Tuesday, December 24, 2013
MSped and the Lovely Mrs. Spedding
We are heading out to airport to pick up MSped and Mrs. Spedding. I'm so excited and nervous! I have been looking forward to this moment for so long, but I am nervous that they will get disappointed about their trip. I hope that all goes well and they enjoy their stay...
Welcome Speddings!
Welcome Speddings!
Horseback Riding
Mom and I went out to the stables to go and say hi to the horses and give them some treats. Bente was riding on one of the private owned horses named Jolly and she was in the middle of a lesson with two girls that own their own horses.
Bente asked if I wanted to ride on Fussie and I just couldn't resist...
I saddled Fussie up and took her into the riding house. We did a riding track/ course where we were timed and had to do sharp turns and small jumps. I couldn't remember the course, so I didn't get the best time all together. We all laughed each time there was a mistake or a horse was in the way. It turned out to be lots of fun!
After the lesson, when everyone had left, Bente asked Mom if she could translate a letter for, into English, because her daughter is going to America for a year as an exchange student. Mom agreed and told her that we would come again on Tuesday and I would ride as well.
Tuesday came around, but I was sick with an ear infection and a cold. We drove out to the stables to pick up the letter and at the same time, told Bente that I would instead ride on Saturday, like the usual.
On Saturday, my mom was not feeling well, but I was in better shape. Moster Lone came out to help and watch me ride. She had ridden and owned a horse herself before. Anyways, it was very busy with riders and horses and was a bit crammed. I always get stressed out when there are so many people.
Once the horses were saddled up and the crowd had thinned we went in to ride. We did a lot of trotting and galloping in dresage and later jumped with five different types of jumps. Here are the five jumps:
Bente asked if I wanted to ride on Fussie and I just couldn't resist...
I saddled Fussie up and took her into the riding house. We did a riding track/ course where we were timed and had to do sharp turns and small jumps. I couldn't remember the course, so I didn't get the best time all together. We all laughed each time there was a mistake or a horse was in the way. It turned out to be lots of fun!
After the lesson, when everyone had left, Bente asked Mom if she could translate a letter for, into English, because her daughter is going to America for a year as an exchange student. Mom agreed and told her that we would come again on Tuesday and I would ride as well.
Tuesday came around, but I was sick with an ear infection and a cold. We drove out to the stables to pick up the letter and at the same time, told Bente that I would instead ride on Saturday, like the usual.
On Saturday, my mom was not feeling well, but I was in better shape. Moster Lone came out to help and watch me ride. She had ridden and owned a horse herself before. Anyways, it was very busy with riders and horses and was a bit crammed. I always get stressed out when there are so many people.
Once the horses were saddled up and the crowd had thinned we went in to ride. We did a lot of trotting and galloping in dresage and later jumped with five different types of jumps. Here are the five jumps:
- Pole jumps (poles layed a meter away from each other- this is training for bigger jumps because you learn how to stand up here)
- A single jump (about 2 feet)
- A double jump (a few paces away from each other) - -
- A tripple jump - - -
- A double jump (same thing as the tripple, just with the middle jump taken out) - -
BINGO!
On the second to last day of school before break, the school played bingo through the speaker system. The principle would say the numbers through the loud speakers and if the class won, they had to run as fast as they could to the office and shout it out. (The only time we were allowed to run in the hallways). It was pretty fun! Almost everyone got to go up and cross off a number on the smart board. Unfortunetly, we didn't win... The 8th and 9th graders did.
Stella's Danish Christmas
Stella has been doing a lot of Danish Christmas traditions with her class. She got to go "Sankta Lucia" and play an angel in a school play called "Krybbespil", performed at the church, with all the other 3rd graders.
Although the tradition in both the celebrations has always been strongly centered on Christianity it seems that they now have become just "another yearly event" in all public schools as a special way for children to celebrate the final days before the Winter break.
Although the tradition in both the celebrations has always been strongly centered on Christianity it seems that they now have become just "another yearly event" in all public schools as a special way for children to celebrate the final days before the Winter break.
