I can't live without Grey's and PP

Today (Thursday) I went to the gym and spend two hours there. I did a muscle work out by myself and then I spend half an hour on a cross trainer. I felt so good when I was leaving. I bought two bagels at Noah's that was gonna be my lunch for the day.
Back home I took a shower and then I called home and talked with my dad for like an hour. That was nice and I'm missing home so much now cause he reminded me of everything that I'll miss now during the summer: my brother's graduation, all the nice parties and holidays. But I'll have a great time here as well and I need to enjoy the time I have left here cause it's soon over!!!
I picked up the kids and since it was so nice today, I wanted to go to the park. Sadly, I was the only one who wanted so we stayed home. The kids went out to ride their bikes and I could sit in the sun and read so it wasn't that bad anyways. It's good that they now can ride their bikes together and they learn how to do some trix which is really cute. We spend an hour outside before we went in and Filip did his home work and I started with dinner.
I downloaded some music today, cause I got free downloads when I bought my computer, so now I have so good new songs ;)
It's Thursday, and that means: Grey's and PP at Emilie's place. I picked up Anna and we drove there. We realized that we can't live without the series, how can they effect our lives so much? ;) It's so exciting and I wish they could show an episode everyday instead of only once a week.
We also got all the pictures from San Francisco so now I have to start organise them so I can upload them on FB. It will take some time cause it was like over 1000 pictures ;)
Kadda had to leave as soon as she arrived, cause her host mum called and said that they needed the car. Why couldn't she say that before she left? She was pissed and I don't blame her. I hope she recorded the shows ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Wednesday

The sun let us be out for a while today

Ok, today feel like nothing happened. I went back to sleep after leaving the kids and slept until 12. I went up, had lunch and then went to the place where my family stayed while they were here to pick up some money that they were giving back.
I picked up Filip, and I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt cause the sun was out and I wanted it to be summer. It was a bit cold but I'm a Swedish viking so that's nothing ;) But when we were walking home, it started to rain. Of course! So we had to run home and I was all wet. Thanks!
Filip did his home work, without arguing, while I played some cards. I picked up Sofia from her art class and we all played a lot together. Me and Filip played ping pong, we played hide and go seek, we coloured, build card house and went outside and played with their new water guns. It was all fun and the time went fast. They couldn't find me in hide and go seek, but Filip had the best place. He hid inside their big pillow in the living room ;) I had to give up!
Now I'm just in my room and are trying to reach Anna and see if I can pick up my hard drive with all of the San Francisco pictures on. Well see if I'll get them tonight. Otherwise I'm gonna download some music that I got when I bought the computer, has to see what's popular now back in Sweden so I'll not be after when I get back ;)
Today is also my uncle's birthday so Happy Birthday Micael!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Rain Sun Rain Sun

Buy buy ski and snow

Today (Tuesday) I went to Woodenville, after leaving the kids at school, to return our ski equipment. It was kind of sad cause that meant that the season was over, even though I don't think we would have skied more but still. It was final!
I was a bit early and the store wasn't open yet so I drove around and checked out the town. It wasn't much to see so I went to a Starbucks and had a coffee. They worked with cheesecake so there was a lot of jummie stuff. I had a blueberry muffin that was heavenly, there goes that diet ;)
At the sport store, the guy who helped me recognised me since the last time and that was kind of cool. I must have made a good impression on him ;) On my way back home I fantasised that he would look up where I lived and rescue me on a white horse...hahahha kind of pathetic ;)
When I was waiting for the store to open, I got a call from Laura who invited me to come on a Mariners game with her and her host family. So cool! It's the baseball team here in Seattle and even though people say that baseball is kind of boring, I've been wanting to see a game since we don't have it in Sweden. I'm really excited and glad that she choose me ;)
Back home I ate a quick lunch before I left for college. The Spanish was good and I like it.
The weather today was weird, first the sun was out then came the rain, then it was sunny again and then rain. Why can't it just decide? I'm so sick of this and I'm so longing for the sun to stay and the warm to come!
Me and the kids did some colouring and then video game. It was so long ago I took the kids to the park but it's always raining when I pick them up.
After dinner I organized in all my drawers and where I have all my papers and saved stuff. It was neccecery and I felt really good after throwing away some stuff ;)
Today I had a soccer game so I couldn't go to Starbucks. Jen picked me up at 8:15 and we went to West Seattle. It was a great view over the city from there and it was cool to see the harbour closer.
The team we played was a young and really good team that has been playing a lot together. We had the wind with us in the first half and it was a really good game. I think it was the best we ever played. Everyone was fighting so hard and helped each other. I was on the right wing half and I had to run up and down as a idiot cause it was switching from D to Off quickly. I had a couple of fights with my mark and I won them all ;) I felt good but was little to afraid to go up if I would not make it back to my mark. The score was 1-1 when the ref blew the whistle for halftime.
In the second half we switched positions pretty bad and they had also the wind this time. It took maybe a minute before they scored their first goal. We have a player who is really too rough so they got two penalty kicks and soon it was like 5-1 or sth. It turned out really bad and they were like just fooling around with us and was laughing all the time and talked about other stuff which made me really pissed since I was doing my best and still they didn't even had to concentrate. But it's hard to play when U don't get so much good back. We got one more goal before the ref called it and it was good. We had borrowed a player from another team and she was really good, it was fun playing with her.
Back home I was pissed and went to bed.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Depressed

