The Holidays part 2

(Check out part 1)

24 of December.

Christmas.

Unfortuanally, there are not so many pictures for this day.  It was so busy and fun that we forgot to take pictures! Anyways, Olivia went to sleep almost immediately.  We had, as always, an amazing meal.   Starting with a toast of champagne, then "Pinnekjøtt med raspeballer og kolrabi puré". for dinner  Pinnekjøtt is traditional for many families on Christmas eve, especially in the West side of Norway.  It's lamb ribs that have been salted, sometimes also smoked, and are steamed until tender.  Raspeballer are a mix of potatoes and flour, that are formed into balls.  My father in law is an expert! And you eat them with butter.  Kolrabi is a root! and we eat it smashed.  All with beer and Aquavit, of course!  Then we have fruitsalad for dessert, with an whole almond hidden in it, and whoever gets it, gets a price!  After dinner, we sing around the tree and then we open presents together with coffee, cognac and homemade candy.

Breakfast with pappa.

 

Note the blue things: Mary, Joseph and JESUS BROTHER! 

made by Jonas when he was 2 or 3, he had just gotten a 

little sister and couldn't believe Jesus didn't have a brother

himself, so he made him one.

 

On the back, the nice ginger bread skyscraper that

collapsed but was very very cool!

Champagne corc julenisser.

Røkelse. Or, the smell of Christmas!

25 of December

Christmas day.  Playing with new toys.

This day we get together for breakfast.  Then we just have a family day, maybe go for a walk, or just take it easy while we wait for one more dinner at night!

Family picture. Missing some people, but pretty good for an improvised attempt!

Iben's new head phones to isolate sound and go to concerts!!!

New shoes from Cape Town!

Playing with Farfar.

Oxtail consomé for dinner.  Jonas' grandfathers recipe.

Spiced meatballs for dinner.

    

26 of December.

Second Christmas day.

It is kind of dumb that we all forgot to take pictures that day, but it was a great evening as always.  We went to Farfar's house (or Oldefar for Olivia) (Jonas' grandfather, btw) and Tante Mette made dinner.  We ate deer! It was so, so good! Then we sat around the coffe table and just had a good time with the family enjoying the last day of the Christmas holidays together.  

All in all, Olivia behaved like a champ.  Sleeping all through the dinners, and then, when coming back home, going back to sleep with no hassle.  When woken up to say good bye for the night, she was all smiles and laughs.  Having a new baby, Iben, was great, and we can just imagine how much fun the summer will be.  And now, next Friday the 6th of January, we will be in Costa Rica, starting the new adventure of meeting the other half of the family.  Can't wait.