More Sankta Lucia pictures here
Sankta Lucia video here
More Krybbespil pictures here
Getting Our Christmas Tree
Nine days before Christmas, we went to Allerød to go and find a Christmas tree. There were a lot of trees, but none were just us. Instead, we drove to Lynge plant school to see if they had another tree that fit us better. After about 5 minutes, we found the perfect tree. An organic Christmas tree. It was already cut and everything. We paid for it and left. About an hour later, they brought our tree to the house. We brought the tree inside and decorated it. Here is the beautiful result:
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| Just kidding...this is the tree at Klubben |
Picasa link here
Family Christmas fun!
Last weekend, we went to our cousins house for jule hygge. It was really fun! Frederik, Stella and I wrestled and laughed as the grown ups chatted. Great fun!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Nøddeknækkeren
After school, we went to the Royal Theater in Copenhagen to see the Nutcracker. It was the first time in 8 years that I haven't danced in the Nutcracker. I was very excited to see the Royal Ballet
preform.
Mom treated us all to the ballet. Moster Lone and Mormor joined us. When we got there, we went to our seats in the second balcony. We were very high up, and I thought that it was a good thing because we could see everything! At the same time, it was kind of scary because we were so high up...
The show started off with Clara, called Marie in this show, and her little brother peeking in the door where the Christmas tree was. The room behind the door was shown and there, you could see the tree.
The next scene was the party scene and there was a lot of of waltz dancing. A few years ago, in the CAPA production, my grandpa was in the party scene.
The second act was even more magical. It started off with little angels that had the cutes dresses, scurrying around so quickly it looked like they were floating. The next scenes were as cute. All of the costumes were well created. Candy canes, bon-bons and then the sugar plum fairy. The sugar plum fairy was so beautiful and very graceful when she danced.
After the show, they bowed. We all clapped. It was happy!
We left the theatre with a great memory that we would always remember...
When we got inside the building, and were walking to our places, Mom peeked into a room and saw some of the costumes. I thought that they very beautiful and well made.
preform.
Mom treated us all to the ballet. Moster Lone and Mormor joined us. When we got there, we went to our seats in the second balcony. We were very high up, and I thought that it was a good thing because we could see everything! At the same time, it was kind of scary because we were so high up...
The show started off with Clara, called Marie in this show, and her little brother peeking in the door where the Christmas tree was. The room behind the door was shown and there, you could see the tree.
The next scene was the party scene and there was a lot of of waltz dancing. A few years ago, in the CAPA production, my grandpa was in the party scene.
The second act was even more magical. It started off with little angels that had the cutes dresses, scurrying around so quickly it looked like they were floating. The next scenes were as cute. All of the costumes were well created. Candy canes, bon-bons and then the sugar plum fairy. The sugar plum fairy was so beautiful and very graceful when she danced.
After the show, they bowed. We all clapped. It was happy!
We left the theatre with a great memory that we would always remember...
 |
| Here is the Royal Ballet Theatre |
 |
| The costumes from left to right are: Party scene (parents), Waltz of flowers, Reed pipe and Snow |
After seeing the Nutcracker, I reflected on CAPA's Nutcracker vs. the royal ballet Nutcracker. Here are some of the things that I realized:
- Clara is older and dances a lot more in the CAPA Nutcracker
- The background and the props were a lot more colorful and well made in this Nutcracker
- The costumes were very different, but at the same time, some were very similar
More pictures here.
Christmas Tree Lighting
On December 1st. Mormor, Stella, mom and I went up to Lynge church for the beginning of a Christmas celebration. We were at church for a while, and we saw some of our friends. There were pretty Christmas decorations and small candels burning bright. This is the church my parents got married in. The church was build in 1100 and Greenland explorer Knud Rasmussen's dad was priest at Lynge church from 1896-1918.
After church, we went outside to where the priest lives, and got a tourch. We were all bundeled up. After a few minutes, we started walking. It wasn't as pretty as the last time for Halloween, because it wasn't yet dark. We walked from the church up through Lynge to the first Christmas tree. We heard music until everyone caught up. There were about 200 or so people. Once everyone came, we counted down from 10... Ti, ni, otte, syv, seks, fem, fire, tre, to, en. The tree was lit with beautiful white lights.
We continued walking to the next tree. It was a ways across the street at the elders home. The same thing happened, but now, a few more people came. Ti, ni, otte, syv...
After the second tree was lit, we continued on to the last tree. This tree is SUPER tall! It stands on Lynge Bytov/town square. For this lighting, we had to wait a little bit longer. Almost all of the Lynge residents came. There were as many æbelskiver and gløgg as you could eat and drink. The mayor and the priest both came to talk. We all saw friends and had fun. This is a Lynge tradition. I like it! Once more, we counted down from 10. Wow! It was so beautiful! I always feel that when you get a Christmas tree and decorate it, it gives happyness and coziness as well as the Christmas feeling.
After the tree was lit, we counted down again! GUESS WHAT?!
BAM! Baby you're a firework, come and let your colors burst, make 'em go ah, ah, ah, as you shoot ascross the sky! Yep! Fireworks in little Lynge! They were SO beautiful! I was pretty supprised that they actually had fireworks!
It turned out to be a great evening! Now, I'm in my warm, fuzzy Cristmas mood!
More pictures here
After church, we went outside to where the priest lives, and got a tourch. We were all bundeled up. After a few minutes, we started walking. It wasn't as pretty as the last time for Halloween, because it wasn't yet dark. We walked from the church up through Lynge to the first Christmas tree. We heard music until everyone caught up. There were about 200 or so people. Once everyone came, we counted down from 10... Ti, ni, otte, syv, seks, fem, fire, tre, to, en. The tree was lit with beautiful white lights.
We continued walking to the next tree. It was a ways across the street at the elders home. The same thing happened, but now, a few more people came. Ti, ni, otte, syv...
After the second tree was lit, we continued on to the last tree. This tree is SUPER tall! It stands on Lynge Bytov/town square. For this lighting, we had to wait a little bit longer. Almost all of the Lynge residents came. There were as many æbelskiver and gløgg as you could eat and drink. The mayor and the priest both came to talk. We all saw friends and had fun. This is a Lynge tradition. I like it! Once more, we counted down from 10. Wow! It was so beautiful! I always feel that when you get a Christmas tree and decorate it, it gives happyness and coziness as well as the Christmas feeling.
BAM! Baby you're a firework, come and let your colors burst, make 'em go ah, ah, ah, as you shoot ascross the sky! Yep! Fireworks in little Lynge! They were SO beautiful! I was pretty supprised that they actually had fireworks!
More pictures here
Julehygge hos Tine
We went to Tine's house to make decorations. We were supposed to see Tine's older daughter and kids there too, but sadly we missed them. When we got to Tine's house, we began right away. We whipped out the clay and the pine and began. It was very relaxing and fun! I now, want to bring the tradition to America!
After we ate dinner, the profesionals took out their tools. It was now Mom and Tine's turn. First you see a plate and a forest floor and then a few minutes later, a beautiful decoration. I also got to make a second decoration and I think that it turned out pretty well.
It was a fun night and now, I have a new Christmas tradition...
 |
| We were VERY focused |
 |
| Here is my result |
Picasa link here
After we ate dinner, the profesionals took out their tools. It was now Mom and Tine's turn. First you see a plate and a forest floor and then a few minutes later, a beautiful decoration. I also got to make a second decoration and I think that it turned out pretty well.
It was a fun night and now, I have a new Christmas tradition...
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Juleklip
Both Stella and my class had julekip. We made a few decorations in my class, but in Stella's, wow, they made a lot! Here are some pictures:
Picasa link for Stella's class here.
Picasa link for my class here.
