Summer house

Our last stop during our mid vest-coast tour was visiting my father. This is the summerhouse where I spent many summer-, winter-, and Easter vacations as we grew up. 

We were less fortunate with the weather while hear so the one time the sun came out we ran out and played with water (again, I know!).

Preparing a water attack

No mercy

A curious spectator

Finally, they put the water guns aside and chose to play with Frisbees a slightly more peaceful activity.

Where did that Frisbee land?

Atlanterhavsparken {part two}

At the Ålesund Aquarium “Atlanterhavsparken” there is an outdoor area perfect for kids who likes water (do you know a kid that does not like to play with water?).

There is a water source at the top of what I would call a small hill. From the top to the bottom, there are different streams of water.

You can choose to open the access of water to the streams depending on where you want to lead the water, and depending on where you want a strong current for your boat.

Did I mention she enjoyed herself?

Atlanterhavsparken {part one}

We went away for a mini-holiday and boy did we have fun. First stop was Ålesund. One of the highlights besides spending time with my mother was visiting "Atlanterhavsparken" the Ålesund Aquarium. I never get tired of visiting this simple yet beautiful place.

You can see for yourself how the kids enjoyed it. If you ever visit Ålesund with children, I highly recommend taking the time to visit the Aquarium.

I will show you more pictures of our holiday in the coming days.

17th of May

Seventeenth of May is a day of celebration if you live in Norway. More so if you are a child or have children. It is our Constitution day.



I love 17th of May because it represents that we live in a free country. I love it because you can eat as many ice creams as you want (and cake).









I love it because people are dressed up in beautiful regional costumes. I love it because it is the one day when everyone celebrates out in the streets, and in their neighbourhood.











We celebrated the day together with friends and neighbours who came over for brunch before the children’s parade. Everyone brought something to the table (literary) and altogether we had a delicious buffet both early in the day and after the children’s parade and games in our elementary school. These are a just few glimpses... ...for more 17th of May glimpses go here

signs of spring

They might seem like small signs but never the less they are very important signs for a spring hungry Norwegian gal.

By the way, I am still alive. I have had an expected and unavoidable setback with my back/shoulder and am under good treatment. We are also busy preparing for renovating our new house. This weekend we get our keys and can begin the work. Photos shall be shared in the future.

Now I'm on to a very longed for cup of tea and visit to your places to see how you'all are doing and how much spring you have around at your place.

A winter wonderland walk

On Friday Mr. Yonder and I had our first night out in a long time. Astrid stayed over at her kindergarten friend whose parents I have known since Astrid was just a few weeks old which means I feel safe to leave her there. It is also very practical since their place is only a five minute walk from our place.



Friday night was spent with colleagues of Mr. Yonder at the old fashion and fancy restaurant right beside the new ski jump at Holmekollen. The restaurant looks absolutely beautiful with its old new look. A five meal course there was followed by a concert with a-ha (their second last concert as a group), and then dancing & champagne at one of Oslo’s night clubs. We had so much fun!

Saturday morning after sleeping in for the first time since I don’t know when, I picked up Astrid at 12:00 (12pm)!!! And she and I went for a walk in the neighbourhood.

On our walk I discovered this ice rink. In summer time it is an ordinary play ground, but in wintertime it is magically turned into a skating area (around the playground). I love discovering neighbour gems like this.

And I love seeing kids in action, moving around outdoors no matter how cold or warm it is

On our way home we spotted this little squirrel climbing up & down the trees

And these beautiful birds sunbathing in the low winter sun.

Wishing you all a good week!

sunny sunday walk

Today we took a Sunday walk along Carl Johan the main avenue in Oslo. I love cold sunny days, and the golden colour on the leaves high lighted by the sun.

Second hand days

Fall brings with it second hand markets. I love them. In Drøbak they have an outdoor market with lots of almost not resistable things. Look at these beauties. Happy Wednesday everyone!

corner view {street photography}

I had to run some errands this morning and could barely get my car out from where it was parked, because of all the snow. It has snowed almost every week since little Christmas Eve.

Anyhow, I was on a mission to buy wools socks and winter boots for Astrid. The boots were on sale (50%) so I bought two pairs. I buy them two sizes bigger than what she uses now. According my friend T this “formula” ensures me to have shoes that will fit for the coming winter season. I know, It’s crazy thinking about next winter season when this one never seems to end, but a good modern housewife needs to save her pennies were she can and that means planning ahead and going on sales.



On my way home after parking the car the wind was getting stronger and the snow flakes kept lashing down and around. The only ones in the street except from me was an old lady waiting for the bus, and her friend (she was standing behind me and therefore not in the photo) who was struggling down the pavement with her walking stick, while waving to the woman at the bus stop.



I had planned to go out on another errand together with mr. Yonder and Astrid but realized the best thing was probably to stay home and so we did.

PS: Some time ago I discovered a series of posts on Jane’s blog called corner view. Jane invited me to share photos from my corner of the world. Every week there is a different theme and this week the theme is “street photography”. Visit Janes blog for other corner views.

three in one

How was your Valentine Sunday?

Here in Norway Valentine coincided with mothers’ day, and “Fastelaven”. Almost like a kinder surprise egg; three special occasions in one day. Perfect, in these times of economic crisis.

I was preparing a post on how we try to not buy things on this kind of special days, and instead celebrate by spending time together.



However, I had to delete that post and start all over because when I woke up Sunday morning this was waiting for me in the living room. A lovely surprise from my super duper mr. Yonder. I love my new necklace.



After a long and lazy Sunday breakfast we made fastelaven buns filled with whipped cream and dusted with confectionary sugar. All in all a perfect day.