Warming up at the Como Park Conservatory

This morning we took a quick trip to the conservatory at Como Park. It felt good to walk among bright green plants and feel some heat and humidity.

One of the orchids showcased for the Winter Carnival.

The place-to-BE this winter

It makes me so happy when we discover friends at the SP Children's Museum. It was a double surprise today.

First we found our little friend Gretta, who is about 18 months old, in the Habitot room (where all the "cool" toddlers hang out). Unfortunately it got very crowded fast, so socializing with friends was kind of difficult.

Later, we ran into the Trudeau family. Corey went to MPLS to get his haircut and I decided to stay so Sula could play with Hannah. They are quickly becoming BFFs and are a hoot to watch play together. I love the way little Hannah says, "Shooola!" So cute.

Sula mastering "the bridge" in the Habitot room.

Photo-tog mom at it again, you can see my reflection in the mirror.

Sula and Hannah playing peek-a-boo in the Habitot room.

Our little artist working a masterpiece (I have to take credit for the big pink O). She was definitely working on her blue period pieces today.

Little Hannah the artist. She was skilled at using all three colors, must have been inspired by Jackson Pollock today.

Welcome first molars!

All 4 of Sula's primary molars have broken through her gums. OUCH!

We woke up on Wednesday morning with Sula screaming in pain. She had a low fever (about 100.5) and bright red cheeks. I can only imagine how painful it must feel to have those molar pushing through. Thankfully, Orajel and ibuprofen seemed to really help reduce her pain. We stayed home together and did some serious playing to keep her mind off the teething.

More pictures here! First Molars

Your moment of Zen

Check out this picture of Spaz I took this week with my new digital SLR camera. Despite my limited knowledge of photography, I think this is a very good photograph. It gives me confidence that I will continue to get better at taking pictures.

Serious Vikings Fans

We had some friends over to watch the Vikings play for a chance at the SuperBowl on Sunday night. Sula and Hannah are becoming great friends, it is so much fun to watch them be silly together.

Video:

Sunday night football BEFORE half-time (the kid friendly version of the night before things got ugly).

Rock the Cradle

Last Sunday we went to Rock the Cradle at the Children's Theatre Company/Minneapolis Institute of Arts (2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis). For those not familiar, it is a family event sponsored by 89.3 the current (Minnesota Public Radio) that includes activities, such as, story time with The Current DJs, kids disco, and a musical instrument petting zoo.

First thing Sunday morning was a stop at our favorite breakfast joint, Blackbird Cafe. Sula enjoyed coloring with papa as we waited for our pancakes and french toast.

Listening to Jeremy Messersmith sing silly kid songs.

One of mama's favorite paintings at MIA.

Disco dancing.

Sula is a great percussionist.

Purple Reign Punch- bring on the party

Celebrating MLK today alone at home. I am starting to organize our storage closet in the basement and go through all those papers that get put away to deal with another day. One thing I found was a recipe for a yummy punch that I made this past summer for the annual Blizz Birthday BBQ. With the Vikings playing the New Orleans Saints next weekend, maybe one of our blog fans would appreciate an amazing punch recipe.

Party On!

Purple Reign Punch

Adapted from Marie Claire Magazine, May 2009

1 bottle Cachaca

3 16-oz packs of frozen strawberries

4 cups limeade

8 limes juiced

1 bunch of basil

1/2 cup of high quality Balsamic Vinegar (sounds strange but this is critical)

1.5 cups raw sugar

Thaw strawberries, place in a bowl with raw sugar and basil, and muddle. Add limeade, lime juice, Cachaca and balsamic vinegar, and stir until all ingredients are blended. Transfer to a punch bowl and add enough ice to cover all the liquid. Stir to cool, then add more ice.

Serves 15.

AMAZING!