to be slightly warmer. I would like to get our poor boxer, Daphne, outside for a walk one of these days. She has been confined to mostly indoor exercise this winter. I will have to get out the dog booties and a jacket for her, but hopefully she will get a chance to enjoy some fresh January air.