Activities in Sweden!

We have done lots since our arrival in Goteborg. We have picked blueberris, blackberries, chantarelles, looked at cows, climbed some rock, picked flowers, watched some moose, and of course just being a busy bee. Noelle's latest word is "bitte" imagine that her first word would be in german (I guess that's natural since her last name is German). When she wants something, she says "da, daa." She eats lots, and has so much energy. She can stand on her own, without holding on, for a minute. She walks holding on with only one hand. She is our little sweetheart, and gets cuter everyday.

Why isn't this thing moving? Come on mother!
Noelle is taking the farm life serious. She already got her own tractor. Loving it!
Three generations.
Noelle is helping with the gardening again! She loves to explore the grounds and are climbing all over the place.
We really live on the countryside! Here are two calves with mother moose right outside our bedroom window. They are eating our pears. Father moose was standing a bit in the background. Magnificent animals!
We got a bicycle seat for Noelle, so we went on a bike ride! Noelle liked the ride, but not the helmet!
Of course we had time for cuddle time on the couch!
Our new car! Ford Focus Combi Flexifuel - so we are now driving an environment friendly vehicle!
Noelle is helping mormor (maternal grandmother) with the gardening.
The other kids got their own dining area. The two older (or should I say young adults) took care of the younger ones.
Noelle got to sit with the grown-ups (so did Viggo 4 yrs).
We had a family party with cousins and second cousins! Lots of fun and Noelle loved seeing the older kids!
Crawling in the grass.
Lots of chanterelles (kantareller) all growing on Elisa's parents lot!
We also picked chanterelles - which is the gold of the forest! They are scrumptious on a sandwich!
We will live in this house starting September 27th. Elisa's aunt Birgitta is gracious to let us live in her modernized summerhouse! We have lots of room and beds (and a flushing toilet) so come visit!
We picked up Noelle's new bed, which we got from her second cousins. The youngest is now three years old, and is not interested in sleeping in a crib anymore!
Morfar Hans is flying with Noelle!
On our way from Taby (suburb of Stockholm) to Goteborg. We stopped for a little picknick and stretch of legs. Noelle did great this long car ride. This is some old castle in the background, but the name escapes me at the moment...

Walking (with support)

Noelle is getting closer and closer to walking. She walks holding hands with us, and with something to support her. Can't believe how fast it goes! Scary...

In Sweden, finally!

We have now been in Sweden for a couple of weeks, and so far all is going well. Derek started school this past week, and getting accustomed to Goteborg, which is where we will live. Noelle and I are enjoying the countryside (quite a contrast from Chicago), and of course spending time with morfar (Elisa's father).

We were in Taby outside of Stockholm for the first few days, and spent some time with Elisa's old childhood friends. They are so lovely, and I feel so lucky to have them! Pretty amazing considering that I have been gone for ten years! Talk about great friends. Louise organized a welcome home brunch for us, so that we could see everyone. One surprise was that Jenny got married the day before! It was a secret for everyone except the parents - so congrats to Jenny and Erik!

We also went for dinner at Jeanette and Tobias for some great pizza, and Noelle and their daughter Isabella had a great time together. Noelle enjoyed crawling after Bella while Bella was running around! Too cute!

With dad in the woods!
We met Paula, Thomas and their little Selma!

Noelle in Vasa Parken in Goteborg.

Proud papas - Derek and Tobias with their girls Noelle and Bella!
Family of almost five! Can you believe that Jeanette has two boys in there! She looks absolutely fantastic!
Two little princesses in a princess tent!
Bella and Noelle - note that Noelle is standing on her own. She does this pretty often these days. No walking yet though!
Hello!
What a great walking thing!
Good times in the laundry basket!
At Louise's new apartment for the welcome home brunch! Noelle reaching for some pear soda (but that's not an option for her).
Berries are very good!
Babes checking out the stereo system!
The newly weds - Jenny on the left and Erik on the right. Our great host Louise in the middle and her sister's fiance Jonas in the background.
Stereo system again - that was the best toy ever!
Dinner with Ekestorm's. Noelle got a dog from Ann-Margret and Sven! Thanks!
Opening her gift, the paper was a lot of fun, and tasted pretty good too!
Mormor (Elisa's mom), Elisa and Noelle.
Kathrine and her litte son, Valdemar - at his namegiving ceremony.
Love the balloons!

Move to Sweden! First stop London...

On the 18th of August, we left Chicago O'Hare for London Heathrow. It was our last flight as standby passengers through Derek's work, and probably the worst seat arrangement we ever received. Noelle and I had to fly coach regardless, since a child under 7 isn't allowed in first class (employees only). But we were hoping that Derek would get at least business. No such luck. He didn't even get Economy Plus! I think that was a sign to move on from United...

Anyways, we arrived safely (which is what is really important) in London at 6.30 am. Flight went well and Noelle was great as always - not even a cry the whole time (maybe a little when a boy behind us would not stop crying)... We rechecked our luggage for the SAS flight. Then we headed for London, since we had a good fifteen hours layover. We had a little picknick in Hyde Park, strolled past Buckingham Palace and also made a pub start for some nice fish n' chips. We had a lovely day even though I felt like a bag lady...

Noelle waving hello to the queen outside Buckingham Palace! You can also see her six teeth!
Wellington (close to the palace)... it was a hot and sunny day!
"Streets of Philadelphia" no sorry London...
In the park for a little siesta and picknick, and a little stretch of legs for the little girl who was strapped up for quite some time!

Here comes the bag lady!

Last days in the U.S.

The last couple of weeks before leaving for Sweden we spent a lot of time up in Fond du Lac, WI. Noelle went in her pool, we also went to cousin Travis' wedding and just hanging out.
Climbing up the stairs after sitting in the tomato plant dirt...

Mmmm, tomatoes...

or should I say, mmmm dirt...

Standing tall!

Oh no - I got stuck under the chair and I am not sure how to get out!

Cousin Travis' wedding - pretty in pink!

And two pony tails. I am sorry to say this - but I think that Noelle outshined the bride :)

Tiny little bathing suit!

So refreshing in the pool!

Grandma Sara and Aunt Kelly watching Noelle eat!