Jim and I are sitting here in our cozy, warm apartment listening to the constant explosion of fireworks in the neighborhood. It's a little sad to say good-bye to 2014 - it's been a great year. But we are looking forward to many more new experiences and adventures in 2015!
Our last week of 2014
A few days before Christmas, some of the YA's, the elders and Jim and I sang for one of the local care centers. Jj Holst took this great picture.
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Julaften - Christmas Eve
We had a wonderful Christmas with the Torjesen family. We are so grateful for their invitation to spend this time with them! In Norway, they celebrate Christmas on the 24th. As I was told, it is a tradition that goes way back to the Vikings' time as a celebration of the Winter solstice, the beginning of longer days and the hope that summer is on its way. Anyway, it was a wonderful evening.
Everyone was dressed up and we began with a lovely dinner. Jeanette's brother, Kim, his wife Marianne, and their two sons, Vincent and Jj were also there.
Vincent, Jj, Me and Jim, Jeanette, Hannah,
Benjamin, Kim and Marianne. Rolf was taking the
picture.
Before dinner, each person, was secretly given some instructions.
This was mine. Thus, Jim and I kissed several times
during dinner.
(I think the group was just having fun with us.)
What a fun family tradition this is!
Following dinner, we went to the living room where we read from Luke and 3rd Nephi and shared special stories and our feelings about Christ. We also, took turns reading, "The Living Christ".
It was a very special time.
We enjoyed a special, traditional Christmas dessert, riskrem. It is like the risgrøt I made for the center's Christmas party but with added whipped cream, crushed almonds and cherry sauce. It is yummy! A whole white almond is also added and who ever finds it, wins a marzipan pig.
After dessert, we went downstairs to the Christmas tree which was in the middle of the room. It needs to be in the middle so we can walk/dance/skip/hop around it as we sing Christmas carols.
Choosing a song to sing
Then it was time to open gifts. A Christmas ball is tossed to someone who then gets a gift from under the tree, gives it to the right person and tosses the ball to another person.
I was so impressed - with every gift opened, a hug and a thank you was given to the person who gave it.
It was a beautiful evening spent with a beautiful family!
It also snowed all evening.
We had a beautiful white Christmas!
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On the 26th, we had a missionary, district activity at the Center. Sisters Johannesen and Trydal from Arendal joined us, with Elders Hall, Drage, Arnold and Rolfson for a day of food; minute-to-win-it games; spiritual thoughts; dinner of ham, funeral potatoes, veggies, Christmas jello salad, hot rolls and chocolate cream pie for dessert; pool; CRUD; more food and a long game of Phase 10. There were also, real M&M's and Chocolate kisses from the States. Thanks, Tonya!
Facing the Gingerbread man....
Getting the pepperkake into your mouth.
Getting the pepperkake into your mouth.
Stay!
Christmas Ball
Elder Drage really concentrating.
Do you want to build a snowman??
Snowball Toss
Reindeer Nose Dive...
Getting the red pompom to stick on your nose.
Getting the red pompom to stick on your nose.
Phase 10
There are always repairs to be done on this
well used and loved pool table!
Nap time
Sister Trydal taught, well, showed me how to make lefsa.
We had a great time together!
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Guess what these are. Jim's footprints in the snow
with his shoe spikes.
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with his shoe spikes.
The time has come to wear the spikes.
There is ICE everywhere!!
Last evening we were invited to our friends, the Tamper's,
for another traditional Christmas dinner.
We met at their son's home. Atle, is one of our YA's and he has a cool batchelor's pad!
The neighborhood fireworks are still exploding - welcoming in the New Year. As one friend said,
Notice the bottles of Julebrus. A special Christmas
drink you can only buy around Christmas. Each area
of Norway has their own special flavor.
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"365 days of new chances. Hurrah for 2015!!"
I love all the pictures. Boy it looks like you really had a great time. Lots of celebrating.
ReplyDeleteGlad you Christmas was a good one shared with friends. Looks like you guys are always having fun and Im pretty sure the YA really really like you guys. :)
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