fa la la la la

 Tis' the season of festive celebrations.

 The girls took part in the Lucia pageant, according to them the last one. 

 When I asked Sophia if they were serious about being done, she said: "When I say yeah, I mean Yeah!"...so we'll see.

 Band members; they now are!!

 Anna: Trombone

 Sophia: Clarinet 

We will see if they stick with it.

 It was discovered this holiday season that the Elf on the Shelf is in fact; moved about by yours truly. 

(with tongs of course, because the elf would loose his magic otherwise)

We will see how much longer the whole Santa thing lasts, they have some serious questions about that.

we live in interesting times

With the stunning outcome of our presidential election yesterday I can only think of our remarkable ability to overcome adversity. In fact, Sophia has pointed out on several occasions during this election season that we have had bad presidents before. We got through those times. I have faith that we will make it through these times as well. Anyway; here are this years class pictures.    

first day of fourth grade

 We are very excited to be back at school.

 This summer just flew by, but we managed to get plenty of fun in....

...like the Ye Old Mill at the State fair. 

 ...And a trip up to Lutsen.

 Including what started out as a terrifying ride on the Alpine slide that turned out to be pretty terrific by the end of it.

flashback friday

 Time for a #FBF from our time at the edge of the pond. 

From one side to the other and back again.

smultronstället

 The second leg of our ultimate summer vacation has us picking 
wild strawberries by the sea in Rossö Sweden.

 We have also done our fair share of crab fishing.

 Grilling and feasting.

And many, many games of Kubb.

manhattan