Oh Spring, I love you….

- I say that as if I’m coming from a cold, snowy Midwest or Norwegian climate; when the truth of the matter is that we have probably just had the most mild winter I’ve ever known.  No matter though, all these signs of spring is still like music to my soul.

We had a fantastic walk through the Washington Arboretum this afternoon.  Refreshing to see these early signs of life.

 

And Camilla…. I think you just might be my favorite. 

We hope it is feeling like spring time where you are!

Norwegian visitors

We had some Norwegian visitors with us over the weekend.  Leif’s cousin Geir and two of his buddies.  Fantastic friendly people!  They’ve been in Vancouver for the Olympics and cheering on the Norwegian hockey team (may need to be a bit more cheering, but that’s another story.)  They had a break between games and decided to come down to Seattle for a few days to take in the sights.  None have been to the USA before – so it was fun to help introduce them to my country.  This is the first time we’ve had people visit us from Norway with the exception of Leif’s parents.  (so for all you Norwegian friends reading this:  Yes, Leif has been here 10 years and we’ve now had 1 non-parental/brother visitor….1!!  And since he was a cousin it doesn’t even count as a ‘non-family’ visitor.  Get the hint friends ;-)

With their visit however, there was a bit of unexpected stressfulness on my part.  You want to make a good impression…. not just my cleanliness, hospitality, and cooking skills – of course I want to impress there (and no doubt I shined :-) ha… but when this is someone’s first visit to the US, you act a bit as an ambassador.  I felt as if everything they saw, heard, experienced, ect…. in the presence of ME would virtually be their impression on the country (especially since they were here only a short 24 hours).  So America I am.   The good, bad, an ugly I’m afraid.

In my years of marriage to a foreigner and traveling to Norway often over the years, I am keenly aware of the stereotypes and ideals that people have on Americans and our lifestyle.  And in recent past years, it hasn’t always been easy to be an American abroad when the conversations turn to politics and social issues.  And even though I tend to agree with my foreign friends on many issues, the US is still my country and one I can’t help but want to defend.

So I tried my best to dispel them of their negative preconceived notions of Americans …. as I served them gigantic sized portions of dinner, and drove them around in our huge, gas guzzling mini-van, and they took rest in our hugely, over sized house. 

Hopefully their quick 24 hour impression of America was one of courtesy, kindness and relief that we’re not all GOP nuts. 

….and thankfully no one was mugged and no law suits were brought about while here.

 

…. oh yeah, and thankfully none of them needed medical attention.

This is February 20, 2010

Don’t you love it when you have perfect weather during the weekends.  And even more, when you have perfect weather for an entire week while kids are on break. 

This was one of the nicest weeks I have ever had during the month of all my Februarys.  The kids were on mid-winter break and home all week with nothing but play and relax on our agenda.  The weather was also gorgeous all week so we spent as much time as possible outside, soaking in the vitamin D.

This Saturday morning we headed to a lovely area practically in our back yard for a little hike to see some waterfalls. 

This was such a cool moss covered tree behind Leif in the below photo.  You could scarcely see any bark it was so thickly covered.  (And shots like this that I realize that I should have a better camera and lense to really capture it)

After our hike, we found a nice, sandy beach to have a picnic lunch, read our books, throw a gazillion rocks and build sand castles.

 

What a magnificent day and week.  I don’t believe that I would have traded this week at home for any vacation to any warmer climate in the world.  (check back with me during our spring break in April and I may have changed my tune.) :-)

Keeping it real…

Just when I thought I was getting pretty skilled at making my own bread, this happens…..

This was suppose to be 12 nice, little round, yummy Fastelavens Bollers…. or Lent Buns.  Obviously that did not happen.  Yeast… sometimes it just doesn’t rise!

And, to top it off.  Instead of the also delicious vanilla cream that was to be used inside these buns…. well, let’s just say I made some delicious vanilla sauce instead.

In the spirit of all our Grandmothers though, I did try to turn this unrisen lump of dough into something else (wildly unsuccessful as it was – I did try).

Olympic Games

We’re back!  It was a quick trip but so unbelievable worth it.  What an amazing experience to be at the Olympic Games.  The energy, the camaraderie, the skill – truly an amazing time.

We went to Vancouver Thursday night and spent the night at some good friends of ours the Battistels.  We had to make an early night of it though, because to get up to Whistler mountain the next morning, we took a bus at crazy ridiculous time.  The kids were in great spirits and didn’t mind being woken up at all at 3:50am at all!!  Yikes!

After a few hours bus ride, we took a nice 1/2 mile stroll to the venue.  The kids have been longing for some snow (sorry all you readers from snowy climates – but it’s true), so we made several stops to play along the way.

 

  Whistler Olympic Park!

  

 

Let me tell you, seeing ski jumping on TV looks scary enough, right?  Well seeing it in person is utterly unbelievable.  That jump is soooo high and they are flying through the air sooo fast.  It makes you wonder how any mothers around this globe every let their kids get into this sport…. boy, and the same could be said for so many of the other really, dangerous, fast winter sports. 

I caught myself holding my breath while the jumpers were in the air, and only exhaled when they landed safely.

 

You can’t hardly make us out at all, but we’re standing to the far left of this photo…. above the big green part of the sign.  A fantastic spot.

We cheered our hearts out for all the competitors…. but especially Norway!

Go Norway!! (Anders Jacobson is doing fantastic and in medal contention)

 

And even though I was very fearful, (can you see the fear on my face)…

we let Campbelle try it too.  She did great!  :-)

We had a fantastic time and so glad to take part in the Olympic Games.  Truly a dream of mine.  Now we look forward to watching the rest of the games, cheering on our countries and holding our breath, perhaps a little bit more, as we watch these amazing athletes compete their dream.

Father & Daughter Dance

Last night was our Homeowner Association annual Father Daughter Dance.  It was not a sock hop this year, but instead a Fancy Princess Ball.  Leif surprised Campbelle with a wrist corsage and she nearly fainted.  :-)

From the sounds of it, they had a fantastic night of dancing and games and sweets. 

1st Grade Concert

Campbelle’s first grade concert was last night at her school.  They did such a great job and what a fun little musical ‘The Share Bears’.  Good songs and actions.

Campbelle was a narrator and did such a fantastic job.  She spoke loudly and clearly and with such confidence.  I could not be more proud of her.

And of course, her amazing height was once again showcased as I’m sure she stood next to the smallest 1st grader in the room.  (Can you see her there behind Campbelle … look below Campbelle’s shoulders.)  :-)

As our whole family left the school that night, I heard two different whisperings from groups saying things like ‘Oh, no wonder she’s so tall.’ and ‘That explains it, look at her parents.’ 

I love the confidence in my sweet, tender-hearted Campbelle and I hope that through the years, that confidence continues as she continues to stand beautifully tall.