The snow came late this year, but we have plenty now! We're trying to get out once in a while to enjoy it Norwegian-style. (Norwegians are, naturally, really big on outdoor winter recreation :))
Bjørn and Hans Vågen came for a slumber party with the boys. We took them sledding with us. We discovered a great hill by our house, and had a fun time!
Our wonderful next door neighbors, the Knoll family, came over to help ring in the New Year! We had tons of good munchies and, yes, lit sparklers in the house. :) Fireworks are a big part of Norwegian new year. Carl serenaded the neighborhood with "Auld Lang Syne" on his saxophone, we made some hats...what more could you ask?!
We had another great Christmas! Carl's friend from work, Dennis, and his girlfriend came for turkey dinner on the 23rd. Christmas Eve we took some cookies to neighbors, had a special dinner and read Luke 2 by candlelight. The kids received board games that Carl had brought back from London, and spent Christmas and the days following playing them with Dad and friends! We missed extended family, but enjoyed packages and cards they sent...overall, we had a really nice time! Nothing quite like Christmas :)
We bought a used Yamaha piano before Christmas that we considered our biggest gift. We're loving it.
Our stake worked really hard this past year to prepare a Christmas concert for the community. Carl was asked to sing a solo number, The Christmas Song, along with his saxophone. He also played clarinet in the orchestra. He performed beautifully, and the concert as a whole was a big success! Lots of talent and Christmas feeling. The Young Women dressed in traditional bunads and passed out holiday buns/rolls following the concert. It was really nice. Next year's concert is already being planned. :)
Clips from the 6.trinn Juleavslutning at Midtbygda school. James is (most of the time) front left, wearing a red sweatshirt.
We were impressed by the courage and talent of the soloists his age!
What a fun day! We went with our friends, the Amundsens, to cut a tree from a farm nearby. We got to sip gløgg with "Julenissen," and the kids got to ride a "reindeer." :) We then drove in to the city to hear a free outdoor concert and look at the Christmas lights and market booths.
Saint Lucia day was celebrated at Annie's barnehage in Norway. December 13th.
