Rory is learning to play hide and seek. Right now she's not very good at it, but she is certainly having fun.
She likes to hide with mom or dad while the other parent does the seeking. While hiding she'll often say, I'm right here or here I am. Sometimes she'll jump out of her hiding spot just as the seeker comes into the room. Playing hide and seek with Rory isn't very hard, but it's lots of fun for everyone!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Krizner visit
Alison, Jeff and Brock visited us for ten days at the end of April and beginning of May. Rory loved playing with her cousin. We had a wonderful time and did a lot. We celebrated Brock's birthday and my birthday. We took the train to Kristiansad where we stayed in a zoo-themed hotel and went to the zoo. We went on three hikes in two days. We took a ferry boat to one of the hikes. Ali and Jeff put their fingers in the North Sea. We went shopping -- Ikea, many shops in downtown Stavanger, and a glass-blowing shop.
The computer had the pictures all out of order so I do too...
The computer had the pictures all out of order so I do too...
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| a troll @ the zoo |
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| the orangutans |
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| so many ways to play with the tunnel |
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| the tunnel of fun |
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| Brock is one! |
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| the Krizners @ the North Sea |
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| playing spoons |
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| another troll |
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| baths are so much fun! |
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| Manafossen in the background |
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| the playground! |
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| a treat on the ferry home after Preikestolen |
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| everyone @ the top of Dalsnuten |
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| on the way downtown for supper |
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| playing hard |
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| taking a break to throw rocks in the water |
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| Rory's first nightgown |
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| riding the train @ the zoo |
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| happy birthday to me! |
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| swinging |
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| we were that close |
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| so much fun on the carosel @ the zoo |
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| Brock's lion cake |
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
a few pictures from Paris
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| carousel in Montmartre |
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| a flower shop on the way back to the hotel |
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| Jardin des Tuileries |
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| Eiffel Tower |
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| flowers outside Notre Dame |
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| big heavy doors |
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| Rory's favorite thing about vacation, lots of ice cream |
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| mmm...ham and cheese 'sant |
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| we saw an English Bulldog in Paris! |
Paris in the springtime
Paris. We had a great time there over Easter break. But mostly the weather wasn't so great - cold, rainy, windy, even some hail. There were a lot of people there. A lot. The lines were long, very long, just about everywhere. The lines we did stand in were worth it, but there were a few times we just skipped it if the line was too long. Good food. Crepes. Green beans were even really good. Cappuccinos.
Day 1
We left Stavanger on Thursday a little after lunch. It was nice not to leave on the early flight - we got to sleep in, have a good breakfast, I had time to straighten and vacuum. After a short layover in Frankfort we were on to Paris. From the airport we took a train into the city and then the Metro to our hotel. We checked into the hotel, left our bags, and found a cafe not too far from the hotel with food that we all enjoyed. Then it was back to the hotel and to bed.
Day 2
Friday began with breakfast at the hotel. Strong coffee (I liked, Stepler less so), croissants (or 'sants to Rory), jam, and cheese. Cereal and yogurt were also available. We then took the Metro to the boat dock for the river tour that we'd planned. We rushed to get there for the first tour at 10:30, arrived in plenty of time, bought our tickets, and went through the turnstiles to board the boat. Or so we thought, we were then told there might not be enough people to make the 10:30 tour and we were stuck inside the turnstiles. So we started hoping for more people, finally enough people showed up, and we were able to board the boat. Despite the light rain, we sat on the top of the boat, but it was cold. So we didn't last up there. Highlights of the tour included: the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. Rory is a fan of boats so it was a great way to see lots of the city.
After the boat tour we headed in the direction of the Louvre in search of lunch. It was a windy walk. We found lunch in a cafe just outside the Louvre. Then on to the Louvre. It was raining, no big deal, we were headed inside, long lines, but we were able to bypass them because we had a stroller. We walked around some. Rory fell asleep in the stroller. We found the Mona Lisa. Crazy crowds there. Crazy. The stairs and elevators in there don't mix with a sleeping toddler in an umbrella stroller. Stepler went on to see a few more things while sleepy Rory and I hung out in the snack bar. She slept. I watched the people go by.
