Indiana beach

We think a lot about how Erik is enjoying himself in the US. Judging from the pictures we've received so far, everybody seems to be having a really good time. Thanks. I can't wait to hear all the stories when he comes back home.

Rosenborg Tattoo

It was a most spectacular event. The tattoo was the celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Queens Royal Guard. It took place right in front of Rosenborg castle. The show had marching bands from all over Europe. Even the Russian President's Guards was in it. The guards, who have never been to a event outside Russia before, marched stretch like they do in front of the Kremlin. It's was a march unlike any other. And their timing was unique. I found some professional pictures from the event and the Russians. They can be found here.

The evening brought back a lot of memories. For Ellen it was a leap back in time to the days of the Tell City marching band. To me it was back to the 70's when Danish national TV had an annual broadcast of the Edinburgh tattoo which my mom and I always watched.




In the finale all 800 musicians came out and played Pirates of the Caribbean. It's one of Axel's favorite music pieces. So it was just perfect.

The show ended with the most spectacular fireworks. We all agreed that now we've also had our 4th of July fireworks.

Summer vacation

Yesterday was last day of school before the summer break. Some of the parents in Rita's class had arranged breakfast with the children, teachers and parents. They even had made homebaked breadrolls. I can't find appreciation enough for those who take initiative to that kind of activities. We enjoyed breakfast and afterwards we played a bit around at the playground. Rita talked me in to trying their new swing. Boy it was fast and went high! BTW the boy on the right side of the swing is Jeppe - Rita has quite an eye for him.

Sankt Hans

Last night we celebrated Midsummer's Eve with the traditional bonfire. It was very windy and the flames were thrown all over the place. Rita and Axel enjoyed being up late playing outside.

Dead tired

This was the day when we finally decided to do something about the back yard. The flowerbed had become a jungle more than anything else. So we decided to cut back most of the plants and move the few we liked to the corner. I had to move a lot of dirt which is a task when you have no wheel barrow. I managed with help from both Rita and Axel. Now we can't wait for the grass to come up.

A swimming birthday

Today, we celebrated Axel's 11th birthday with 8 of his friends. The birthday party took place in the local swimming pool. It was a lot of fun all 3 hours.

Axel really enjoyed himself and was very happy especially with the cake. "It's mom who's made it, so it is good".

Away he went

Erik is now on his way - if not in the US already. We had to go to the airport very early this morning due to all the safety procedures. Then we weren't allowed to leave until the airplane was in the air - those are the rules when you have an unaccompanied minor on the plane.

Erik was so excited about going this morning. He woke up almost at before the alarm clock rang (and it was more than an hour before normal, not easy for a teenage boy). We had quite a wait at the airport after checking in, it was quite a torment for him.

There were 3 more children on the plane. Two of the kids were a 12 year old girl and her younger brother who was perhaps 7. Rita noticed this and made several comments that children could travel alone. "Even 7 year olds if they have a sibling accompanying them!"

There was no doubt about what she was hinting at :-)

Off to school

We had one of those rare slow mornings where we had plenty of time for breakfast before getting off to school. Rita and Axel definitely didn't seem to mind

Another creation

Erik had asked if we could have a "non-meat-week". He'd even planned the meals. It was a lot of fish and vegetarian dishes. He even offered to cook them all. He managed 3 dishes including these stir fried jumbo shrimp. Tonight he was too busy packing for his trip to the US so I made potato balls for him.

Standing up drinking

I don't know what came over me. Yesterday, I fell over these 2,5 feet long strows at the grocery store. Rita and Axel were crazy about them. We had them standing up drinking both for breakfast and lunch. It got a bit tiring after a while with all the getting up and down through the meals. Ellen had no sympathy. I had asked for it :-)

Spiegelei kuchen

Once again Erik made a spectacular dish - Fried egg cake - is the English translation from German. It was made from a cake mix we bought in Berlin. It's cake, custard, apricots and clear jello. Very good.

High sun factor

Poor Axel he was on the beach with the Zuletas. Although wearing sun screen he got a severe sun burn. It hurts just to look at it :-(