Frontenac State Park Camping

We had our first camping trip of the season this past weekend. We joined the Schweser Family at a cart in site down in Frontenac State Park for a night. It was a beautiful setting and all the kids had the best of time together, we really were impressed at how good they all were. We have known the Schweser's since Sonja and Soren were babies in ECFE together, so we go way back. Now Sevi and Siri are best friends, so they were the perfect family to camp with. 

Soren, Sonja, Sevi and Siri

Soren's highlight was getting to borrow Greg's Star Wars sheet to sleep in.

Sevi with his smore.

The Jiffy Pop master Randy at work while the kids patiently waited.

Bubbles were a hit for the trip.

Sonja and Soren

Sevi's favorite thing was to run in the mowed paths.

The Camping Gang.

Hauling out and heading out from the site.

2013 Nature Valley Grand Prix Kid Races

It is now our third year in a row participating in the Nature Valley Grand Prix Kiddie Bike Race that is held each June in St. Paul. We have a tradition as well to meet up and bike with August and Mason. The kids love it. They get to ride the pro race course that is just under one mile, then get a medal. Sevi is still on the short course, but a cruiser on his balance bike.

Future Pro Racers Sevi, August, Soren and Mason

Crossing the start line, Soren is at the back with his green shirt.

Mason and Soren with their medals.

Sevi at the end of his race with his medal.

Soren's Kindergarten Graduation

The last day of school as a Kindergartner for Soren arrived yesterday. It was a big day at New City Charter School. All the students presented their finest work of the year in their classrooms, then the Kindergartner class had it's own little graduation ceremony. The amazing Mr. Jeremy gave each student a diploma, then shared with them what special trait that student had taught him that school year. For Soren, he shared that he taught him the importance of paying attention to details in his artwork and schoolwork. It has been a year of growth for us all, but Soren has worked the hardest and it is a joy to see his pride. We have to thank Mr. Jeremy for all his work, Kindergartner teachers are saints if you ask me. We will miss Mr. Jeremy, but as Soren wrote, First Grade here I come!

Soren's portfolio share book.

Receiving his Kindergarten diploma from teacher Mr. Jeremy

Soren with Mr. Jeremy

Alma and Soren, best of friends from day one of Kindergarten.

His last bus ride of the school year and as a Kindergartner.

Music Man

After a year on the MacPhail Suzuki waiting list, we took the plunge and started our violin commitment. I say we, because the Suzuki method believes in the teaching triangle of student, teacher and parent. I started first, dusting off my old violin and scratching out the Twinkles with our teacher Kelly. Soren then joined us in February, first starting with clapping out rhythms, then moving to the violin box and bow holds, then finally to the actual violin. It is a big commitment for us all, but I can see how it is teaching Soren so many skills already. Beyond learning music he is learning about patience, perseverance, body control and listening skills. He is a fast learner and has really enjoyed it so far and I can't even begin to express how proud of him I am. He had his first recital on Saturday and I don't know who was more nervous, him or me. He was marvelous and I really hope that this sets the stage for a long term appreciation and involvement in the music world. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Gramma Anne, whom without her support, none of this could happen.

Soren outside MacPhail with his violin box when he started in February.

After graduating from the box in March, Soren is ready for the real deal. Here he is at Quinn Violin getting measured for his violin, a 1/8 size.

Quinn Violin wall of violins.

Soren's first violin recital June 1, 2013 in Antenello Hall at MacPhail.