Today (Monday) I didn't wanna go out of the bed. I didn't wanna open my eyes and realize I'm in my room in Seattle. I stayed, with my eyes closed and imagine I was still in San Francisco, at the beach in the sun. But my snooze took me back to reality and I started my morning routine again.
Of course the weather was bad, grey sky, windy and yes rain. Can it be more depressing?
I spend the day with a nice shower, unpacking and the computer. I was so not ready for work, but that's sadly why I'm here. Can't they just have me as a pet, who can just hang out and do what it want ;)
The kids and me played together and Filip did his homework before he could play some video game. I wanted to go to the park but since it rained pretty bad, that was no option.
Sofia had her cheer leading today so I drove her there before I made dinner. We had oven grilled potatoes with lamb meat and a nice sauce. I made meatballs for Filip cause he has trouble eating meat with his braces. Of course the Queen Sofia also wanted meatballs and made a scene about how she hated lamb meat (that usually is her favourite) and kept doing that all through dinner. I was so annoyed and she was so rude to everybody. After dinner, I went to Anna to get some time off and I got to listen to a bedtime story together with Slater and Lance and that was really cozy. I almost fell asleep in the bed ;)
Anna, who didn't make it home with our flight yesterday, had flew to San Jose and slept at a table at the airport. From there she got a flight to Seattle early this morning. She was so tired and was looking forward to sleep in her own bed ;) We exchanged pictures from San Fran and watched a couple of SMOSH videos ;)
When I drove home, I could barely keep my eyes open. I went straight to bed and fell asleep immediately.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Alcatraz and Bye Bye

