M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos, Piano

The Pianist

Sophia’s winter piano recital was on Sunday.  She played “Trumpet Tune with O Come All Ye Faithful”.  She also played a song that she composed in October named “Halloween Song”. Her recital was held at Weber Music Hall on the UMD campus.  She really enjoyed playing on the Steinway grand piano.  After playing on such a nice piano, she pointed out that our upright piano at home really needs to be tuned.

Grand Piano
Piano Player

Here is the short YouTube video.  She pauses only for a second or two before she plays the song that she composed (at 54 seconds).  We are really proud of how well she has done with less than a year of piano lessons.  Keep practicing Sophia!

M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos

Elf On The Shelf Returns

Our kids are probably too old for Elf on the Shelf, but the elf that we lovingly named “Buddy” in 2011 has returned to our home and plans to stay until Christmas Eve.  Here is what he has been up to for the first 15 days of December.

Day 15 | Looking Through The Christmas Cards
Day 14 | Making Sure There Is Enough Wood For The Fire
Day 13 | Hanging Out With The Holiday Decor
Day 12 | Perched Atop The Artwork
Day 11 | Dishing With The Dishes
Day 10 | Making Music At The Piano
Day 9 | Thirsty For A Beverage
Day 8 | Decorating The (Mini) Christmas Tree
Day 7 | Stocking Stuffer
Day 6 | Resting On The Wreath
Day 5 | Branching Out
Day 4 | Peeking Out From The Pine Cones
Day 3 | Greeting Guests At The Door
Day 2 | Watching The Snow In The Snow Globe
Day 1 | Cup Of Elf

We are looking forward to seeing where we will find him next…

M. Sullivan Photography Landscapes, Photos, School, Weather

Snow Daze

The snow began on Monday morning and continues yet tonight (Wednesday).  We have had over two feet of snow.  The yard stick on the deck is measuring nearly 33 inches, but the local weather forecaster said that we have had 28.6 inches.  Either way, it’s a LOT!  The schools are already canceling classes for tomorrow.  This is the third day in a row.  I have been working from home the past two days.  Mike ventured into work yesterday, but opted to take a vacation day today to try to keep up with snowblowing and enjoy a little outdoor fun with the kids. The winds have been blowing the snow and pelting the windows with a slushy mess.  The blizzard-like conditions made picture-taking difficult and had Mike and the kids using their ski goggles while working/playing outdoors.  My camera got wet even huddled next to the shelter of the house.  The photos look a bit blurry from the heavy snow falling along with the water spots on my lens.

24.5
28.5
30.25
32.75
Snow Capped
Through The Front Window
Geared Up For Sledding
Ready, Set, Go
Snowblowing
Shoveling
Down The Hill
No Hands
Napping On The Snow Covered Bench
Fire Wood
Snow Covered Foliage
Snow Covered Pine Branches
Sledding The Backyard Hills

Mike and the kids took a break late in the afternoon and then went back out after dark to sled some more, build a snowman and a snow fort.

Mike, Sophia & Frosty
Snow Fort
Time For Some Roof Raking

We are hoping the plow comes through by morning.  It has only gone by once since the snow began.  That was yesterday morning.  Several neighbors with AWD have gotten stuck on our street and had to dig or snowblow themselves out.  The forecast is for the snow to end by morning and then cold temperatures (-15 degree lows) are coming at the end of the week. It is hard to believe that the calendar says it’s fall.  If this is fall, what is winter going to be like?