Then we walked and walked. To the Ile St. Louis. We wanted a smaller supper so we bought quiche, a ham croissant, and a pastry with tomatoes and olives. The sun came out and it wasn't as windy so we ate outside on a bridge. Then we had ice cream! Rory was very excited about the ice cream. We walked back to our hotel.
Day 3
We took the train to Versailles. We should have bought our tickets to Versailles prior to getting there. But we didn't so we stood in line for an hour to get tickets. The couple behind us in line were college students from Boston. Then we had to stand in another line to get in. I suggested Stepler go to McDonald's so he could go to the restroom and get Rory a Happy Meal. About when I thought he should be getting back, I put Rory, who was wearing a yellow rain coat, on my shoulders so he could find us - it worked. Rory was a champion, eating her hamburger in line and finished just as we were getting to the entrance door. We walked through, we saw the art, the furniture, the hall of mirrors. Rory liked looking out the windows to the backyard. And for some reason she was looking for someone named Tom in the art. We finally found his statue just before we got to the exit. Unfortunately the weather was not good for visiting the backyard so we skipped it. We walked around the town a bit, stopped in at a bakery for a strawberry tartlet, and went on to Starbucks for lattes.
We'd planned on going to a Vietnamese restaurant for supper that night. I'd read about it in the guidebook, it wasn't too far from the hotel, and I haven't found any good Vietnamese here in Stavanger. But it was closed. I was devastated. Temporarily. We found another Asian place for supper. They had Vietnamese srping rolls, Coke in a can, and no crowds. It worked.
Day 4
We encountered another closure - the Picasso Museum is closed for extensive renovation. We went to the Musee d'Orsay. The line was so long that we couldn't find the end, even if we'd wanted to stand in it. Spring break + Easter + free addmission = looooong line. We skipped it and just started the walking tour we'd planned for the day a bit early.
We walked a lot, headed in the general direction of the Eiffel Tower. We were going to have a picnic at the park in front of the Eiffel Tower. It was too cold and windy. We found a cafe for lunch. It was quite tasty and there we discovered that Rory likes quiche a lot. (She used to not touch eggs. She still hates egg yolks from boiled eggs.) While walking to the Eiffel Tower Rory fell asleep. The lines were tremendous, we didn't want to stand in them and with Rory sleeping we weren't going to try climbing the stairs either. So we kept on going. The Eiffel Tower is still very impressive, even if we didn't go up it.
Got to the Arc de Triomphe and Rory was still sleeping so just Stepler went under the roundabout to get under the Arc. Ominous clouds were building, but sleeping Rory and I did a little window shopping. Then it started raining. Then the hail came. Luckily Rory was under her stroller and I had an umbrella. I also stood on the side of a building which protected us from the wind. And it didn't last too long. By the time Stepler returned to us, Rory was awake and we headed down the Champs Elysees for more window shopping and to look for a cafe for an afternoon treat.
Afternoon treat found. Then we headed towards the restaurant where we wanted to eat supper. It was a pretty long walk to get to the restaurant so we just took it all in as we walked there.We stopped at a park so Rory could run around a bit. Our supper destination had a line. The restaurant was called Breakfast in America so we decided to skip the line and return in the morning for breakfast. We found another place for supper.
Day 5
Breakfast in America indeed! Yum. Stepler has said it's one of the things he's missed the most while living here (we used to eat breakfast out a good bit after our long weekend run) and this restuarant satisfied the craving.
After that we took the train to Montmartre to see Sacre Couer. Beautiful. Lots of people. Big hill. Worth it. A mass was going on when we went through the church. I felt like I shouldn't be there. We went through the touristy area there to see the artists and the shops and got Rory some lunch.
Back to Notre Dame. Rory fell asleep. We walked around Notre Dame. Stepler took photos of the building and the flowers outside. We had crepes from a street vendor - nutella! We crossed the river in search of the English bookstore. Found it. Wonderful place, but not surprisingly, very crowded. When Rory woke up we went to a park so she could play a bit. Monday was the best day for weather by far and we all enjoyed being out in the sunshine.
