Edgar!

'Twas the Week Before Christmas

..and we're cozying up with the grandparents. Some shots from Nana and Opa's last weekend (reading The Three Little Pigs and making ceramics on the iPad).

Looking forward to seeing Grammy on Friday!

The Senses

Edgar's Kindergarten class (all of them, actually) had an Open House yesterday morning. The theme was the five senses, and everyone was invited to go from room to room for activities and learning exercises.

The kids sang a more sense-based version of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes to top it all off.

Then they showed off the toys they had made in advance, with Edgar having created a cool robot!

Here's a movie of the song!

Pre-T-Giving Cookie Production

With Jean!

Jumping with Visiting Relatives

Not sure what was more fun when visiting with Marianna, Sam, and Henry yesterday -- jumping on the trampoline or goofing around in the car. Fun seeing Brandy the dog and all those other people, too.

 

Happy Birthday Opa!

A day late and probably well more than a dollar short -- though we did also celebrate a day early -- Happy Birthday, Opa! We all hope you had a fun- and/or rest-filled birthday -- whichever was your wish. Maybe a bit of both.

We hope to see you wearing that funny hat next time we visit.

Pre-K to K Graduation!

Big step yesterday. Edgar finished pre-school at the wondrous Jardín Mágico, and will begin Kindergarten at an equally wondrous International Baccalaureate public elementary school next week.

Jardín's ceremony was neither pompous nor circumstantial -- it was a merciful combination of singing, dancing, light-heartedness, and brevity. During the open mic portion, when several children screwed up the courage to approach the PA system and announce to one and all their personal vision for a professional future, Edgar said -- mock-dramatically -- "Mom (pause), Dad (pause), what do YOU want to be when YOU grow up?"

Very funny, smart aleck.

But seriously, folks, we'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Bobbie and Ralph, Grammy, Nana and Opa, and everyone who has contributed to Edgar's early education.

4th of July Eve

Edgar and his dad spent part of the 3rd of July visiting Historic Fort Snelling.

The fort has a multi-faceted past, highlighted and stained with major events and circumstances which connect to larger aspects of American history in general. It was the home for some time of Dred and Harriet Scott (and their two daughters), of Dred Scott Decision fame -- the US Supreme Court case identified as one of the events that led to the American Civil War; Horrific acts took place at Fort Snelling as part of the US/Dakota War in the 1860s; And the fort was used as a foreign language school during World War II, so US Army personnel could learn Japanese -- from volunteers as well as relocated detainees from internment camps.

Not to say that much of this sunk in with five-year-old Edgar. Regardless, it was a beautiful -- and historic -- summer day.

Oh, and there were lots of barrels there. And six-pound cannonballs could travel as far as a mile when fired.

            

Happy Birthday Grammy!

Not only was today Grammy's birthday, but it was the big day (finally!) for Edgar's ballet and tap dance recital -- along with the whole dance school.

Luckily we got to experience both -- with Grammy and Aunt Cathy being able to attend the afternoon performance.

Here's Edgar just after the show. He's still in his Blues Brothers costume, with the exception of his hat (worn by Grammy).

 

The Grill of It All

Last night, the grill given to us by Nana and Opa made its major debut. We used it to prepare asparagus, hamburgers, bratwurst, and even the brie and blueberry appetizer you see below.

We were joined by Nana and Opa themselves, as well as friends Bruce and Tim (Tim had helped assemble the grill a week earlier).

As night fell, the colorful lights in the garden came to life.

            
 

Moms!

We had a fun-filled Mothers Day today. We visited Nana and Grammy, then we went on an adventurous hike at Afton State Park!