Santa

As I mentioned in the previous blog, Neimans had a fabulous Santa.  Also, as most of you know, my kids have historically not been interested in actually speaking to Old St. Nick.  Elizabeth still considers him "scary Christmas man," and flat refuses to have anything to do with him.  Austin, on the other hand, is interested, but follows Elizabeth's lead and usually declines any offers to go see Santa. 

Well, although she can be quite convincing, I guess even she can't compete with a Santa and an awesome rocket ship full of toys and flashing lights.  I've waited five years for a cute Santa photo!  Merry Christmas!

Neiman Marcus windows rock!!

Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas is known for their holiday window displays.  This year, they decorated in a space monkey theme, complete with rockets, monkey astronauts,  robots, stars, interactive tv screens and tunnels.  After church and lunch, Grandma and I headed downtown with the unknowing kids.  We only told them we were going to do a Christmas fun thing.  When they saw the big downtown buildings, I think they were convinced we were about to do some seriously boring holiday shopping.  Once we drove past the windows (trying to park downtown) they started to clue in.  At first, they blew right past looking at the windows, and went straight to the tunnel entrance.  They were able to actually climb through the playground style tubes in the windows, out of the windows and interact with tv screens.  After about 3 times through, they finally slowed down enough to see the windows and enjoyed the displays. 

In addition to the cool exterior window displays, Neimans had one of the best Santas.  We went into the store to just look around, then discovered that Santa was actually sitting behind the fabulous rocket in the window.  More to come about Santa in the next post.

We had a blast!!  Thank you to Grandma for suggesting this nugget of holiday fun! 

Let's go!!

Our monkey in the window

So cool.  Wish Moms could go too.

Norway

In early November, I had a fantastic time visiting Andy in Stavanger, Norway.  It truly is beautiful, just like the postcards.  I did not do or see a ton of things because it was technically tourism off-season.  Andy still had to work every day, but was able to come back to the hotel by 4 most days, giving us plenty of time for seeing sights, eating dinner together, etc.  I came up with a little site seeing plan every day and would walk to whatever it was I wanted to do.  Most everything is right around the water, so most walks were short.  

Andy was tired, but happy to be out of Afghanistan for a bit.  He was most excited about the food.  No meals were blown off during my time there.  He said the food is so bad at his base, that he was going to take advantage of every meal time in Norway.  We tried all kinds of things and ate some of the best fish we've ever had.

I also want to make sure a HUGE Thank You goes out to Barbara and the Uphueses for watching the kids while I was gone.  None of this could have happened without you guys.  What a blessing it is to be able to travel without any fear or concerns, knowing the kids were in great hands.  Thanks!! 

Now, here's a quick tour of Norway:)

Beautiful old Viking era church with thick stone walls, fantastic wood ceiling and art and a pipe organ.  I went to look around and take photos one day, then returned later for a music service so I could hear the organ.  I was the only one in the audience for that service.  I had no idea everyone sat up in the choir loft and sang - not in English.  Afterwards, one of the English speaking gentlemen invited me to join them for coffee in the basement.  So cool!!  It was a little awkward, but I was able to see inside the walls of the church where most tourists do not go.

A Nordic style carving of Jesus is the single support column for the entire pulpit. 

The harbor outside my hotel.

Our hotel (not the boat)

Historic fishermen's homes on the harbor. 

I took a cruise to see the fjords off the Stavanger coast.  We saw old Viking homesteads, Pulpit rock and several waterfalls.  A litte chilly, but clear and beautiful.

Norwegian flag on the back of the boat.

Wooden fishing boats fishing for sardies or herring.

Waterfall off of the Pulpit Rock.

"Self" picture while waiting for the bus to the airport.  It was very early, dark and raining.  We look lovely!



Brownie Bob

Elizabeth's class has a pet guinea pig.  His name is Brownie Bob and he came to visit for the weekend.  The day he arrived, we were dog sitting Maggie.  That poor guinea pig had no idea how much danger he was in!  We had two dogs with high prey drive, a hungry cat and two kids all looking to spend "quality" time with him.  Brownie Bob did survive and was actually a good house guest.  He was quite tame and the kids really enjoyed holding and playing with him.

Brownie Bob

Beware!!

Maggie says it looks like a bunny....

Wanna play?