Our supper that night was at a restaurant called Marathon. Very good grilled meats. Bad service. Bakery treats on the way home as we walked through the Ile St. Louis again. Yum. Found a non-cheesy souvenir t-shirt for Rory. (Earlier that day we'd done the cheesy thing and purchased a beret for her.)
Day 6
Up early to take the second train of the day to the airport. Checking in with Luftunsa is never fun for us. Got checked in, made it through security and to our gate with time to spare though. We were back in Stavanger by lunchtime. Also nice. Plenty of time for a nap (Rory), to start the laundry and restock the pantry.
These vacations when we are always on the go and seeing as much as we can are great. But it's time for a (much) more relaxed vacay. We've just booked our next trip - to sit on the beach or by the pool in Croatia.
Day 1
We left Stavanger on Thursday a little after lunch. It was nice not to leave on the early flight - we got to sleep in, have a good breakfast, I had time to straighten and vacuum. After a short layover in Frankfort we were on to Paris. From the airport we took a train into the city and then the Metro to our hotel. We checked into the hotel, left our bags, and found a cafe not too far from the hotel with food that we all enjoyed. Then it was back to the hotel and to bed.
Day 2
Friday began with breakfast at the hotel. Strong coffee (I liked, Stepler less so), croissants (or 'sants to Rory), jam, and cheese. Cereal and yogurt were also available. We then took the Metro to the boat dock for the river tour that we'd planned. We rushed to get there for the first tour at 10:30, arrived in plenty of time, bought our tickets, and went through the turnstiles to board the boat. Or so we thought, we were then told there might not be enough people to make the 10:30 tour and we were stuck inside the turnstiles. So we started hoping for more people, finally enough people showed up, and we were able to board the boat. Despite the light rain, we sat on the top of the boat, but it was cold. So we didn't last up there. Highlights of the tour included: the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. Rory is a fan of boats so it was a great way to see lots of the city.
After the boat tour we headed in the direction of the Louvre in search of lunch. It was a windy walk. We found lunch in a cafe just outside the Louvre. Then on to the Louvre. It was raining, no big deal, we were headed inside, long lines, but we were able to bypass them because we had a stroller. We walked around some. Rory fell asleep in the stroller. We found the Mona Lisa. Crazy crowds there. Crazy. The stairs and elevators in there don't mix with a sleeping toddler in an umbrella stroller. Stepler went on to see a few more things while sleepy Rory and I hung out in the snack bar. She slept. I watched the people go by.
Then we walked and walked. To the Ile St. Louis. We wanted a smaller supper so we bought quiche, a ham croissant, and a pastry with tomatoes and olives. The sun came out and it wasn't as windy so we ate outside on a bridge. Then we had ice cream! Rory was very excited about the ice cream. We walked back to our hotel.
Day 3
We took the train to Versailles. We should have bought our tickets to Versailles prior to getting there. But we didn't so we stood in line for an hour to get tickets. The couple behind us in line were college students from Boston. Then we had to stand in another line to get in. I suggested Stepler go to McDonald's so he could go to the restroom and get Rory a Happy Meal. About when I thought he should be getting back, I put Rory, who was wearing a yellow rain coat, on my shoulders so he could find us - it worked. Rory was a champion, eating her hamburger in line and finished just as we were getting to the entrance door. We walked through, we saw the art, the furniture, the hall of mirrors. Rory liked looking out the windows to the backyard. And for some reason she was looking for someone named Tom in the art. We finally found his statue just before we got to the exit. Unfortunately the weather was not good for visiting the backyard so we skipped it. We walked around the town a bit, stopped in at a bakery for a strawberry tartlet, and went on to Starbucks for lattes.
We'd planned on going to a Vietnamese restaurant for supper that night. I'd read about it in the guidebook, it wasn't too far from the hotel, and I haven't found any good Vietnamese here in Stavanger. But it was closed. I was devastated. Temporarily. We found another Asian place for supper. They had Vietnamese srping rolls, Coke in a can, and no crowds. It worked.