I found it lots of fun. It gave us time to socialize and come closer as a class. It also gave me a chance to eat a bunch of pebernødder.
Picasa link for Stella's class here.
Picasa link for my class here.
I found it lots of fun. It gave us time to socialize and come closer as a class. It also gave me a chance to eat a bunch of pebernødder.
Time with Dad
It's been really nice to be with Dad. I did think it was hard at first to incorporate him into the new life in Denmark, but it quickly got better... I think that it was hard to have him here during a school filled period of time.
Because of school filling up our time, we only had from 2:50ish - 8:00 to sped with him. Good thing, while we were at school, my mom was able to show him around and other times he could get his work done. I really enjoyed coming home and seeing my dad. It's been almost 6 months since we said goodbye in California - it's a long time...
Because of school filling up our time, we only had from 2:50ish - 8:00 to sped with him. Good thing, while we were at school, my mom was able to show him around and other times he could get his work done. I really enjoyed coming home and seeing my dad. It's been almost 6 months since we said goodbye in California - it's a long time...
Bye Dad!
Our last day with Dad had arrived. I had a fun day with him and I didn't really realize that he was actually going the next day. We spent the day at the beach in Gilleleje in the Danish weather. We got to give a lot of farewell hugs and kisses. I am really going to miss him.
We got home and waited for our cousins to come. We were going to have a goodbye party. Mormor cooked. I thought that it was a good way of saying good bye.
On the 25th, we skipped school to bring Dad to the airport. Stella bought him a studenterbrød, which we all shared. When we got to the airport we helped him get checked in, then we walked him up to the gate. It was very hard. I was preparing myself to not cry, but the tears came slowly anyways. Stella had a harder time. I tried to put myself in her shoes and think how hard it would be for her, 9 years old. All I was thinking was, dang, he's already going back...
Stay calm and remember this quote. Is a good one to remember when you have to say good bye...
Stay calm and remember this quote. Is a good one to remember when you have to say good bye...
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Aussie Burgers
We went to a friends house for Aussie burgers. Derek, our friend comes from Australia and his wife come from Denmark. Thier two kids are half Danish, half Australien. We got to their beautiful, old house and went in. At the dinner table, as we ate the Aussie burgers, Derek suggested some advice for my blog. The advice was to write to my self when I write on my blog, and imagine that no one reads it, and just think that someday it will be my personal journal of memories in Denmark. I have taken this advice into consideration and think that I should at least try. I could help express my feelings to a different level. Thoughts?
Anyways, I am not starting now so I would just like to say one more thing to you guys in the form of writing (writing to an audience) that I have been using... Do you know what an Aussie burger is?
To explain an Aussie burger is quite simple. Everything in your kitchen goes between two pieces of bread with a fried egg on top. That almost nailed it.... Here is a link to a recipe.
The conversation continued and we began talking about riding. Josephine, the daughter, and Tine both have ridden/ ride. Tine mentioned a girl scout second hand store in Farum where they had riding things; boots, gloves, helmets, etc... We decided to check it out.
The fun went on and it turned out to be a great weekend!
Anyways, I am not starting now so I would just like to say one more thing to you guys in the form of writing (writing to an audience) that I have been using... Do you know what an Aussie burger is?
To explain an Aussie burger is quite simple. Everything in your kitchen goes between two pieces of bread with a fried egg on top. That almost nailed it.... Here is a link to a recipe.
The conversation continued and we began talking about riding. Josephine, the daughter, and Tine both have ridden/ ride. Tine mentioned a girl scout second hand store in Farum where they had riding things; boots, gloves, helmets, etc... We decided to check it out.
The fun went on and it turned out to be a great weekend!
Horseback Riding with Dad
I went to horseback riding again during my dad's visit. We have a fun packed lesson including cone turns, steering with one hand and jumping. After I rode, my dad was offered a ride in the forest, I first thought that I would be able to go too, but unfortunately, Bente said that I couldn't. I was kind of sad that I wasn't allowed, but at the same time, glad that my dad got to experience it. It's not like he gets to do that kind of stuff every Saturday...
