Phoenix and Minnesota family time

school is out!! Actually we took lilja out early as Aran’s mom wrote and produced a play .. We thought it was more important to show Lilja how her grandma’s hard work had paid off and she is following her dreams .. Aran has a conference in Phoenix right after so we drive to Phoenix, flew to Minnesota, flew back to Phoenix and drive back to Durango . A little busy but well worth it . Grandma’s play was amazing and we were glad we went . We even went to the gravesites of two of the people that the play was about . I love Winona!! Very green, clean and just beautiful ! Aran left early, so lilja and I had some special time with grandma and grandpa .. a ssoecial salad was made with violets in them ., lilja is quite the cook :)) Then I had the best day in Phoenix ever!! Laying at a pool , while lilja met some girls and played all day .. yes I had a margarita in hand and got some relaxing time .. now it is off back to bayfield ..

Beardance 2019

Lilja has a very strong connection with her Native American background . Luckily we both work at a tribe and Lilja has opportunities to join some traditions of theirs . The Bear dance is the dance of the spring . The women ( or girls) ask the men to dance and they can not refuse . Lilja has been doing this dance since she was 4 and her little assertiveness comes out !! She flicks her scarf and is not afraid to ask elder and even a man with a cast on !! What is amazing is that every year elder from the community have been gifting accessories Lilja For her outfit . This year it was moccasins ! They are beautiful !! Aran dances too and has been given a beautiful ribbon shirt from a friend of his. This year for X-mas we gave Aran his new hat and it looks pretty handsome on him .