Today (Sunday) the alarm went off early as well cause we were going to the first Alcatraz tour at 9:10. Before that we had to get ready, pack our bags, check out, have breakfast and take us to the piers in one way.
Everything went really smooth and the hotel had a room where we could leave our bags during the day. We bought breakfast at a coffee place close to the hotel and it was really good. I had a bagel with ham, a doughnut ;) and a bowl with melon...jummie!
We found a cable car that we could go on to the piers and we bought a day ticket so we could go how much we wanted during the day on other cable cars and buses. This ride was one of the highlights of the trip. It was one of there old, typical cable cars that U see in all movies. U can stand on the side and feel the wind in your hair and breathe in the city. I didn't wanna stand this first tour but maybe later.
It took us really close to the piers, we just needed to walk a short bit to get to the right place.
We were first in line since we were so early and that's good cause then U get the best seats ;) We have been first every where this trip. Yesterday when we followed the guide we were always the first out or on the bus. I guess it's because we are European ;)
The ferry out took about 20 minutes and today was as sunny as yesterday but not so windy, the ride was so nice!!!
We started our tour on Alcatraz with a information movie that told us about the history. It was fascinating and one thing I didn't knew was that there were people living there as well. Families to the workers, and they had their own little community there barely noticing the prisoners.
It was a audio tour that took us around in the buildings so everyone had their own head phones and U could choose what language U wanted. They didn't have Swedish (weird ;)) so I practice my English while the other three were too lazy and took German and french ;) It was a really cool tour and some moments it felt like I was there when it was active cause there were sound effects and scene that made it real. I like it and when we got outside and saw the view over San Francisco on the other side of the water, U really understand what a punishment it was to be here. The city was so close but still so far away.
After around two hours, we took the ferry back and walked to pier 39 where we had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe!! I bought this time a white t-shirt from here and now I have two in my collection ;) I ordered a drink, Bahama Mama, to the meal and it was so good to sit there in the sun and the heat and zip on it. Jummie! Emilie also ordered one and the other two youngsters had to watch us with jealous eyes ;)
Pier 39 is full of different amusement stuff. There are a lot of tourist stores and restaurants, the aquarium is here and there was also a big, old carousel. We saw the company: BobbaGump shrimps from Forrest Gump and there was a bench with his suitcase and the chocolate box ;) I bought a pair of sunglasses, purple ;)
We saw some sea lions laying on the pier and sunbathing. It was really cool! There were a lot of them and they were huge and sounded funny!
We took a cable car and a bus that took us to a beach closer to the Golden Gate Bridge. This was also one of the best moments, when we walked in the warm sand and saw the ocean and the bridge. OMG! I'm so in love with this city, I never wanna
leave. Maybe there is a family that need an au pair ;) "Excuse me...." hahaha
We went in to the water with our legs and I didn't really counted the waves so I got a bit wet but it was OK. I mean, it's San Francisco ;)
Sadly we had to leave if we wanted to do some more shopping. We took the bus back to the piers and we went to the jewelery store I was in New York. This was apparently a outlet but we couldn't really notice. I bought a really nice bracelet with circles that looks like the ocean blue/green.
We took the cable car back to Union Square and Emilie got to take a picture with the big heart statues that is at the entrances. They were cool and we all took pictures by the red and the blue one.
We walked down the street to out hotel and I bought two dresses and a pair of leggings at H&M. I guess I was i a summer feeling and I hope I soon can wear them in Seattle.
When we had picked up our bags at the hotel and came down to the train that was gonna take us to the airport again, we had to hurry cause there was one coming soon. We bought our tickets but Anna got stuck so I waited for her and we didn't make it on the train. We saw M and Kadda behind the doors and we didn't really know what to do. Lucky for us, there was another one coming just two minutes after so I don't know why we had to hurry.
When we came there, we couldn't find M and Kadda and first we didn't know where to go. But after some directions we got to the right terminal and after just a couple of minutes, M and Kadda came there as well. We checked in and everything was fine. Except that Anna didn't get on our flight! She had this standby ticket again and this time the flight was over booked. With her ticket she just gets a seat if there is one left, and now there were none. So she had to fly to San Jose to take a early flight tomorrow morning. Poor her! But she found another girl that was in the same situation so she wasn't alone.
Our flight back home went fast but I was sad cause I wanted to stay in San Francisco. I'm definitely going back there and I would love to stay there longer!
Emilie drove us home and I talked a bit with Lotta and Jonas before I went to bed. I wasn't so tired but I need the energy now when a new work week starts tomorrow!
Yesterday was also my 8 month celebration here. Can U believe it!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

San Francisco!!

Today (Saturday) the alarm went off at 4 am, and I couldn't understand why I had sat the alarm, on a Saturday? But after a minute, when I understood, I jumped out of bed and were not tired at all. I went down and had breakfast before I got ready and packed the last stuff. Anna called when I was still not dressed and said that they would be here in 5 minutes. AAhhhh...hurry! They were early so they had to wait. When I was ready, I grabbed my bags and my snack and went out to the girls in the car. Emilie, Anna and Kadda were there and now with me, we went to Seatac.
We found a parking where we could have the car over night and they drove us to the airport with a shuttle.
We were all excited, and maybe tired, at the airport and this is our first trip together!!
Since we were early, we sat down and had a second breakfast while we were waiting for our flight. We all got seats next to each others, except Anna who flew on a stand by ticket. She sat alone in the front of the plane and got a free beer cause she was nice and changed seat with three people. Bah!
The flight was great and it took only 2 hours so it's not so far and even though I went up at 4, I wasn't tired when we came to the airport.
We had to take like a train to get to the city cause the airport is like 30 minutes out from the center. But it was really easy and we came really close to our hotel. When we got up from the underground and saw the city for the first time, I was amazed! It was so beautiful with high houses, trees and a lot of great stores. There were music playing on a square next to us and a lot of people were outside enjoying the beautiful weather.
Everyone told me to bring warm clothes cause it's cold in San Francisco, even in summer. So I took my warm clothes, no tops or anything. The weather was awesome! So warm and the sun was out, it was a bit windy but not much.
We had some trouble first to find our hotel, but after some walking we came to it and it was great. It was located very central so we could walk everywhere. The room was nothing special but nice. We just dropped our stuff there and went out immediately. We walked down to the piers and the ferry building to try to find a tour company that we had seen before. After some looking and asking, we found the lady and bought a ticket for the tour. It was a 5 hours tour that took us all over the city. It started with a ferry trip out to a little neighbourhood called Sausalito. The ride was really windy and it was hard to stand up or hear what the guide said.
Sausalito is a cute little village build at the hill side along the water. We had our lunch here and we bought sandwiches and then sat down by the water and ate. It was so nice and with the weather, it felt like being in paradise.
A guy with a bird stopped us and we got to hold the bird and feed it. It was a cockatoo (a kind of parrot) and the man put the seed in the mouth on us an then the bird kissed us. Well...I didn't do it but the others did. I was scared ;)
We all went on a bus and the guide talked about how risky it was to build on the hill cause there is a lot of earthquakes and if it rains too much the hill can start to slide. But it's still really popular to live there and the prices were enormous ;)
We went over the Golden Gate bridge and stopped at the other side to take pictures. It's huge and it felt so unreal to be there, in San Francisco!!!! It was really warm and since I hadn't brought ant clothes for summer heat, I had to walk in jeans but I took of my sweater and had only my ugly base top. It was not pretty but it worked ;)
The tour took us to all different kind of places and we could go out and take pictures. We were at a outside a museum that was really cool, we drove up and down all the famous hills, we saw Lumber street that goes in zick zack. We also went to the famous Victorian houses, the ones U see in postcards and in the TV series Full house. We actually went in one where people were living! The owner had his home open for visitors and it was really cool. They were beautiful with all the decorative architecture and colours.
U could choose to go to the Japanese tea garden or up in a tower and see a great view over the city. I wanted to go to the gardens cause I saw a picture of them and they looked beautiful. Anna joined me and Kadda and Emilie went up the tower. The garden was amazing with all the water and all kind of trees and flowers.
The tour was great but I didn't really like the tour guide. He was good but a bit unfriendly, but it didn't destroy anything and I'm really glad we did this cause since we had only two days we wouldn't have had time to find all this on our own.
When we got back where we started, we walked down the street back to the hotel and stopped at shops we wanted. There were a lot of great stores and they were all in the area close to our hotel. I bought a dress and a skirt at Forever 21 and I also bought Crocs flip flop that were really comfortable. Me and Anna got a make over in the mall by two girls who were trying to sell us this new miracle make up. It was really good and it was mineral powder but it was a bit too expensive for me. Anna bought and if I want, I can buy it here later.
We went back to the hotel and changed and got ready to go out and eat dinner. Emilie was really exhausted and wanted to stay but we forced her with us. I wasn't tired at all which is a bit weird since I've been awake so long.
We went to a small restaurant where they had home made food and it was a bit French I think. I had pasta and to that I ordered a beer ;) It was the first time I ordered out out on a restaurant ;)
The food was really good and we had a great time. Kadda, me and Anna felt like cheesecake but Emilie was too tired. We walked her back to the hotel and then we tried to find Cheesecake Factory. It was on top of Macy's at Union Square so U had a great view over the square with all the lights and advertisement signs. It was funny cause the restaurant looked the same as the one here in Bellevue and we really felt like home ;) Except that we sat outside on the roof enjoying the great view. Me and Anna shared a brownie sundae toffee cheesecake and it was SSOOO good! OMG! We almost rolled down the hills back home and we tried to be quite since Emilie was sleeping. We have to get up early tomorrow cause we are going on the Alcatraz tour!! And I don't think I'll have any trouble to sleep cause it has been a long, great day!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Tomorrow!!!!

