Wordless Wednesday - Water Fight!!!

Tae's First Story

The other night Tim put Tae to bed (which in fairness is quite often these days;). Instead of reading a story from a book to him, he retold the story of the  fairy tale Hansel and Gretel (he made a point to mention 'in a nice way'). I'm guessing this was due to recently watching the film 'Hansel and Gretel - Witches Hunters' with Tig.

Tae loved it! When he had finished  Tae decided it was his turn to tell a story. So for the record, in print, here is Mr Tae's first ever story!!!

"Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess and a beautiful castle. Then a monster came and eated all the carrots... Grrrrr!!"

As his mother I think it is fabulous!!! Lets be honest, he included characters, a setting, adjectives and action - a future storyteller in the making.

The photos are Tae pretending to be a mermaid (to be specific - Marianne the Mermaid!) We tried to convince him to be a prince, but he was very determined that he was a mermaid:))

Classy Ladies!!

Since moving to Norway I have learnt many things.

A key person in developing my new skills and knowledge has been the fabulous I.

Along with chopping wood and how to be a Norwegian mother, she has taught me an appreciation of fine foods and champagne!

Also that life on an island is relaxed - comfort and practicality is the key!

It is not just anyone who can carry off wearing Crocs, whilst carrying champagne and a truffle sausage over a meadow!

I am still amazed she had me on a neighboring island picking wild garlic. (It makes the most amazing oil!) Loved the picking, but due to potential snakes we had to wear our wellie boots!!

FYI - I have the BIGGEST snake phobia ever!

Can't beat wellie boots, shorts, cap and beer combo! My mother would be proud:)

I. you have taught me well;)

How to toast and eat marsh-mellows!

After a wonderful BBQ of grilled lobster and ribs it was time for the boys favourite part.

Marsh-mellows:))

There is an art form to getting the perfect toasted effect and extra equipment may be needed.

However, perfection has different definitions depending on your personal taste.

11 year old boys feel the need to set marsh-mellows on fire and burn them. Personally, I prefer the just about melted, not black effect.

There is the single or quadruple stacked versions.

Regardless - the act of toasting often appears to be the best part!

Tae certainly enjoyed his big brothers hard work.

Then the sun went down on a great day!

Long Weekend in Hardanger

At 6pm on the 17th May we packed up the car and sped off to Hardanger for a long weekend.

Nothing beats the Norwegian countryside - fresh air, silence and fjords.

The sun shone down and that meant plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water!

It was still rather cold! 

 Both Tim and O didn't seem to mind.

Tae was loving his first wet suit - looked just like his big brother;)

He even got very brave!

He not only jumping off the rocks, he waded in right above his tummy.

To warm up they then relaxed in the hot tub.

While the boys had fun, the adults relaxed in their way.