Cultural Canaan

In an attempt to "culturize" Canaan, we make every effort to introduce her to the American way of life.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of our society is Patriotism--so after having a conversation with Canaan about relevant social and political issues such as the free market, capitalism, ACORN and the debilitation of the mortgage market, we felt like she was ready to vote.

Don't let her looks fool you--she was more than happy to get her "I voted" sticker.

We also felt like it was important for Canaan to experience the "cun-try". So last fall, we took her to the North Georgia Mountain Fair. How to build a log cabin, how to make pork rinds, and how to drive a Harley were all the lessons Canaan learned that day.

At Halloween, we thought we'd let Canaan undergo what every American experiences on October 30--quickly carving the pumpkin so our $20 pumpkin doesn't go to waste and so that all 5 neighbors will see it if they decide to make the two mile trek into our neighborhood to trick or treat at our house while bypassing all the "big" houses that give out "life-size" candy bars instead of "fun" size.

While she appears to be upset at being put in the pumpkin, she was merely trying to tell us that there was pumpkin-gut on her Halloween tights.

Tim was trying to console her--bless his heart.

An appreciation of art and history is an aspect that grows one's character and love of country. So we brought her to the High Museum of Art for the Last Emperor's Terracotta Army exhibit. Fascinating!

Especially after realizing that people don't bring babies to the High often and that there's a strong possibility we may be asked to "come back another time."

But not with Canaan on board. Whether it was the terracotta figurines in the gift shop that peaked her interest or the fact that her mother had to sneak in a picture because I'm not sure if you can actually take pictures at an art museum, Canaan did not make a peep the whole time.

We were not asked to "quietly leave the premises."

Canaan was excited to learn the process of actually creating a few thousand member army made out of terracotta.

She was fascinated to discover that the Emperor was afraid of the after life and so built this army. Thank heaven for heaven, Canaan thought. Literally.

She was thrilled to try her first wonton.

She was delighted to pose in front of yet another statue for the 32nd "illegal" picture in an art museum.

But, Canaan did learn to have an appreciation for both art and history--another cultural event checked off the list.

Canaan also eats at fancy resturants. This weekend while on a little trip with our friends Chris and Anna Walters and Dustin and Angela Lyle, Canaan eats her first lemon. A highly culutural and sophisticated fruit to eat. One that her Aunt Amy enjoys. So we caught it on video. Pay close attention to her face after tasting her first lemon.

Nothing--she's not even fazed. Should we be concerned?

And finally, after "culturizing" her at the restuarant, we decided it was time for Canaan to experience yet another important aspect of our society that nearly every American 21 years and older appreciates--

wine tasting.

Definitely a drier Merlot aged in oak barrels, Canaan decides.

She may look like she's had too much to drink, but she's actually focusing on the aroma of this particular variety.

Soon, Canaan will be ready for the whiskey. Just kidding.

We are responsible parents.