OMG! Tomorrow I'm going! I can't believe it!

Today (Friday) I went to Yoga in the morning and it was as nice as usual ;) On my way home, I dropped in at Starbucks and had some morning coffee and was watching all people who started their day.
Back home, I wrote a card and then went to the post office to send a package to someone special ;) There were so much people! First I always have trouble with knowing which box or envelope I should take when I send a package, and then I had to wait maybe 30 min in the line before I could pay. There's always a lot of people when I'm there, can't understand how much people are mailing.
Back home I had lunch and talked a bit with my brother on the computer. They have the premiere game of the season this weekend so he was excited. My team back home also has the premiere and I hope it will be good.
I picked up the kids and Filip had a play date today so James came home with us as well. Filip always need to show off when he has a friend here so he wasn't funny today.
When James had left, we played some games and Filip got a miniature ping pong rackets from school so we put up a table in the living room and played before Lotta and Jonas got home.
For dinner we had artichoke and then tacos. It was jummie! The family watched a hockey game but I went upstairs and took a shower and packed my bag for tomorrow! OMG, I'm so excited! I wanted to go to bed early since Emilie is coming at 5 am tomorrow! But I started to watch V again and I couldn't stop so the time was pretty much when I said goodnight to myself ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Just a regular Thursday

Sofia had a little concert with her stuffed animals ;)


Today (Thursday) I didn't do so much special. I went to the gym and had a great work out by myself. Then I went to Anna's place and printed out the Alcatraz tickets for this weekend when we are going to SAN FRANCISCO!!! Did U know?....SAN FRANCISCO!! ;)
Since it's also Earth Day today (didn't really know it) I went to Trader Joe's ;) The store where they only have organic stuff. I bought some carrots for snack and some chocolate for a gift.
Back home I did some laundry and had lunch, I was some on my computer and suddenly it was time to pick up the kids. Well, I had to pick up only Filip and earlier than usual cause, surprise surprise, we were going to the dentist. This time it wasn't with his braces, it was a filling that has come off so they had to fix it. But it went well and didn't take so long so we were back home before school was out. Since I wasn't sure how long it would take at the dentist, I did so Sofia could go home with Elise. But when school was out, they called from the school's office and said that Sofia didn't know how to get home. Bah..so I drove there to get her but just as I turned in on the school area, Elise's mum calls and says that she has Sofia now. It was just that the teachers didn't know that Sofia was going home with Elise, cause I forgot to tell them, and they are really strict about letting the kids go. Which is good but some times it just sucks. So they got their play date anyway and me and Filip played outside.
I picked up Sofia and we continued to be outside and we played some games before Lotta and Jonas got home. I didn't have to make dinner cause we were gonna have a BBQ. I only needed to light up the grill!!
Me and Filip played video game until dinner was ready and we sat outside eating our grilled shrimps, corn and salmon. It was so good! I love everything that's grilled and it was just such a great feeling to sit outside and have dinner.
At 8, I picked up Anna and we went to M for our regular TV night and we also exchanged pictures from last weekend. We talked some about the trip and we are all very excited about it, but M is picking me up at 5 am so it's gonna be hard ;)
Since there were no new Grey's tonight, we didn't stay as long as usual so I got to bed earlier than I had expected. Thank U!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Seattle by night

