Musical talent runs deep in both sides of the family so it's no surprise to either of us that our ever so talented daughter took to the xylophone as quickly as she did. It brought a tear to my eye...a proud mom moment...to see her be such a natural with the 'piano' like her mommy. Some of you may snicker thinking "Courtney...musically inclined....piano???" Yes it may come as a shock to you, but it's true. I was once a piano wizard. Let's just say if you ever get the chance to hear me play "Hey Jude" or "Tomahawk Chop" (Chrysta I'll need some assistance as it's not the same without the duet), all questions will be lifted from thought. Kelly is a fabulous guitar player, Grandpa and Auntie Chrysta too...so when Brinnon picks up a guitar and starts finger pickin' without help, these relatives can claim that talent but I'm taking the piano/xylophone. I spent eight LONG years taking lessons down in the 'dungeon' of our teacher's basement every Wednesday eve from 2nd grade to my junior year of high school. Chrysta and I practiced (with severe force and/or threats) everyday (or most) for a half hour with hopes from Mom that one of her daughters would become the next Mozart. We often heard "One day you'll thank me for this". Unfortunately I only remember "Hey Jude" by heart, and I do a great version of Chopsticks with my favorite piano partner, trouble maker, co-conspirator Chrysta! Maybe Brinnon will be able to teach me a thing or two, by the looks of it at 9 months she already is better than I ever was.
Easter we traveled to St. Paul to meet Wilder Bourdaghs (see picture above). He is a darling! Thanks Mike and Angie for letting us stay with you and meeting your little sweetie! Saturday we headed down to Lake Crystal to see Grandma and Grandpa Bartz and Auntie Lil. We stayed a day longer because of the sick family members. Monday we headed to Maple Grove to visit Grandma squared. A lot of traveling, especially with sickies. It was still wonderful to see everyone! Although the pictures of B are quite adorable as a bunny...she felt so yucky it almost seemed wrong to subject her in an "Easter dress with bunny ears". Lily and I couldn't help ourselves...she is appeasing us.
Brinnon and I now have a new job. We are taking care of an adorable little girl named Avery. She is five months older than B and they get along great. B just loves Avery and most definitely thinks she is the bees knees. 
Not only did Brinnon and I get a new job, but Auntie Lil got a job at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. What a wonderful and exciting adventure for her! Way to go Lil! This is the first time since she was a teen that she's actually been a resident of Minnesota...we are so excited to have her close. Now we just need to work on the other Aunt in Tucson.
It's finally FINALLY officially getting nice out. This past weekend we were hit with another blizzard. UGHHH! One would think in April the snow should be done, but we got nailed. Thursday evening when the storm hit our power went out. Not only did we lose power, we lost our beautiful 40 foot pine tree that separated our property line to the south of us. Lucky the winds were coming from the North and the tree fell in our favor. Our neighbor two houses down wasn't so lucky. 2 am she awoke to a huge pine tree in her roof and front porch. It was quite the site! 
We had no stove, oven, heat, cooling system for food, laundry, computer or radio. A day off from work and we could do nothing but hang out. No cleaning or blogging or anything...just time together. It was wonderful! And it's always is nice to hear Kelly play the guitar and watch Brinnon admire her daddy's talents. Maybe one day she'll be a lot like him! :)
We weren't too concerned about the power until it didn't come on at all after the storm dissipated. There were 163 homes in Duluth that were affected by long term power outages...we were in that lucky statistic. Fortunately for us we had the Heydt's rescue us from our dark cold powerless dwelling. Their downstairs became our pseudo home for two days. We are so thankful for them being so generous to us!!!
