Our little girl with chicken pox has just learned to sew, and she is thrilled about it! 

 (Even if it is "just for old ladies" in her words. :)

A few  family photos from our best photographer, Jonas Norén! 

Finally a schoolgirl!

Lydia has just started going to school, and here are the results after her first few days of class:

1. About her school lunches:  Mamma, we go to a restaurant every day but don't have to pay, so you and dad can save your money to buy a house instead.
2. About being worn out from a long (half) day of school:  Mamma, can you please put me to bed way earlier tonight, so I am not tired for school tomorrow? 
3. About the mandatory short church service with a child focused mini sermon (it is a Lutheran school), "Mamma, I already went to church this week, so i guess i dont have to go on Sunday anymore."
4. When asked what she thinks about her two teachers, she said, "They are both very pretty so I like them equally."
5. Our girl who wasnt particularly interested in how she dressed is now very particular about looking nice for school. 
6. About raising your hand in class,"Mamma, dont worry, you dont have to raise your hand at home, that is just for school kids." 
7. And today, she was looking at something on my dry erase board and read it by herself after sounding out the letters!
8. She is also a lot more snuggly with the time we have together, and i like that!

9. 

   playground (with Markus wishing he was a schoolboy too!)

   
   

   

   First day in "chapel"

   
   

   

   Opening song
   

   
   
   
   
   

   

   First day of class
   

Lots of snuggles

6 Years!

Here are a few photos from our 6 year anniversary...we went back to the ocean boardwalk where we had one of our first "Swedish" dates before we were even engaged, in Varberg. 

Of course, 2 kids and one on the way later....

 

A long walk on the boardwalk, mini-golf, chinese food, jumping in the ocean a few times, and a lot of relaxing!

Here we are at the same beach, 7 years ago....

Happy Anniversary, Daniel Norén!

Legoland, part 3

Ok, last post about Legoland! 

They even had an aquarium....and we managed to sneak in with the critters!

 Legos also want to go diving!

 Here is a ridiculously expensive bridge we went on in Denmark (total cost for two bridges to get to Legoland from Sweden: around 75 dollars (500 sek).  That is definitely a jump compared to the american toll charges!

 Can't forget to enjoy the countryside....

 12 + hours in the car means that we are also part of the "scenery".

And finally, a restaurant that kept the kids entertained with their huge acquarium....

(I will just rant a bit and say that we have some strange kids:  their favorite foods at the chinese buffet?  Sushi, Mushrooms, strawberries, olives, and normally enough, french fries.) 

Legoland, Part 2

Now that you have seen an overwhelming amount of photos of our family, here comes the cool part of Legoland.  All these creations are not teeny weeny, but actually life size (or human size).  Amazing!

 This duplo guy in the kids playground wasnt all glued together...talk about interactive!  (Want to add to him, go ahead!)

 This was huge. And awesome.

 This is to put it into perspective.

 Want to go on a safari?

 (Is this Abraham Lincoln?)

 Lifesize lego guys making a getaway in their hot air balloon...and the two guys on the bridge after them.

 Lifesize firemen.

 A guy almost being eaten by a croc.

 Denmarks Legoland wouldnt be complete without some vikings. :)

 Lego creations everywhere!

  Pirates?

 A HUGE statue of liberty.

 And now we move on to the cities re-created in miniature.