This and That

So, as you've noticed, we've been absent awhile. Partly because life's been busy, but partly because we haven't had a camera lately. Chris sold his and we haven't gotten around to getting a new one. And when you don't have good pictures to share, blogging isn't as compelling. But, here's some iphone shots of the past little while. 

We are leaving for the USofA in exactly one month from yesterday!!! We are so excited about it. I've been taking a couple classes this past semester, so my focus has been a little distracted, but when I realized yesterday there was only one month left, I started feeling a little giddy! It's supposed to rain here for the next 2 weeks. So, I think we'll be good and ready to leave this crazy, unpredictable Swedish summer weather behind and enjoy a dry, hot, summer in UTAH!!!!

Easter (yes, kids dress up like cute little witches during Easter's)

Giving out samples of American Pancakes and Maple Syrup at the local grocery market. 

Cool, eh?

Annual Secretary Training Meeting in Frankfurt! 

Sofia's gymnastik show

Birthday Party Fun! 

Emmy knows exactly what Daddy likes (should I be worried that my 3 year old strips every night before falling asleep?! She never has her pajamas on in the morning, and it's not even warm yet?! She's done this for awhile...)

My exciting new calling...YW!!!!! I love it! 

Emmy's 3!!!

Our sweet little baby has turned 3!!! I can't believe it! She is such a hilarious little girl and brings a much needed balance to our little family! We love our Emmy!

Some before and after shots of some of our projects

backyard when we first moved in summer 2010

backyard now 2012

basement before

basement before

basement after

basement after

Split our room into two - first stage

second stage

finished product - Samuel's new room! 

Sisters....sisters...there were never such devoted sisters...

(name that movie)

I was looking through some pictures I took on my phone the other day and found these. These two little girls are pretty good friends and like to take care of each other. It's heart-warming to see.

Our Christmas :)

There are way too many pictures I wanted to share and talk about, but don't have hours to sit in front of the computer to put each one up and describe and explain, so instead you get a slideshow of our past month.

A short synopsis: We had a great Christmas! My sister and two brothers came out and spent 10 relaxing, refreshing days together. Having my family around made me realize how much I love them. Being in a foreign country for so long, I've gotten used to feeling like the "outsider", but every time I get together with my family, it makes me realize once again who I am and where I come from and gives me a sense of belonging that I haven't felt in awhile. They are my roots, my people, they speak my language, share my humor, and it's nice to feel that every now and then!

While they were here, we were able to go on to the shark museum, play games, run a 10K, grill hotdogs in the forest, see the fireworks, watch movies, eat ourselves silly, go out for pizza and just plain relax! I loved every minute of it and I will be eternally grateful that they came out here to see us.

The first couple nights after they left, Samuel kept saying he missed them so much and would lay awake in his bed crying because of it. Luckily we'll be out there this summer. When they left, it felt more like a see-ya-later, than a good-bye. I love my family dearly and feel lucky that I get to be an Alder!

ps. not all the pictures in the slideshow are from when they were here. Some are from before and some after. (and sorry I don't have time to explain them all)

Christmas2012