Sunday, June 28, 2009

Our anual hiking trip

One important thing I learned on this trip was the tripod does not have to come whereever I go. I  carried most of the kids stuff, Diet Coke (can't live without it) tripod as well as my own things on this hike, my backpack became very heavy at times.... 

The start of the trip. 

The landscape is beautiful

As you can see the youngest did not want to carry her own backpack, so guess who had to carry that as well

The trees grows almos sideways, not sure if it is because the wind or the heavy snow that lay on on top during the winter months.

We finally reach our goal, Lakkenstova. 

This cabin is the smaller one, and was build as a security cabin, in case the main cabin would burn down and strand visitors in the winter time. 

The kids enjoyed playing in the ponds and small streams surrounding the cabins. I used them to keep my DC  cold, so you can imagine how cold the water was. 

The new cabin is beautiful. It has two bedrooms, kitchen and living area as well as a few extra storage areas.

The thing it does not have is electricity or running water.  I made my daugther think twice when I asked if she flushed after sh went to the bathroom..  

What will become cloudberry in a few months

These marks are found along the trials 


A short break on the way down the mountain




Sankthansaften

As you may be able to tell from the title, we have now arrived in Norway. The girls and I arrived just in time for the midsummer night or as we call it Sankthansaften .
Sankthansaften is celebrated on June 23.

A little history: The celebration of Midsummer's Eve was from ancient times linked to the summer solstice. People believed that mid-summer plants, especially Marigold had miraculous healing powers and they therefore picked them on this night.
Bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits which were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southwards again. In later years, witches were also thought to be on their way to meetings with other evil powerful beings, though this is not the case today.
The kids enjoyed playing in the sand and in the river.
Horse shoe competition
As well as a nature quiz, before the bonfire, where our family came in on 2nd place.
The fire is finally burning and we are all pulling away from the heat..
A volleyball net was put up, where the ball ended up in the tree quite a few times.
My niece came from Oslo for the week to visit.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Kris Twins Turn One

The Kris family survived the twins first year.

With twice the laundry, feedings, diaper changes and doctor appointment; as well as twice the love.


She is just cute as a button


My daughter was very impressed that they can spell ONE


He was on the move as soon as he hit the floor, time to explore


Playtime


The Love between siblings

Long time since last post

It has been too long since my last post on the blog, life has been crazy. So now I will try to do a little catch up.