Today (Wednesday) I wasn't planning to go to the gym, but I did it anyway ;) I spend an hour on the cross trainer and then I did a short work out. It felt nice being spontaneous and I had a great feeling when I walked back home.
I picked up the kids and since Sofia had her art class, me and Filip did some home work and played some games before I picked her up. The rest of the afternoon we spend with the video game ;) We are in to Super Mario Brothers and it's fun but hard sometimes :) But it's also good cause all three of us can play it at the same time.
I didn't have dinner at home cause Anna was picking me up after 6 cause we were going to University District to watch a German movie. Apparently, the university is showing every Wednesday and we thought it would be cool to check it out. Sadly, we didn't think of the rush hour traffic so we never made it on time. Instead, we just strolled in the University district and checked out all the cool stores. They have a lot of second hands with so much great stuff for unbelievable prices. Our favourite is Goodwill where I bought a pair of ballerina shoes, for $3 and Anna bought a pair of shorts and a top all for like $8 so cool!! And we found out that there is one in Bellevue and there is were all the rich people live so I guess there is a lot of brands!!
Unfortunately all the stores were closing pretty soon so we didn't have time to look it all through. So we went to a nice coffee place where I had a sandwich since I didn't have dinner. It was so cool with all the student hanging there, some trying to study others just chatting. That's why I like this area, there is so much young people. Both me and Anna talked about how much we wanted to start studying now, but maybe we'll say different when we do ;)
Since none of us was tired and Anna was in a "driving-all-around-with out-purpose-mood" we went to Pike Place to see how it looks like during the night. They actually take all of the stuff away, every night!!! OMG, what a work. I mean, there is a lot of small stuff and all the flowers and food. It was really cool and not so much people as usual ;) We were also outside the first Starbucks in Seattle (well, at least that's what we think ;))
We took some funny pictures and when we were satisfied we went to the car and drove around for a bit more. We didn't have any goal, just driving around on Queen Ann, trying to see the great view. After a while we drove home cause we were both tired and it was already past bed time ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra.

Coed soccer game!

Today (Tuesday) Lotta and Jonas took Filip to the choir and I went with Sofia to school as usual. Since I had a soccer game tonight I didn't go to the gym, instead I went back to bed :) It was nice and when I woke up, I bought us tickets for a tour to Alcatraz this weekend in San Francisco!! So excited! A lot of people says it's a great tour and I felt like it's sth U need to do if U go there.
I had a quick lunch before I went to the college for my Spanish class. It was good and I like being in school, makes the day go faster and I really miss it actually. To have some kind of structure. But I guess it's OK when it's on such a easy level like now. It's gonna be a difference when I start the university. I actually applied for it, but just to see if I get in this year. The schools start so early in Sweden so I will be home too late. I applied for biology and building engineering in Gothenburg. It's not far from home and it's a nice big city. We'll see how it goes.
After class I went and picked up Agnes and then my kids. We played some games before Filip did his homework, really good this time. Afterwards, we played some Mario Brothers. It's really fun but Filip gets so angry and screams a lot if people don't do as he wants. Guess it's the play devil that comes out of him ;)
After dinner we played some more but then I went upstairs and checked some stuff on my computer before I got ready for my soccer game. It wasn't with my regular team but Jen (a girl in my team) played with another team and they needed help now. Since I didn't play this weekend I said yes, but when I was in the car she told me it was a coed team. A mixed team with both boys and girls!! I was kind of nervous and it was a weird team. They weren't social at all and it was really hard playing with them cause no one said anything on the field. It was not so much fun and I was scared of the big guys who were kind of aggressive. But it was nice to be on the field again and we played 2-2 which was good. The bad part with the game was that it started at 9 so we weren't home until like 11.
I'm gonna sign up for the summer season as well with my regular team and hopefully I'll sign up with another as well so I can play maybe two nights a week instead. I hope it will be like that cause it would be good to have soccer more than once a week!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Lotta and Jonas are back!

