Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent

For a long time, I've been waiting to get my own piano again. I used to play growing up and would love to both play myself but also let the children learn to play. And finally this December my dream came true.

'Tis The Season

December is always a busy month, but in a good way. This year I enjoyed watching Melissa and all her excitement as she was counting down days till Christmas. She did the classical things: wanted to open the whole calendar the first day, cheered for red cheeks and freckles and the joy of decorating the Christmas tree and playing with all our decorations. To be a child again!

Road Trip to Stockholm

In November, Tonje, Julie and I went on a road trip to Stockholm. It was wonderful to spend time with good friends, laugh and reminisce about when we were young(er) and also work at the temple. We ate a lot of candy! 

Michael is 14

We enjoyed celebrating Michael's 14th birthday! He was excited to see the opening of Skyfall, the new James Bond movie, and so we went with a Casino Royale theme for his birthday.
The boys enjoyed hanging out, watching Bond movies and did their best on the James Bond quiz. 

trying to catch up

Almost the end of the year and I want to update my blog before the year runs out.
So a lot of updates the next 24 h, I guess........

SongPop

Most popular game in the Nystad residence this fall. Kids are getting pretty good. iPhone. iPad. iPod. iPad Mini. SongPop, Wordfeud  and Draw something challenges all the time. Mom joined the Instagram community. Still a noob, though. We love technology! ;-)

Off With Their Heads

Natalie was the only one that went trick or treating this year for Halloween.
We went all out with the make up. Doesn't she make a lovely Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland? :)

Stand Ye in Holy Places and Be Not Moved

Natalie did an effort to prepare for the transition from Primary to YW in church.
Michael started Seminary in August and is studying the New Testament.
Another uplifting and historical event this fall was the first stake conference for our new Drammen stake. 

Glitter Party

Such a fun event! The girls were invited to a glitter birthday party! Red carpet, limo drive. Karaoke. The girls are growing up! Natalie has some wonderful friends.

Dorthe by Natalie

Natalie knitted her first sweater during fall break. The sweater is designed by a TV personality in Norway called Dorthe Skappel. Dorthe knitted this sweater for her daughter Maria Skappel, who through her blog  introduced this sweater to the Norwegian people and started a knitting trend like no other. The demand for yarn exploded and the selection was very limited when we decided to make this our fall break project. 

Mirror, mirror on The Wall

The girls room project...has been an ongoing adventure....and still is since we haven't finished upstairs yet. Natalie and I like to look at Pinterest for new ideas and DIY-projects for her new room. This frame from IKEA is one of our favorites. 

One School Week at Knattholmen

In October, Natalie spent one week with her school class at a maritime school called Knattholmen. She was a little anxious before she left as she hasn't been away from her family for such a long period of time. But when she got home she was sad it was all over and missed the place and all the fun they had.

Knattholmen offers varied activities. Like climbing and boating, learning about life along the shoreline, going on a longboat voyage, fishing, building a fleet, and the huge sling shot. The class also went to Sandefjord to the Whaling museum. The girls looked forward to go shopping that day. Natalie brought a camera and took some nice photos and shared her experience with us. We sure missed her the week she was gone!