A Drive to Drøbak

We took a driving trip with friends Kristin and Thomas to Drøbak, a small coastal town southeast of Oslo. Even after nearly two months without use, our car started up without needing a jump (we had even parked it rear-first in our spot after our last drive anticipating the need for a jumpstart)!

Zach, Casper, and Edvin played on the playground and tried climbing some trees, then we took a walk up and down the snowy hills along the water. We made our way to the little town full of cute shops and an outdoor market, and lots of cafes.

A Fort Built For Two

Helicopter Attack

Zach and I met up with Kelly for a picnic at his office. Zach was amazed by Thomas's toy helicopter, until it came after him...

I'm No Dog Whisperer

We got to dog-sit our friend's labrador, Kaya, for a few hours yesterday. Zach helped her perfect her tricks:

Mighty to Save

Zach's version of Hillsong's "Mighty to Save" (his new favorite song)

The Week in Review

We've been busy having fun this week. On Monday I had my mom's Bible study group, then Tuesday through Thursday Kristin came over to the apartment for what she nicknamed "scrap and nap" -- we scrapbook while Zach naps. It is our new obsession!

She and Marlon came over last night to let us beat them at Blokus (Kristin did manage to beat everyone at a round of "Zingo" with Zach though) and then we all went out for pizza. Kristin had the fantastic idea to try and grind up a bit of our American candy stash (like Reese's pieces and M&Ms, etc.) with a handheld blender into some vanilla ice cream---a stroke of genius! So, not the most nutritious night ever, but a lot of fun.

Snow Soup

My future chef at work:

A Worthwhile Sacrifice

Kelly and I broke a longstanding tradition last night...we skipped our regular Sunday night dinner at the tandoori in favor of improving our marriage at a new course offered by our church. I'm embarassed to admit that this was not an easy decision for us :)

But of course we're glad we chose to attend. We met with about 10 other couples to watch and discuss a video seminar on marriage by Gary Smalley. The series is from the 80s, but luckily the advice (unlike the outfits) is timeless.

We had fun getting to know some other couples better and eat some yummy dessert, and Zach enjoyed the extra play time with his friends. And we still have chicken tikka masala to look forward to tonight!

There's No Place Like Home

Zach and I had a great time visiting family, friends, church, and playgroup buddies in Houston. It was so nice to be back in our house and driving our car, and we enjoyed the break from the cold Norwegian winter. It will be a while before we are able to wear sandals again!

We've been back in Oslo for nearly a week now, but I feel like we are just starting to get back into our routine. Please continue to write, Skype, and call... we miss you all!

Here are some of my favorite pictures and videos from our visit:

Singing his version of Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" in the Amsterdam airport

Hanging out with buddies Nicolas and Jase at Freebirds after the Valentine's party

Hugging/attacking Pastor Woo at church

Biking with Little Elly

Multitasking two of his favorite things: talking to Daddy on the phone and playing trains at Barnes and Noble

Thrilled about Aunt Gigi's belated birthday celebration in his honor

Playing airplane with some playgroup ladies

Soliciting treats from Grammy's coworkers

Spoiled rotten by his Grammy

Celebrating Holmquist Elementary's Teacher of the Year, Aunt Lacey!

Getting a lift from Uncle Zach

Climbing Michael

Rebecca's Birthday Dinner

Beating up Uncle Spencer (while cousin Mitch and Papa cheer him on)

Learning military push-ups and "the worm" from Uncle Spencer

Cousin Katie's luau birthday party

Too short to limbo properly!

Hugs for Nicolas

Climbing and bouncing with Elly

Ice cream!

Hiding out and playing horses with cousin Katie

Dining with Granny

Getting a zerbert from Aunt Gigi

Saying goodbye :(

Playing with "tiny Grammy" at the airport