The Wonder Spot: August 2009

Norway Part 3 – Misc.

Finally finishing up sharing all my Norway photos with the blog world. Seems ages ago now. Gosh I hate to be so far behind.

I think I’ve mentioned before about Christian’s crazy addiction to caviar and eggs. Well being in Norway with his Farfar whom is just as crazy for the stuff only intensified it. I do believe he had caviar and eggs for breakfast every morning. (Luckily for him, we brought back a few tubes that he’s using now at home – no withdrawals for him yet.)

While in Trondheim, Leif got to take in a football match with his beloved Rosenborg club playing. They won. Leif feels complete once again.

And I don’t think I’ve mentioned what a good traveler this little man was… truly amazing. In fact, he probably traveled a little better than me!! (I tend to complain Leif’s ear off – oh, you’re surprised by that?? You don’t know me well then.) The nine hour time difference (either way) was also not an issue for him. Happy as a clam this one!

We spent some of the lovely days just hanging out in Liv and August’s beautiful backyard. Just the perfect place for dinner:

For a tea party:

For soccer:

And for climbing stairs:

Not entirely sure what Daniel (Christian’s Godfather and Leif’s cousin) is doing here – just wanted him to make my blog though). Perhaps he’s showing his fierce Viking heritage… or something.

We also got so spend some really lovely time with dear, old friends of Leif’s. Friends that he grew up with. It’s so much fun to watch our kids play together – and even though language is an issue, kids somehow have this universal language of play and laughter.

Somehow these girls figured out how to put on a dance show for the grown-ups. Very entertaining.

And the boys, just give them so trucks, legos, balls, etc…. they figure things out pretty quickly too.

We are so fortunate to have dear friends in two countries.

Our near three weeks in Norway came to an end as it always does – much too quickly. We hope to return in another 18-24 months (and when you talk of it in months, it doesn’t seem so far off does it?) In the meantime, we’ll look forward to Liv and August’s visit in Nov/Dec… and hope for some of our friends and other family to visit in the meantime.

Ha Det Bra!

Some things stay the same

Rælingen, December 2006 Rælingen, July 2009

I do believe we might have to invest in a piano in the near future!

Happy Birthday Beckett

Oh, Beckett. Just when I think I can’t love and adore you any more than I do in any particular moment, I do. We all do. There is something magical about your relaxed, playful ways. You throw your whole body forward and bury your head during a good laugh and have the saddest sloping back and hanging lip when you are sad. You love almost everyone you meet and happily tolerate the others. Campbelle and Christian running ahead of you leave you kicking your legs as hard and as fast as they go. You can't wait to be running and jumping right alongside them, and you will be, soon. Your cautious standing will turn to reckless sprints, your sweet jibberish will turn to entertaining conversation and your little pointer finger will take a well-deserved rest. You'll be able to hold your own cup without getting soaked and finally, finally you'll know what every button and switch and outlet you come across is really for.. but for now, let's just clap and play and laugh while my arms turn to jelly from throwing you in the air. Let's just cuddle and kiss those delicious cheeks of yours while you still let us. Lets just keep doing the things we are doing, because man, it has been pretty great so far. You've brought an entire year of magic to an already charmed home and we all love you an insane amount because of it. Happy belated birthday, my little man.

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And here are a few photos of our fabulous Norwegian birthday celebration!

Mini marshmallows were a hit with the kids. (can’t get those in Norway, ohh the simple pleasures)

We also continued the tradition of letting them eat cake on their 1st birthday – also new to Norwegians. And truthfully, I would have love to see Beckett dive head first into his cake and just devour it – would have been a good show for everyone’s first time. But no, Mr. Beckett had far better manners than that.

First he took quite some time to inspect the cake:

And then, wasn’t entirely sure if he was allowed to eat it. “Um, can somebody get me a fork please?”

“yes, much better.”

“I’ll take over from here, thanks.”

“YUM – Farmor makes pretty tasty cake.”

“Yep, pretty tasty indeed!”

Norway Part 2 – Oslo

One day, Leif, the kids and I went into Oslo to do a bit of sight seeing. It was fun to see the kids experience some of the big highlights of the city.

First on our stop, was one of my favorite – Vigeland Park. It is a park composed of the artist Gustav Vigeland’s life work, were people are depicted in a variety of typical human situations and relationships. Beautiful.

Of course we had to have just a bit of fun ….

We also took in the new Opera House. Last time we were there, it was still under construction. It is architecturally stunning! You can walk from the water to the roof.

The kids were a little tired, so we let them take a little rest. Looks like they are laying on flat ground, but actually a nice slope.

Inside the opera house is equally as stunning.

As were the performers:

Then it was onto a soft ice and walk down the most popular street in Oslo – Karl Johans Gate.

Campbelle wanted to see the Castle – which is located directly behind where this photo was taken.

A few days earlier, after Risvika, we visited the Crown Jewels that are held up in the city of Trondheim. Campbelle loved it! (but no photographs allowed).

A great day in a beautiful city.

Norway Part 1 - Risvika

After a day of rest when we arrived in Norway, we headed 6 hours north to the middle part of the country to Leif’s mom’s family cabin. It’s called Risvika, and has been in Liv’s family for many generations. Many on that side of the family have memories of spending summers and Easter holidays there and it is cherished by all who visit.

There are no tv’s or computers there…. no running bathrooms (but probably the nicest outhouse you’ll ever see). When you are there you seem far away from everything – noise, neighbors, traffic. It’s so peaceful and pure. A place where you are forced to slow down. Soak in nature. Create. Be free. And live deep.

This was only my third time to Risvika and the kids had been once before (Campbelle was 2 and Christian 6 months)…and after each visit – no matter what the weather or how long we stay – I’m always so thankful for having experienced it. Campbelle and Christian are old enough this time to really appreciate it too… and they’ve fallen wildly in love with the place as well. And although we don’t get there near as much, it makes me feel good that the same place so near and dear to their dad’s heart, is in their heart as well.

Our week there was full of the most splendid experiences. First off, you have to hike about 15 minutes in – which creates part of the solitude and peacefulness there. Seem to leave the other world at the car.

(Two houses. White one belongs to Leif’s uncle and his fantastic family and the red one is Liv’s. Two other red buildings are a boat house and a garage – with a new loft – where Leif and I slept – our own private suite!)

We fished:

We swung:

We swam:

(Leif and I racing… I of course won. But words can not describe how COLD that water was!! Yikes)

We forgot Campbelle’s swim suit top – oh well, she looked very European! ha

We grilled hotdogs on the beach:

We learned to start a fire and manage it safely:

We got all sorts of rides from Uncle Bjorn:

We hiked Eagle Mountain:

The winds are a bit strong up there – and the views are unmatched!

If I were really good at photoshop – I’d put a little arrow pointing to where Risvika is down below – but I’m not, so you’ll just have to trust me that it is down below. Here’s what it looks like: