Lots of love this December 25th

The Gruvesäter family were kind enough to invite us 3.9 to their home for Christmas Eve.

We enjoyed the traditional Swedish Julbord of multi-coloured herring, smoked ham, homemade meatballs, sweet mustards, knäckebröd, cheeses and salads...

...followed by the yearly national TV event: "Jul med Kalle Anka" = Donald Duck!!

By 16:00 when the one-hour TV special ended, the sky had darkened, and suddenly a very special guest appeared...

Santa was very kind!

C'est quoi encore le numero de Mamie et Papi?

Finally, here comes a little film of Stella to celebrate Christmas. Not much Christmas in it, but LOTS of Stella...

Note: The "I wanna be kiss-ed by you" bit was a spontaneous performance this evening.

Hyvää Joulua!

Joyeux Noël!

Feliz Natal!

God Jul!

Merry Christmas to all -
and to all a good night!!!!

long time no see

It has been too long since we last posted some photos. Much happened, people have been growing, the weather warmed and cooled and the planet spun more than a few times.

a little zenning-out on the balcony...

Stella was kind enough to pull out cushions for 3 - Papa and Maman should enjoy the sun, too!

Stella with "Baby Alexander" - practicing being a big sister

a couple of weeks ago, out on the pier a few minutes walk away from our home - enjoying the view of the harbour...

together with Leia, visiting from Geneva

talk about a mini-Jean-Do...

and most recently,

enjoying "fika" with Isoäiti - surprisingly tasty despite the temporary gluten and laktose-free diet-test.

Busy days!

Much new popping-up!


Besides the white peaks and valleys, also many words...

På Svenska:
Välling (morning & evening warm cereal-milk drink) & titta (look!)

In English:
Moon, Bus, Car, Book, Apple, Ear, Eye, No, Yeah!

En Français:
Bain, Pain, Dodo, Lapin, and her absolute favourite (these days): Encore!

only second to...
да (DA)!!!!! (в русском/in Russian)


Her activities include:

helping out with the dishes (as often as possible)

adventures in the playgrounds around town

trying exotic spring flavours

football coaching

reading all the books she can get her hands on

...and lots and lots of laughter!!!

And these two were taken this afternoon...

The Turtle dagis class had their first graduation ceremony!

Already such a big girl!!

Pictures from the last two weeks...

On the way to France.... Stella is now able to board the plane on her own...



... and in Alicante, view from our apartment...


... Stella seems to enjoy her first beach holiday!


(Note: Stella was heavily creamed on these pictures and was exposed only to the sun for a small amount of time (for those wondering...) )

... and of course, it was easter... these below bring back memories of Jean-Do's italian heritage...

That is it for now, but more might come very soon.... until then, Happy Spring to all!!!!!!

Awaiting cousin Bubba

We are checking the news every day...

Sunny days are here and the flowers are out...

All that is missing is cousin "Bubba"!!

Happy landing in Montreal, cousin Bubba. We hope to see you very soon!

p.s. for Aunty Erin: If it helps any, I can sing in the shower...

Greetings Earthlings!

And all the best in 2009!