Today (Monday) Lotta and Jonas took the kids to school so I could sleep long in the morning. I haven't been able to do that in 4 days now, so I was really looking forward to it. I heard the kids when they were up and they were so glad that their parents were home and they got presents and everything. But I thought, I can fall back asleep as soon as they leave. And so I did, but I didn't sleep long until I vacuum cleaner woke me up. What the f***? The cleaners decided to come early today. They never come before 2 and now they were here at 9. Why today of all days? OMG, I had to get up so they didn't come in while I was still in bed. I was not in a good mood, so I took my breakfast and my computer and went outside. It was really nice and it actually helped a bit, and then I talked with one of my best friends who I haven't been talking to for a really long time. That made my bad mood disappear! It was so fun talking with her again and we had a lot of catch up to do.
I went to Anna's place to pick up Slater with her and then we all were gonna have lunch together. Slater, who is my new best friend, had asked his mum this morning if I was going to take him to school. His mum told him that I had my own kids to take care of, then he asked if I was gonna pick him up from school, but she said no. Anna heard this and asked me if I wanted to come. Of course I came, I can't let my buddy down ;) He was so excited when he saw me there and he talked all the time and back at the house, he showed me all his toys and books. It was really nice and we had lunch but then he had to take a nap. When he woke up, I had already left and he was gonna show his mum that I was there but when I wasn't, he got really sad. Poor guy, I feel so bad! I need to go there more often, too bad I need to work here ;)
Me and the kids went directly to Filip's dentist and fixed his braces. Since it was not a planned car drive, the kids were awful! U can't go in a car with them if they don't have anything to do, they just mess around instead. I hate it!
Back home, I tried to do some home work with Filip but it was hard and then I drove Sofia to her cheer leading. I made dinner and me and Filip played a new dice game they have, it's exactly like my mum and dad play a lot at home where U get different points for different combinations (sounds like Yatzy but not)
Today, it was so warm even thought it was kind of cloudy, but I took on my shorts for the first time. Jippie, it's summer!! My legs really need to get out in the sun ;)
I got a present from New York!! Lotta gave me two scarves, one in pink and one in gold. They were really pretty so I think I have to be more of a scarf girl now!
Before I had dinner, I went out running and it was so nice with the sun still up, the temperature perfect and all the spring smells that are in the air now. It gives U so much energy.
After dinner, I did my Spanish home work all the rest of the evening. I'm always waiting until the last day so I had a lot to do ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Tulalip Festival, whitout the kids!

Today we had to get up early again cause there was a lot on the schedule. The kids had the Swedish school and I had a au pair meeting.
We had breakfast and then I had to stress and make every one's snack, get dressed, get the kids dressed and not forget anything. Pfew! But we manage to get away pretty on time.
First we picked up Emilie and then I dropped the kids at Stendahl's who were taking them to the school. I was really thankful cause I was meeting with my cluster at 10 and I would have not had time driving them to Seattle.
We also picked up Ramona and Kadda before we drove to the Eastgate Park and ride where we met all the other au pairs and the leaders. We went on two mini buses that took us all to Skagit Valley, that is like 1,5 h drive from here, and the annual Tulip Festival! It was a really nice drive with the nature but it was warm so it was nice to get of the bus. The place was really cool with a lot of fields around and there were a lot of tractors ;) John Deers! It felt like home.
The Tulip fields were so beautiful! So big and so bright colours! And when it was such a nice day, it was perfect. But we only were there for like 1,5 hour and the drive was really long and EXPENSIVE!!!! We payed like 33 bucks for everything, and then we saw that the entrance was only 4 buck so we all payed like 30 bucks for the bus!! If we had knew that before, we would have taken a car instead. OMG, sometimes this au pair organisation is kind of weird, and my area director is even more weird and not good organized. Good thing I'm not in so much contact with them.
During this time, the kids had went home with some friends so I had all day on my own, which was really nice!!
When we got home, the girls came with me to Kirkland and we took a frozen yogurt and went to the water front. There were a lot of people enjoying the nice weather and we had a really good time in the sun. I think I got a little tanned cause U can see my watch, when I took it off ;) I like that!
I picked up the kids, who had been really good, and we went home to make dinner. When the kids sat in front of the TV, I sat outside and enjoyed the last hour of sunlight, Oh it was nice! I also got a text that I can sleep long tomorrow cause the parents will take the kids to school, Thank U!
Now I'm watching a new episode of Desperate Housewives for like the first time in three weeks. Yeah!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Spring Fair in Puyallup

