I went to see Brita perform a music program with her class today. She did a dance to Dynamite, and played piano and guitar in two other songs. The music teacher makes the class fun and a lot of parents crammed into the music room to see the kids perform. Our kids are lucky to go to such a great school.

I went to see Brita perform a music program with her class today. She did a dance to Dynamite, and played piano and guitar in two other songs. The music teacher makes the class fun and a lot of parents crammed into the music room to see the kids perform. Our kids are lucky to go to such a great school.

I took this picture while in North Carolina over Christmas. Lars and I walked out on a pier on the sound side that we had never been on during the summer. The cold soon overpowered our sense of adventure and we ended up running back to the Island Bookstore.

I took this picture while in North Carolina over Christmas. Lars and I walked out on a pier on the sound side that we had never been on during the summer. The cold soon overpowered our sense of adventure and we ended up running back to the Island Bookstore.

I walked past the Chicago Board of Trade building and started wondering about the hooded statues on either side of the clock. I found out later that one is an Egyptian holding grain, the other a Native American holding grain. I guess they represent universal prosperity.

I walked past the Chicago Board of Trade building and started wondering about the hooded statues on either side of the clock. I found out later that one is an Egyptian holding grain, the other a Native American holding grain. I guess they represent universal prosperity.

My walk to and from the train does not pass through the most beautiful part of Chicago. The city is building south of the loop, but large industry poses some challenges.

My walk to and from the train does not pass through the most beautiful part of Chicago. The city is building south of the loop, but large industry poses some challenges.

I captured a few pictures of the sculpture garden that didn’t have kids in them, but I thought turned out exceptionally well.

We stayed downtown at the Hyatt for Brita’s birthday.  The room wasn’t quite ready when we arrived, so we walked through Loring Park and made our way to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.  The weather and the sun was warm enough for us all to enjoy the park.

I spoke to my sister-in-law (who recently moved to Denver) about how there was no snow in Minneapolis.  I appreciate the lack of shoveling, but miss the normal winter activities.

Had a drink with my brother at my favorite bar in Minneapolis - the incomparable Monte Carlo.  It’s old school (like 1950’s old school), family owned and operated, has great bartenders and is a great place to hang out.

Had a drink with my brother at my favorite bar in Minneapolis - the incomparable Monte Carlo.  It’s old school (like 1950’s old school), family owned and operated, has great bartenders and is a great place to hang out.

Brita’s danced in a recital for National African American Parents Involvement Day.  The recital was remarkable for how well Brita and her classmates dance and how confident they all seemed.  It’s not easy to get up in front of the whole school and dance.  The audience was respectful and only got restless during the last dance that didn’t involve kids (a tribute to Whitney Houston).   I was really proud of her and hope to see her dance again.

Brita’s danced in a recital for National African American Parents Involvement Day.  The recital was remarkable for how well Brita and her classmates dance and how confident they all seemed.  It’s not easy to get up in front of the whole school and dance.  The audience was respectful and only got restless during the last dance that didn’t involve kids (a tribute to Whitney Houston).  

I was really proud of her and hope to see her dance again.

I spent some time with Leif this week before school at the annual breakfast and concert.  We walked to school together, I ate his grapes for him, and then dropped him off at class before watching the concert.

I spent some time with Leif this week before school at the annual breakfast and concert.  We walked to school together, I ate his grapes for him, and then dropped him off at class before watching the concert.