Almost a year...

Wow!  The Beards have now been in Norway for almost a year - hard to believe!  It has really flown by for us!  As promised, I am pushing out one more blog before we head out on Tuesday for our month-long visit to Katy (2 weeks for Spencer.)

I realized I failed to mention on the last blog that Brendan had a 6 month check-up in May from his broken arm in the fall.  He got an "all clear" from the doctor and I we got a look at the x-rays.  They showed us the x-ray from the day he got his cast off in November as compared to the one they took on the day of our visit - WOW!  So much better and straighter!  He no longer has the little hump on his arm and the x-ray shows a mended and straight bone!  YEA!!!!

School for the kids officially ended on Thursday, June 9th.  They enjoyed the last few days of school at class beach parties, field day activities, yearbook signing, and a final assembly with photo slide shows and singing.  The kids had a great year at ISS and we are looking forward to another one in the 2011-2012 school year!

On a more 'observational' note, the time leading up to summer here is very strange - lots of "turnover" with many families being moved on to their next post and many families beginning to arrive to start their adventures in Norway.  It is weird to think that when we first came here, it was with the understanding and belief we would only be here a year...I know families that have only been here a year and are now on their way out.  I can honestly say (and Spencer would agree) we are so glad to have more time here and are thrilled with the opportunity to travel and see more of Europe!  I can also say with all honesty that we have all adapted well and relatively quickly to the expat life and that isn't true for everyone.  I have watched others struggle with the adjustments...as my very wise and worldly long-term expat friend, Celine says, "Expat life isn't for everyone..." and she is absolutely right.  I am happy to say, I love it so far!

For those of you that like to know what the weather and such is like...currently, it is staying light out until around 12:30 AM and the sun comes back up around 4:00 AM.  It will be even longer in July!  We have had some very nice, sunny days lately, but the temperatures are still only getting up to maybe 14-16 degrees C (around 60 degrees F,) but the kids have been wearing shorts and playing outside every chance they get!

Tomorrow, Kyla has a playdate, I am going to acupuncture (and Brendan is going to go and try a 'modified' version - needle free.)  Then Brendan is going to join a friend and go swimming.  I am going to continue packing, laundry, and getting the apartment in order before our early flight Tuesday!

We can't wait to see everyone, enjoy that heat and sunshine (although we may melt after a year reprieve), do tons of shopping, and take care of a zillion appointments and things!

Hugs to all and see you soon!