Day 4
We encountered another closure - the Picasso Museum is closed for extensive renovation. We went to the Musee d'Orsay. The line was so long that we couldn't find the end, even if we'd wanted to stand in it. Spring break + Easter + free addmission = looooong line. We skipped it and just started the walking tour we'd planned for the day a bit early.
We walked a lot, headed in the general direction of the Eiffel Tower. We were going to have a picnic at the park in front of the Eiffel Tower. It was too cold and windy. We found a cafe for lunch. It was quite tasty and there we discovered that Rory likes quiche a lot. (She used to not touch eggs. She still hates egg yolks from boiled eggs.) While walking to the Eiffel Tower Rory fell asleep. The lines were tremendous, we didn't want to stand in them and with Rory sleeping we weren't going to try climbing the stairs either. So we kept on going. The Eiffel Tower is still very impressive, even if we didn't go up it.
Got to the Arc de Triomphe and Rory was still sleeping so just Stepler went under the roundabout to get under the Arc. Ominous clouds were building, but sleeping Rory and I did a little window shopping. Then it started raining. Then the hail came. Luckily Rory was under her stroller and I had an umbrella. I also stood on the side of a building which protected us from the wind. And it didn't last too long. By the time Stepler returned to us, Rory was awake and we headed down the Champs Elysees for more window shopping and to look for a cafe for an afternoon treat.
Afternoon treat found. Then we headed towards the restaurant where we wanted to eat supper. It was a pretty long walk to get to the restaurant so we just took it all in as we walked there.We stopped at a park so Rory could run around a bit. Our supper destination had a line. The restaurant was called Breakfast in America so we decided to skip the line and return in the morning for breakfast. We found another place for supper.
Day 5
Breakfast in America indeed! Yum. Stepler has said it's one of the things he's missed the most while living here (we used to eat breakfast out a good bit after our long weekend run) and this restuarant satisfied the craving.
After that we took the train to Montmartre to see Sacre Couer. Beautiful. Lots of people. Big hill. Worth it. A mass was going on when we went through the church. I felt like I shouldn't be there. We went through the touristy area there to see the artists and the shops and got Rory some lunch.
Back to Notre Dame. Rory fell asleep. We walked around Notre Dame. Stepler took photos of the building and the flowers outside. We had crepes from a street vendor - nutella! We crossed the river in search of the English bookstore. Found it. Wonderful place, but not surprisingly, very crowded. When Rory woke up we went to a park so she could play a bit. Monday was the best day for weather by far and we all enjoyed being out in the sunshine.
Our supper that night was at a restaurant called Marathon. Very good grilled meats. Bad service. Bakery treats on the way home as we walked through the Ile St. Louis again. Yum. Found a non-cheesy souvenir t-shirt for Rory. (Earlier that day we'd done the cheesy thing and purchased a beret for her.)
Day 6
Up early to take the second train of the day to the airport. Checking in with Luftunsa is never fun for us. Got checked in, made it through security and to our gate with time to spare though. We were back in Stavanger by lunchtime. Also nice. Plenty of time for a nap (Rory), to start the laundry and restock the pantry.
These vacations when we are always on the go and seeing as much as we can are great. But it's time for a (much) more relaxed vacay. We've just booked our next trip - to sit on the beach or by the pool in Croatia.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
early Easter
We had Easter festivities early this year because we are leaving for Paris later today and will be there on Easter Sunday.
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| dyeing Rory's first egg |
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| still dyeing eggs |
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| our finished eggs |
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| the Easter Bunny brought candy! |
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| found an egg! |
Sunday, March 28, 2010
March weekends
We had a quiet weekend this weekend - getting ready for our trip to Paris next weekend, taking it easy after the past two weekends away from home, and recovering from springing forward this morning. Saturday morning was very nice (although a little chilly). I got a run in and we all enjoyed walking downtown to run a few errands. We were even able to grill hamburgers on the terrace before the rains came Saturday afternoon.
Kristiansand, Norway
Two weekends ago we went to Kristiansand. We went because Stepler was scheduled to go to a conference there and we wanted to take Rory to the zoo. The three-hour drive there is beautiful (at least what I saw when I wasn't napping).
