Malene Visits the Emerald City!

Malene is my cousin, she lives in Norway and is currently an exchange student in Orlando, FL. She's half way around the globe already... so SHE came on her Spring Break! From the Sun in Florida to the Fun in Seattle!

Gas Works Park on Lake Union. North of downtown, Space Needle, and the boys bellow.

Gas Works Park Sun Dial on the Hill.

It was exactly revenge... but we sent the boys in to wake her gently. Malene and her sister were not as kind in their youth to Kt and I.

The Fremont Troll under the George Washington Bridge. Cause the Nordic Immigrants needed a little bit of home.

Yup. That's a VW bug.

Malene reading a bed time book.

Breakfast at Lowell's in Pikes Market. Great sunny day with view of the Sound.

Malene reads Batman to Soren as we wait for breakfast :) She's got skill, though I didn't make her change a diaper... maybe she'll sit one night next time she visits? You are coming back right Malene?

A good picture. That's some tasty fresh OJ.

FOOD!

Too bad the weather report LIED and we did the Space Needle on a rainy day, the next day, see above, was glorious (even though it was supposed to be 100% rainstorms).

Here is the Blue Screen image that was taken as we wait to take the elevator to the top and we get to chose the background. This is actually a view from a nearby hill called Queen Ann Hill.

The best donuts on the West Coast. Top Pot Donuts, right down the street from the Space Needle. Oh yummy yum. Nom Nom!

They didn't throw any fish, but were very entertaining at the Pikes Fish Market. Malene gave them a tip with Odin. They like that. We liked having her visit.

Last meal in Seattle. Went to a fun Sushi place we like to take the kids to eat. We have fantastic Sushi here, even in the conveyor belt fashion. Yum!

Some more pictures to come... from our phones. Some skiing on Crystal Mountain and more! Hope you come back some day Malene and bring family... try for August or September, that's our best weather :)

Spring time...

 Odin is starting his first team sport...SOCCER! He loves to dribble the ball and run around with his friends on the team.

We joined the masses in the Cove to Clover race on March 11. We pushed the boys (with the help of a pulling dog) up Snake hill again this year. Next year, Odin is joining the crew outside the cart.

Chewie had a bad combination of new adult fur, outgoing soft puppy fur, 12 days of play in the snow and rain with two other dogs without brushing, and winter coat which left us with no choice but to shave him. He likes his new do.

 

Soren likes it, too. He keeps looking at him and declaring, "He naked!"

Arizona

 Desert birds on the Cactus

 S

 Desert adventurers!

 Pretty little flower

 In perspective.

 Norwegian Schwab/Norderud family in the desert

 Cool rock.

 Native American Eagle dance

 Odin really got in to the Western theme.

 Cactus with a tired arm.

 Tired Soren(sleeping on Ian's shoulder) and the tired-armed cactus.

 The GRAND CANYON. It was grand.

 Beautiful tree.

 Waiting for the sun to rise.

 Here it comes!

 Hiking with Odin in the Sonoran Desert

 BIG ROCK!

 These rocks looked like they were on a hike.

 Almost to the "tippy top." Odin really wanted to get to the tippy top.

There we are as little specks in front of "Tom's Thumb."

Sneaky picture

I caught Soren using his new headlamp to read books in his room. This was a great moment.

Odin's third and final fifth birthday!

Odin wanted to have a party with his friends, so we planned it after the new year once everyone was back from the holiday break. He chose to do it at the Jungle Gym, where he takes classes. 

 Soren watched the older kids ride the zip line and drop the ball in the goal...and this is his first attempt! Go Soren!

Odin rocking the zip line

Happy Schwab boys.

Family Photos

Nonna and Poppa and the boys.

The Schwabs with Nonna and Poppa