Here’s what we did for Fun Friday on December 17th.

It’s getting closer to the holidays, and people are wondering what to get for the little ones in their lives. I’ve compiled a gift guide for children and the mom-to-be, there’s also a stocking stuffers section. Enjoy!

0-6 Months Old	6-12 Months Old	12-18 Months Old
18-24 Months Old	2 Years Old	3 Years Old
4 Years Old	5 Years Old	6 Years Old
Mom-to-Be	Stocking Stuffers

Today is Lincoln’s birthday, and what better way to celebrate than look at some really cool old photos? The Library of Congress added some never-before-scanned photos of Lincoln to their Flickr stream. I never even realized this resource existed!

I’m a photographer, so I’m especially interested in the stereoscope image (a really early Viewmaster) and the glass plate used as the basis for his image on the five-dollar bill. There’s also a really young unshaven Lincoln, who freaks me out like whenever I see Tom Selleck without his mustache.

My son’s been studying some of Lincoln’s famous presidential activities, so I can’t wait to show him all these photos after school. The captions are amazing, with great asides and details. I think he’ll also like to see Lincoln with his kids, although photos in those days were never “candid.”

Make sure to check out our President’s Day ideas.

Getting ready to decorate for the holidays, but want something a little different? Check out these gorgeous, funny angels from Haba.

The soft angels come with a loop to hang on the tree as ornaments, or on hooks around your house any time of year. Their bodies are soft, but their beautiful faces are beechwood with cheery painted expressions. I can’t help smiling every time I pass them.

Each of their dresses are delicately beaded or embroidered with different designs. And their fuzzy string hair is a hoot! We can’t stop ruffling it here in the office.

The wooden angels are just as versatile as their hanging sisters, and they can stand on their own two feet. They also have fun string hair sticking out of their pig or pony tails.

My daughter plays the violin and my son sings, so I’m already looking at those two as stocking stuffers.Whether you are decorating for the holidays or just want a few extra smiles around the house, these girls are sure to offer a moment of calm as you walk by and catch their infectious smiles.

 We’ll be adding more holiday decorations in the coming days, so stay tuned! 

Easter is early this year.

Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people once used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Based on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) that is rare.

Here’s the interesting information. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here are the facts:

1. The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you’re 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2. The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

The facts above was emailed to me, and I thought I’d share.

Happy Easter everyone!