It was past lunchtime when we arrived, so we quickly checked in at the hotel and headed out in search of lunch. We wanted something quick and easy. I was lured into a Tex-Mex restaurant because we do not have Tex-Mex in Stavanger. As we walked in I was still a bit skeptical of it, the menu reassured me, and the food itself was pretty good. Really good for Norway. We shared loaded nachos and quesadillas. After lunch we wandered around the city center and played at a playground before going back to the hotel for a bit of a rest. Supper that night was at a seafood restaurant on the water. My meal was a lot of work - everything required peeling or cracking - but it was worth it.
Sunday morning we went to the zoo! The zoo was very nice and it was a beautiful day, but snow and ice were still everywhere. We saw lions, lots of birds, little monkeys, chimpanzees, meerkats, kangaroos, a lion and an orangutan. We watched the orangutan through the windows of the orangutan house and twice it got close to us. The third time it got close to us it really scared Rory and each time it came back to us she was very anxious about having it so close to her. And we've heard the orangutan got close to me! many times since then.
Suada, Norway
Last weekend was the Marathon ski weekend. Late Friday afternoon we boarded a boat filled with Marathon employees and their families and went to Suada. It was a rainy afternoon and we could not see out the boat's windows, but the boat was a very comfortable way to travel. After the boat docked in Suada it was just a quick bus ride to our hotel. By the time we'd all had a late dinner together in the hotel's dining room, it was past Rory's bedtime.
Saturday morning there was a buffet breakfast at the hotel and we had the chance to pack our lunch from the buffet. Our family was the first down to breakfast. Rory is quite an early riser.
We all took a bus to the ski center. Upon arriving at the ski center I went to the rental office to ask about the lessons I'd been emailing the instructor about. There was a group of five beginners who were interested in taking lessons. At first we were told yes we could have a lesson, then we were told no you can't, and then finally we were allowed to take our lesson.
The two instructors showed us how to stop, showed us how to catch the lift, and then we were taking the lift up the mountain. I think the first time down the mountain I set a record for most falls. Two of the people taking lessons gave up before even getting halfway down the mountain. I went down the mountain at least three times. The last two times the instructor was skiing backwards in front of me. That was very helpful, but I was still quite nervous about going too fast and falling. Maybe next year I'll take more lessons.
In the meantime Rory and Stepler had lunch and then got out Rory's sled. They came over so they could see me attempting to ski. There was a small hill at the bottom of the mountain I was skiing down so Rory sled down it a few times. The time passed very quickly and it was soon time for Rory and me to catch the first bus back to the hotel. While Rory and I napped at the hotel, Ryan cross country skied.
Rory slept through the snowman competition but we went outside to take a look at them before supper. Rory found a room with crayons and paper so she colored while Ryan and I chatted with the other adults there. We all ate supper together again and then it was Rory's bedtime.
On Sunday Rory and I skipped the ski center, but Stepler went, rented downhill skis, and had a good time on the slopes. Rory and I hung out in the room until check-out time, went for a walk, had lunch, and then chatted with a few other Marathon folks who had not gone skiing. It was then time for the boat ride back. The weather was decent on Sunday so we were able to see the sights (mountains, trees, small towns) that we had not seen during the rainy ride Friday.
Rory has the upcoming week off from school for Easter and then on Thursday we leave for Paris. We'll be there for five nights and have plans to see as much of Paris as we can with a two and half year old.
Kristiansand, Norway
Two weekends ago we went to Kristiansand. We went because Stepler was scheduled to go to a conference there and we wanted to take Rory to the zoo. The three-hour drive there is beautiful (at least what I saw when I wasn't napping).
It was past lunchtime when we arrived, so we quickly checked in at the hotel and headed out in search of lunch. We wanted something quick and easy. I was lured into a Tex-Mex restaurant because we do not have Tex-Mex in Stavanger. As we walked in I was still a bit skeptical of it, the menu reassured me, and the food itself was pretty good. Really good for Norway. We shared loaded nachos and quesadillas. After lunch we wandered around the city center and played at a playground before going back to the hotel for a bit of a rest. Supper that night was at a seafood restaurant on the water. My meal was a lot of work - everything required peeling or cracking - but it was worth it.
