December 25th 2010 - Our first week in USA

Merry Christmas! We have been in the States for exactly a week today. It seems like we have been here forever with all of the fun activities we have done. The trip over here alone seemed like a week in just one day. It was snowing loads when we left for the US last week, so we decided to have Morfar Allan drive us over the snow covered bridge to the airport instead of chancing the bus, and the train. Luckily we made it on the plane, and barely made our connecting flight. The kids were excellent on the plane. We got bumped up to economy plus class, so we had the three middle seats together and extra leg room, which was perfect for the active Damien to run around in. The flight was almost perfect and the kids put on their best angel impersonations. When we landed, however, they had lost all of Alicia, Damien and Linda's luggage. We did not end up getting the suitcases until 5 days later. All was not bad since we were able to go on a mini shopping spree, with insurance money (I have no clue how we are going to bring all of the new stuff back to Sweden!).


In the middle of the snowstorm on our way to the airport


Daddy and the kids on Copenhagen airport

The kids have really enjoyed being in the States. Before we left Damien and Alicia had both had a stomach virus that was putting them in some not so happy moods. Unfortunately, the virus and accompanying fever that Alicia had has set off some seizures. We are still adjusting the medicine to try to get them to be gone again. It had been a year and a half since the little princess had had a seizure. They have not been that bad at all, but obviously any time we ever see them we get worried. All of this combined with the jetlag and long trip has made Alicia a bit tired, but she is working her way back into her usual happy, stronger self. We are excited that Alicia has found a new favorite food, an American brand pasta marinara. She can't get enough of it.

Alicia has also enjoyed meeting her cousins again, and being extremely cuddly with Pappa (Grandpa), Ma Mere and her aunts and uncles. Hopefully she will be getting stronger and stronger and be able to show everyone how strong she has gotten by the time we leave.

Damien has gotten more comfortable each day that we have been here. He was a little cautious at first, but he has made himself right at home now. He walks all over the place and looks for new food to try. I have never seen him eat so much or make such an adorable mess. He is going to come back looking like a little smiling meatball. He has been on a great sleeping pattern, which has made this trip feel like a relaxing vacation for Linda and myself.

We have been being as "Christmasy" as possible. As we do in Sweden we have been listening to Christmas music almost 24/7. One radio station here actually only plays Christmas music from Thanksgiving right through Christmas weekend.

On a cold winter night, we bundled up the kids and went to meet cousins Jamison and Harley and uncle Craig and aunt SueLynn at the National Christmas Tree. It was beautiful and cold. Both kids were pretty exhausted, so Alicia slept and Damien just stared with his tired eyes. I have no idea how much they actually saw, but at least we have the pictures to prove it.


Us with Sue, Craig and the kids infront of the National Christmas tree

To continue on with the Christmas theme, on Christmas Eve (24th) we all went over to Uncle Jay's and Aunt Val's place. Everyone had made appetizers and they were delicious. Damien tried everything, he loved it while making a huge mess. Then we opened Christmas gifts from the family. As could be expected Damien enjoyed opening the present more than playing with his wonderful gifts. Alicia cuddled with everyone and enjoyed hearing all of the Christmas noise. Both children received a plethora of really well thought out gifts (Again, I have no idea how we are going to bring everything back to Sweden with us). All of Alicia's gifts made noise or were soft and nice to touch.


PaPpa and Damien


Aunt Sue and Alicia

Christmas Day the kids woke up at 9:00! What a great Christmas gift that was. I guess the kids had been good this year, because when we looked under the Christmas tree we saw that Santa had come. Damien again loved opening the presents and eating the paper. Alicia took it easy, while letting little brother go crazy. Then she actually opened one of her presents on her own. She enjoyed playing with her new toys, giving lots of those beautiful smiles that make you want to laugh and cry at the same time.


Damien eating the paper from his Christmas gift


Alicia is opening her gift from Santa

Alicia playing with her new toy!

MeMere, Daddy and Damien
Merry Christmas!