Norway: the Cabin near Grimstad

The day after we arrived, Beate, the boys, Brandon and I (Casey had to work) set out on a 10 hour road trip to Grimstad, where Beate's grandma has a rustic cabin nearby on a lake in the middle of nowhere. We started out the drive and I got really sick. I hadn't felt well all morning. Extensive travel + Jet lag + pregnancy + windy roads = turn yellow and get sick. I couldn't do it. No matter how much I tried to will myself better, I knew I couldn't do the car ride without puking and being miserable the whole time. I think my body was at it's limit. So, I had them turn around and take me home. I booked a plane ticket to that part of the country for that night and they continued on their drive. Then I slept for 6 hours straight. I don't even sleep that well on a normal night, let alone after already having slept 6 hours. Guess I needed it.

While they drove and explored the country, I slept and then had the chance to hang out with Casey. It was so good to see where he worked and spend some time with him before he took me to the airport. It had been a while since we had any 1-on-1 time. Then I hopped a plane and 45 minutes later I was in a town near the cabin. I'm so glad everyone was flexible so we could change plans and still all be able to enjoy the cabin. It was amazing.

On the road to Grimstad. I didn't make it this far, but B took lots of pictures

Norway is a gorgeous country

 

 

 

On the lake at the cabin

We took a few hikes. It was pouring in this picture. We didn't have the best weather, but it was still so refreshing

There isn't a puddle they can't resist

Hanging out in the cabin out of the cold

Oliver LOVES fire. He just wanted to watch it

In Grimstad

We went looking for the moose that left hoof prints and poop on the trail. We never found it, but we had fun exploring off trail

With so much water in the country, every coastal road trip includes ferry rides

Norway: Arrival

Once we made it to Norway we were exhausted! Beate and the boys picked us up at the airport, Casey made us Indian food for dinner, and then he had to take us on a little drive to keep us awake until at least 8pm so we'd sleep until maybe 4am. It was tough to keep our eyes open, but worth it. He lives in Os, 45 minutes outside of Bergen. It's beautiful! He lives by several lakes and the ocean. He convinced Brandon to go for a quick (very quick) swim with him in one of the lakes. I just watched.

Pony with a skunk mohawk

Super friendly!! He came right over when we stopped to take a picture

trying to get the other one to go in first

B went in first and was out of the frosty waters as quickly as he got in

Casey's house sits overlooking this lake

Amsterdam

On the way to Norway we stopped in Amsterdam. This was Brandon's first impression of Europe. It's a pretty cool town. Tons of bikes and boat lined canals. And if you happen to wander into the red-light district it's also very entertaining - lingerie clad women in full length window panes on display. Even better is watching the foreigners suddenly realizing where they were. Unfortunately we only had an hour in town before we had to head back to the airport. We hadn't slept in 30 hours or eaten much. I was feeling awful and Brandon felt like he was sleep walking. Still, it was worth the journey into town.

Lots of bikes

Baby boy's first trip to Europe - 5 belly months

Red light district

Reason for the Posting Pause

I'm pregnant!

Which is why I haven't posted since January. I was so sick those first several months we didn't go do anything. And if, by chance, we did, I wasn't feeling good enough to take time to post about it. But, I'm back from the gloom and doom of morning...all-day...sickness.  On my first day of feeling energy return we took advantage and went for a bike ride! 15 slow, but fun miles. I hadn't felt that normal or alive in 16 weeks. It went downhill right after that for another 2 weeks, but since 18 weeks I've been feeling more good than not good. It's so happy. I pulled out of it just in time for a trip to Norway.

16 weeks pregnant