Sunday morning we went to the zoo! The zoo was very nice and it was a beautiful day, but snow and ice were still everywhere. We saw lions, lots of birds, little monkeys, chimpanzees, meerkats, kangaroos, a lion and an orangutan. We watched the orangutan through the windows of the orangutan house and twice it got close to us. The third time it got close to us it really scared Rory and each time it came back to us she was very anxious about having it so close to her. And we've heard the orangutan got close to me! many times since then.
Suada, Norway
Last weekend was the Marathon ski weekend. Late Friday afternoon we boarded a boat filled with Marathon employees and their families and went to Suada. It was a rainy afternoon and we could not see out the boat's windows, but the boat was a very comfortable way to travel. After the boat docked in Suada it was just a quick bus ride to our hotel. By the time we'd all had a late dinner together in the hotel's dining room, it was past Rory's bedtime.
Saturday morning there was a buffet breakfast at the hotel and we had the chance to pack our lunch from the buffet. Our family was the first down to breakfast. Rory is quite an early riser.
We all took a bus to the ski center. Upon arriving at the ski center I went to the rental office to ask about the lessons I'd been emailing the instructor about. There was a group of five beginners who were interested in taking lessons. At first we were told yes we could have a lesson, then we were told no you can't, and then finally we were allowed to take our lesson.
The two instructors showed us how to stop, showed us how to catch the lift, and then we were taking the lift up the mountain. I think the first time down the mountain I set a record for most falls. Two of the people taking lessons gave up before even getting halfway down the mountain. I went down the mountain at least three times. The last two times the instructor was skiing backwards in front of me. That was very helpful, but I was still quite nervous about going too fast and falling. Maybe next year I'll take more lessons.
In the meantime Rory and Stepler had lunch and then got out Rory's sled. They came over so they could see me attempting to ski. There was a small hill at the bottom of the mountain I was skiing down so Rory sled down it a few times. The time passed very quickly and it was soon time for Rory and me to catch the first bus back to the hotel. While Rory and I napped at the hotel, Ryan cross country skied.
Rory slept through the snowman competition but we went outside to take a look at them before supper. Rory found a room with crayons and paper so she colored while Ryan and I chatted with the other adults there. We all ate supper together again and then it was Rory's bedtime.
On Sunday Rory and I skipped the ski center, but Stepler went, rented downhill skis, and had a good time on the slopes. Rory and I hung out in the room until check-out time, went for a walk, had lunch, and then chatted with a few other Marathon folks who had not gone skiing. It was then time for the boat ride back. The weather was decent on Sunday so we were able to see the sights (mountains, trees, small towns) that we had not seen during the rainy ride Friday.
Rory has the upcoming week off from school for Easter and then on Thursday we leave for Paris. We'll be there for five nights and have plans to see as much of Paris as we can with a two and half year old.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Green eggs & ham
Dr. Seuss's birthday was March 2nd. So we celebrated with Dr. Seuss books, the Horton Hears a Who DVD, and green eggs and ham for breakfast on Saturday. Rory is still talking about her special breakfast!
Rory and I went for a run today. Our first run together since before Christmas. She seemed excited to see her jogging stroller again. It has been warm enough this week that the snow has finally begun to melt. When we got the stroller from the balcony, Rory noted that there was no snow on the balcony, just a little bit of ice. When she and Stepler put the stroller back on the balcony later, even the ice was gone. Finally the thaw has begun! Hoping it continues.
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| silly girl enjoying breakfast |
Rory and I went for a run today. Our first run together since before Christmas. She seemed excited to see her jogging stroller again. It has been warm enough this week that the snow has finally begun to melt. When we got the stroller from the balcony, Rory noted that there was no snow on the balcony, just a little bit of ice. When she and Stepler put the stroller back on the balcony later, even the ice was gone. Finally the thaw has begun! Hoping it continues.
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