Giving Thanks

While I should have collapsed hours ago, I am so energized by the wonderful weather and experiences we've had this Thanksgiving I just had to stay up an extra 15 minutes to share.  Our feast was small and simple, boasting an 11lb turkey with dressing and lots of veggie sides.  The turkey was so good I'm kinda wishing I got a standard 18-20lb bird so that I had more leftovers.  Here Linus and I are sporting our pilgrim hats.

Both boys approved of the feast, and followed it with a movie, "Gnomeo & Juliet". 

While lots of people braved the malls, we spent all of Black Friday at playgrounds.  We had a little scare in the morning at Clemyjontri Park, where Linus decided to dart off.  There were so many people there it took about 5 minutes to find him (and I swear Mattias sprouted 5 new gray hairs in that time).  Later in the afternoon we stayed in our neighborhood and took Linus' tricycle out for a ride. 

We rode to the "Dinasuar Park" and took it easy.  Magnus is finally mobile enough to play on the big kid equipment.  He's great at cruising, and we think he'll walk in the next month.

On Saturday the gorgeous weather continued and we were determined to 1) get the boys out of the house before they trashed it and 2) take a family photo for our Christmas card.  The annual train display at the National Botanical Garden was already open so we drove into DC early to beat the crowds.  The setup is impressive, and every year they build new structures made entirely of plant materials. 

Right after taking our picture in front of the miniature Capitol, we went outside (just across the street really) to take pictures in front of the real thing.  We won't spoil our Christmas card by showing you the family shot, but we'll tease you with these shots of our "Capitol Cuties".

While we faced a lot of challenges this year, I know that our growth was proportional to these hardships.  All told, we are not completely broke, we are all healthy, and despite what the news says, our futures are bright.  For all of you who have given us encouragement and support, we give thanks.

Karlsson Kare x2

When we first found out we were having Lille Magnus, we automatically assumed we would increase Linus' days at daycare to 3 days a week from 2.  Even though we all know Kerstin is"Super Farmor" we didn't want to overload her with 2 moving targets.  Without us bringing it up (and before Magnus was even born), Kerstin offered to take both boys one day a week.  She bought a double stroller (we call it "The Hummer") and brought it back here from Sweden, and readied the house for some crazy boy action.

While Mattias and I feared the worst of having 2 kids, it's actually not that bad.  At times it's more than twice the work of having one, but a lot of times it feels like half the work of having one.  I think this collection of Kerstin's iPhone photos shows why:  Having fun with 2 cute boys is not really work at all.

Summer day at the park

Kerstin mixes it up with different activities, even bringing out Linus' inner Swedish Chef.  His cooking style does resemble the chefs in Regular Ordinary Swedish Mealtime.

On days when Kerstin is alone with Magnus, they spend a lot of time outside on strolls.  The park, grocery store, post office, and fabric store are their favorite hangouts.

Mattias and I think (for the most part) that we're good parents, but sometimes Kerstin puts us to shame.  Art projects and seasonal crafts are regular occurences at Farmor's house.

It would be scary to calculate how much we would "owe" Kerstin for her quality childcare services, but that number would be irrelevent compared to the happiness she's given our boys. 

Tittut!  (Peek-a-boo in Swedish)