Yard Work

So, after a successful yard sale on Saturday. Josh and I decided to tackle the back yard a bit today. I will post pictures of it's current state, but let's just put it this way it's god awful. We knew that the yard would be Many, Many personal labor hours from both Josh and myself. Currently, there are two 5 foot 6 inch deep holes among falling fences on all sides that was creatively held up my millions (it seems) of tiny wires. I am wondering who had the time to go around and tie up every five inches with wire, just tear the flippin fence down already. So, we demoed about 90% of the chicken wire that adorned the upper part of the wood fence, which again was all held up with what appeared to be wire hangers. Needless to say, it got a little Mommy Dearest after awhile. Then Josh and I kind of felt bad because who ever had done it probably spent about a year tying things up with their little wires and it only took us about 30 minutes to rip it all out. But, after the chicken coop look was gone we were quite pleased with our work.

Oh and I went into the cellar for the first time today, well not actually in, just stood at the bottom of the steps but now I sort of regret seeing what I did and knowing "I live on top of that!"

Thomas the Train came to Colorado

Thomas, one of Minor's favorite things, came to Colorado a few weeks ago. It was a must for the Hopper family and Minor was totally elated to finally see a REAL Thomas the Train. We went Minor had several meltdowns, but overall enjoyed himself. He not only got to meet Sir Topham Hat, but real live fireman as well.

More Photos of the house...

The House

Well, after a nearly five month hiatus we finally purchased and moved into our first home. We chose a supposedly up and coming neighborhood in NW Denver (that was before the bank bailout) just moments away from downtown. But, I think we are fitting in nicely. To be honest I think we are the only legals on the street, but hey I am looking forward to learning a bit of Spanish and am hoping that I can teach them some English as well.

One benefit to a culturally diverse neighborhood is; yesterday when I was having my yard sale some of the local food street vendors casually came and parked in front of my house. So, not only could people shop they were able to enjoy burritos, churros, and ice cream treats as well. It was a success for all of us. And talk about convenient, if your hungry you can just go outside, because eventually some one will come by with a variety of tasty treats!

Potty Training

"I peed on th big toilet!"

Tonight was Minor's first successful experience going potty on the toilet. He has attempted several times, but never followed through.

I think it had something to do with DIEGO toilet seat he had picked out at Target moments earlier, but regardless it was a big moment for us.


Let's just hope he is still interested in it tomorrow.

Home again.

So, we successfully traveled to another country with a two year old. To many it may not seem that big of a deal, but I was really nervous. Not only for how he was going to adjust to the significant time change, but how we were all going to survive in the extremely expensive land of Norway.

It took a couple of days to get over the shock of how expensive things were. I only had one meal the first few days, because I didn't want to be broke and homeless when we returned to the US. Let me give you an example of what I mean when I say expensive. (Sorry Anette and Barrett, but it is the truth and I have to talk about it). The first night we were there we went to a Tapas restaurant and for a like a burrito is was about $25-$30 a plate minus the rice and beans. I was a little sick to my stomach, so I went with the cheese quesadilla which was about 98 Kroner, which translates into about $20. I was able to enjoy myself a little better after enjoying the local beer Aass, which we paid about $10 dollars a pint for. The next day we enjoyed a delicious lunch of hamburgers that were only $29 a piece.

The most shocking expense of all was when I ran to the local grocer to buy some beer.
After picking out three six packs I headed for the cash register, but somehow I miss read the sign thinking that I was only spending 24 Kroner for each six pack, but nearly peed my pants when the checker said that will be 461 Kroner! So, to enjoy the local brew I spent about $92 on three six packs. OMG!

I hope you all realize that we did not buy souvenirs for anyone.


Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed up most nights until 4 am or later just hanging out and catching up with family. But, as always it is nice being back home and catching up on some sleep, and again Minor is adjusting quite well.

Pictures from the rest of the trip.

Cutest Boy Ever, playing in the rain, and then wearing a Norwegian Santa hat.

This would be my dad's Facebook profile picture, if he had one. Who let him buy that hat???
Josh and Minor walking down at the Oslo Fjord.
Shrimp boats selling shrimp of course....