Påske (Easter)

Finally--the low-down on my Easter in Norway! I will highlight the most exciting parts and try to be as brief as possible...but I have to warn you, this is gonna be a long one... ;D There is so much to share and as usual I took a lot of pictures!

Lars and I traveled out of Hamar early Tuesday morning and 2.5 hours and a lot of beautiful sunny scenery later we arrived at his parent's house where the family was waiting--mom, dad, Stine and Milan and of course Raja and Tassen. We didn't waste any time either and took advantage of the nice weather to make our first ski trip of the week. It was the first time that all of us (besides Tassen the cat of course) went skiing together!














The weather was gorgeous! There was just a slight breeze, which was great while we were skiing but a little troublesome when we were looking for the perfect place for å grille, or to campfire up some hot dogs. Finally we found it, and grill we did! We ate hot dogs, some pizza bites and some cake, and drank our choice of Solo (Norway's version of High-C), saft (concentrated juice that you mix with water), hot chocolate or coffee. Så deilig! Later on we were even joined by the neighbors!

(Below: Raja, likely to enter a competition for the cutest\sweetest dog ever)

(L-R: Milan, Stine, Jan Kristen)

The next noteworthy event would be the cashing in of the gift card Lars and I got for Christmas at the Velværebassenget (well-being pool) at Savalen. Ah it was so nice to be in some water again; I always forget how much I love swimming. And this pool was remarkable--massage beds, waterfalls, sauna, a Scottish (cold) shower, hot tubs, a swim-up bar and an amazing view!

On Thursday we made the traditional trekk up to a cabin fairly far up in the mountains. We started in the early afternoon and didn't come back down until it was almost dark. Normally after a long Easter ski trip people will head to Savalen for the Afterski, or the after party. This year we didn't quite stay out that late. Let's just say when Norwegians are too drunk to stand on skis it is time to go home. ;) We did however make it all the way up to the cabin. We were lucky with the weather again this day, and met up with a lot of the Kindølshaug's friends from work, school and around town.

(The older crew taking a beer break)

(Check out Knut's wool hat, sweater and socks!)

(The young crew at the top of the mountain)

Friday we visited Lars' grandparents by day and had a delicious dinner and a lovely time at one of Lars' cousins houses in the evening. Saturday we took his cousin's 7 year old Fredrik to play soccer and out for ice cream afterwards.

And then it was time for the traditional family skirennet, or ski run. This year the weather wasn't so hot for skiing on Saturday, so the annual ski run turned into something a bit different. We drank some more saft (warm this time), ate some betasuppe (delicious thin-brothed soup with elk and veggies) and engaged in some good-natured competition. We got split up into four teams and competed in different events: an orange race, shooting practice, trivia quiz, and a mini-version of charades. Afterwards we all crowded together in the cabins, and ate and drank until our cheeks were rosy and our bellies full.

(Fredrik holding the can I shot with the air gun!)

(Did I mention Milan and I won the competition?
The results were rigged for sure.)

Maybe the most memorable Easter event happened at Lars' aunt and uncle's farm on Sunday right before we left. We went to visit some newborn little lambs (and the aunt and uncle of course) and experienced quite a surprise. One of the ewes gave birth just right when we happened to be there! It was fascinating and awesome! And even aside from the birth it was amazing to be out on a farm. I dug it.

Just as I dug Easter in Norway. :D