The next weekend, we all went out to the stables for me to ride. Dad turned down all of the offers to ride. I think that his legs were on the verge of collapsing. I was ready to ride. I got Fussie (Bente thinks that we work great together and she told me that Fussie respects me!!!) and saddeled her up - mostly my own! I finally got the idea of how to do it... The main wow part was jumping a double jump in full gallop! Loads of fun!
While I rode, Stella took Dad over to a Shetland pony name Pinocchio. She was feeling a bit left out, but I can understand why. I got to show him around, ride and tell him all of the horses names while Stella sat and waited patiently. I give her an applause for that! Right now, it was Stella's turn to show him a horse. Stella asked Bente if she could take out Pinocchio and ride him and Bente said yes! So while I was riding Fussie, Stella was having a fun time with Dad outside on Pinocchio. The goodness of fairness. After riding, we all went on a walk around the farm... It was lots of fun and very peaceful!
Link to video of me jumping here.
The next weekend, we all went out to the stables for me to ride. Dad turned down all of the offers to ride. I think that his legs were on the verge of collapsing. I was ready to ride. I got Fussie (Bente thinks that we work great together and she told me that Fussie respects me!!!) and saddeled her up - mostly my own! I finally got the idea of how to do it... The main wow part was jumping a double jump in full gallop! Loads of fun!
While I rode, Stella took Dad over to a Shetland pony name Pinocchio. She was feeling a bit left out, but I can understand why. I got to show him around, ride and tell him all of the horses names while Stella sat and waited patiently. I give her an applause for that! Right now, it was Stella's turn to show him a horse. Stella asked Bente if she could take out Pinocchio and ride him and Bente said yes! So while I was riding Fussie, Stella was having a fun time with Dad outside on Pinocchio. The goodness of fairness. After riding, we all went on a walk around the farm... It was lots of fun and very peaceful!
Link to video of me jumping here.
Jacquline's Birthday
All the girls from my class and I went to a birthday slumber party for my friend, Jacqueline, at her house. It turned out to be loads of fun. We ate pasta, then watched a movie while eating ice cream. After that we talked and hung out. It was very calm and social. They were all happy for me, it being that it was my first slumber party with my friends in Denmark. In the morning, we woke up and had a huge breakfast. Once everyone finished, we hung out some more and watched funny videos on Instagram. By 11:30ish, it was time to go. All of my things were packed. My mom, dad and Stella picked me up and I was headed to riding.
Badminton
Okay, so you all know how much I hate sports sports. Any sport with a ball or birdie I stink at. Anyways, my mom dragged (almost literally) me to the sports center where I was going to take a badminton lesson. I was told what to do and where to get the racket and it went on from there. Fortunately, I survived and there were only 5th graders who I don't know. I think that I did pretty well... I only hit my teacher in the head once, and it wasn't my fault. She was the one who didn't duck... I think that it went better than I thought it would.
The Dentist
We went to our school tandlæge/dentist today. Most children in Denmark have deltal exams at school. Many schools have dentists assigned to thier schools, who help teach how to take care of the teeth and do routine exams. All dental care for children under the age of 18 is free. I left my first aid class to go up and meet with my family to get my teeth checked. I was first... *dun, dun, dun* They all watched me. Turns out that my teeth were fine. They took me over to another room and showed me how to brush my back teeth. That's all! That wasn't that hard, which was good. Stella's turn. She didn't get as good results, but still pretty good. I think that we've been getting too many pastries. :-)
Stella Showing Dad Around
Stella has been going to spring gymnastics for a while now and wanted to show her skills to Dad. He got special VIP permission to come and watch in the classroom because he was on vacation. Stella walked him over to the sports center and showed him around. She felt so proud of herself!
Stella also took dad on a tour around our school.
She even brought dad along on a field trip to Rudersdal Museum to see Vedbækfundene - some 7,000 year old skeletons.
Here is a Picasa link.
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