The B’s

BOATS

This boat was traveling out on the lake near sunset tonight.  The calm waters of Lake Superior made for a reflection in the water that we could see from our house miles away.  Beyond the boat in the background is the ice that continues to shift in toward shore. Tonight it had moved further out towards Wisconsin.

Reflection | Boat On Lake Superior

These two tugs escorted the BBC Celina into port yesterday morning.  I had hoped to catch her going under the Aerial Lift Bridge, but was slowed down on my drive towards the harbor by a garbage truck.  I think this shot turned out better than the one that I had wanted to get.  You can also see it on Daily Duluth Photo.

Big Boat, Little Boats

Not long after the BBC Celina came under the bridge, the Wagenborg came in.

Two Big Boats

BASEBALL

Sebastian’s intermediate baseball season is underway.  We saw his first game on Sunday afternoon.  He did a great job pitching and also had a single, stole bases and had a great catch in the outfield.

Lefty Pitcher
Right-Handed Batter

BLOSSOMS

My daffodils are finally blooming now that it is the 3rd week in May.

Blooming Daffodils
Standing Tall

My Mother’s Day flowers are still looking good a week and a half later.

Big Bloom
Colorful

BRANCHES

The trees and shrubs are slowly showing signs of tiny leaves.  Spring has been slow to come this year, but I think it really is here .

Budding Branches

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

Sophia’s Spring recital was on Tuesday at Weber Music Hall at UMD.  Once again she had the opportunity to play piano on stage in front of an audience.  She did a wonderful job playing a piece called Little Grey Owl and another that she composed last fall titled Autumn Dance of the Leaves.

Pianist

At the end of the recital, she and many of her fellow piano students received their awards/certificates for piano testing that they did earlier in the year.

Awards

BIRDS

We have had a number of birds at our bird feeder, including this little guy who didn’t seem to be bothered by my picture-taking.

Dinnertime

I was trying to get a picture of this little red bird (and wasn’t doing a very good job), when a chickadee photobombed my image.

Photobomb

We are all looking forward to a long weekend with the Memorial holiday ahead.  We are planning to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.

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.

Night Out
Sophia & Her Friend Enjoying Kiddie Cocktails

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

Arctic Air

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.

Football Field By Mike & Sophia

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

Super Bowl Sunday

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.

All Tuckered Out

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.

7th Grade Band – iPhone Photo

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!

Cookie Perfection

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

Moon
Winter Branch
Birch Bark
Firewood
Swirly Sky
More Empty Branches
Plane

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.

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!