to our readers

We’re talking a lot about learning in this issue of Moms & Dads Today. From the benefits of dance and music education to researching your family tree, you’ll see that a lot can happen outside the classroom. Essentia Health offers information about early vision screening, and St. Luke’s writes about the importance of establishing a primary care physician. With the holidays coming up, you might enjoy learning about day trips to take with your family, and how to keep pets safe when turkey dinners and poinsettias start arriving. A Duluth family shares their story of participating in a study about autism, and an education intern writes about her fun summer at Hartley. Enjoy!

ON THE COVER:

Morgana Kolenda of Duluth holds her twin girls, Isla and Adrienne, 3. Kolenda is the administrator for the local multiples Facebook group, Twin Ports Mothers of Multiples.

THE KITCHEN

Snickerdoodles recipe maintains childhood connection

25 RAISING CHILDREN

UWS offers more support at Pruitt Center 28 EDUCATION

Stella Maris Academy playground dedicated to devoted father

HANDS ON

Stain highlights grain of tactile wood sculpture 32 PETS

Keep your animals safe and healthy during the holidays

LEARN YOUR ROOTS

Duluth has multiple resources for genealogy research 36 FAMILY HEALTH

Duluth family enrolls in largest ever autism research project

39 TEACHING & LEARNING

Internship at Hartley Nature Center a special experience 42 KIDS’ CORNER 43 SOCIALS contributors advertising account executives

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Page 42 ANSWERS: Right Eye - no white spot, Left Eye - blue instead of white, Smile - pink instead of green, Left Cheek - no red blush circle, Hat - 2 holly berries instead of 3, Hat - Holly leaf is solid instead of detailed, No glove string on right hand, Right sweatshirt sleeve is red instead of brown, No top button on stomach, Bottom scarf stripe is pink instead of red.

Bonnie Ambrosi, Emma Ambrosi, Ayla Androsky, Clint Austin, Tony Bennett, David Ballard Photography, Betsy Holcomb, Katelyn Kammer, Bob King, John Lundy, Kathleen Murphy, Mary Rasch, Tyler Schank, St. Luke’s, Kasha Stoll, Madeleine Surges, Connie Wirta, Naomi Yaeger