Winter – Page 6 – M. Sullivan Photography

February 16, 2014February 16, 2014 M. Sullivan Photography Daphne, Family, Flowers, Photos, Weather

Hopper Happiness & Sock Monkey Madness

We gave the kids a few small things for Valentine’s Day. Nothing fancy, just some chocolate treats, gum and a small gift for each kid. Sophia had her eye on a giant stuffed frog that was on display in the gift section of a local store since mid-January. Every time we stopped by the store to pick up a few items, she spotted the frog and begged to have it for Valentine’s Day. It was a little overpriced and ridiculously pink and large, but she declared her love for it each time she saw it. Early this week I had to do some errands and stopped by a different store for a few household items. I decided to pick up some Valentine’s treats for the kids and a card for Mike. While I was debating on whether or not to get a small stuffed bulldog for Sophia, I looked up on the top shelf and spotted the same frog that Sophia had seen at the other store. I decided that it must be fate. Not only was it the same frog, it was almost half the price. Sophia became the proud owner of a giant pink and white frog on Valentine’s Day. She couldn’t have been more excited. Now we just need to figure out where to keep him. Sebastian’s gift was not quite as bright or exciting, but he was very happy with his new fleece blanket (a.k.a. Woobie).

Hopper, Socky, Sophia, Sebastian & The Brown Blanket

In addition to her new frog, Hopper, Sophia also received a gently used sock monkey hat with her Valentine’s Day loot. Sock Monkey was also a big hit with her as seen below in the snapshots from earlier today,

I also enjoyed my Valentine’s gift…a beautiful bouquet of roses, truffles and a nice card from Mike.

Sebastian had a basketball tournament in Zimmerman, Minnesota today. Mike made the 2 1/2 hour journey with him. It was a long day, with less than ideal road conditions, but the boys played well and they made it home safely at 10:40 p.m. tonight. While they were away, Sophia and I took care of shoveling the freshly fallen snow. We did take some time to have a little fun and enjoy sledding in the back yard.

Daphne also joined in the fun.

We are looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and enjoying a quiet day at home…or maybe skiing in the fresh powder.

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 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.