Today (Saturday) the kids weren't up too early so I could actually stay in bed until 8. But I had set my alarm then anyway so it was no problem. We had breakfast and at around 9:30 we went and picked up Anna and then Hanna and then we went to Puyallup. It's a small town outside of Renton and Tacoma where they have a spring fair every year. It's like a festival to celebrate that the spring is here. There is a lot of different things but it's most like a farmers festival with barns full of animals U can pet, it was a carnival with a lot of different carousels, game to play and shows to watch.
We met up with Kadda and Emilie, who had brought her kids, and we walked around and the kids played some games. It was kind of hard to have the kids with me cause there was a lot of nagging: "Can I do that? I wanna do that." They got some tickets and won some stuffed animal, but of course Filip won the one Sofia wanted so there were some tears.
There were some cool attractions like a big tower where they shoot u up and then u go up and down for a while. Another thing was like a cage, where two people sat, and this was connect to huge elastic bands and when they released, they went up. Like a reverse bungy jump. Looked so cool, but it was really expensive. Everything was kind of expensive, which was weird.
We had lunch and then it started to rain and we had been there for like three hours so we went home.
Back home, I was so tired that I wanted to nap a bit. I laid down om the sofa but soon Sofia came and there was no napping there.
We played some video game before me and Sofia went to QFC to buy some whipped cream for our pancakes we were gonna make. I have to tell, that I never did pancakes before but it's not that hard, and Filip is really good at it so I had great help. They turned out well and we all ate until we were really full!
We watched the movie Planet 51, the animated one where a astronaut come to a planet full with aliens. Well, they think he's the alien! It's really funny.
When the kids were in bed, I tried to update my blog but I'm so behind and I was tired so U have to wait to get some updates!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Friday with a new best friend

Today (Friday) I went back to Yoga for the first time since I don't know when and it was really nice. I was all sweaty and felt all stretched when I walked back home ;) I actually took a bath before with my new Vanilla bubble bath from Anna ;) It was nice and when I had lunch, I saw one episode of Grey's that I had missed. I also uploaded some pictures from my family's visit here so everyone can see what a wonderful time we had ;)
I picked up the kids and when we got home, Anna and Slater joined us for a nice afternoon and dinner. We walked down to the water and the kids played at the beach while I tried to teach Anna some Swedish. That is her new challenge and it's so sweet. She's really good and now she can tell what someone is wearing ;)
The kids got all wet and Slater actually sat down in the water ;) But what a heck, they played nicely ;)
We had to go home pretty soon cause Filip's braces broke, again! But when we got home, I called the dentist but it was too late. So I fixed it, temporarily and we'll call back on Monday.
The walk back, I got a new best friend! Slater hold my hand the whole way and we talked about everything and nothing ;) He's three and it's so much fun having a conversation with small kids. They are so easy and smart!
Back home, the kids played while me and Anna started with dinner and ate ice cream ;) Sofia tried to get some but she didn't. When she asked why we could have we said: "Cause we are adults, we can do whatever we want" I hated that when I was a kid ;) And maybe not so good since we were going to eat soon but it was mint ice cream and who can resist that ;)
Carolina (the owner of the house) came over with a handy man to look at the shower in the master bathroom that doesn't work. There is no pressure and of course it was only the shower head since I have no problem with mine. Too bad we are not so handy here!
For dinner we had broccoli gratin with some meatballs on the side. Once again, I messed it up and it got too watery. But Slater loved it and he doesn't eat Broccoli, nor does Anna. But both ate until they were full.
We played some more before the two went home and we started watching Curious Geroge. Well, the kids watched it and I made our beds since I had been so good, washing all the sheets.
When the kids were in bed, Kadda and Emilie came over and we watched a movie. Ice Castles was it called and it was about a small town girl who loved ice skating and got really famous but then turned blind. It was really sweet and so romantic!! Thank U girls for keeping me company!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra.

The start of long 4 days...

This morning (Thursday) Lotta and Jonas went to New York for a little vacation and meeting Lotta's sister and her husband. Good for them....
So, from now on until Sunday night, it's just me and the kids. I hope the weather (and the kids) will be fine so we can be outside a lot. Anyway, I took them to school as usually and after that I went to the gym and did a work out on my own. It felt good when I walked from there and I took a long, nice shower at home.
I went to Target and, for the third time, exchanged Anna's Ipod protection and this time I hope I got the right one. I also went to Trader Joe's for the first time, it's a shop that only sells organic stuff and they have really good chocolate ;)
Back home, I still had plenty of time so I had lunch and watched the latest episode of Lost.
Sofia had a play date with Jordyn after school so the two girls played nicely by themselves while me and Filip did homework and then played video game.
Tonight was Grey's night and since I need to be home (dah) everyone came here. We didn't watch Grey's cause there was no new episode, but we watched TV and talked and of course we were eating ;) We also had a quarter exchange since me, Kadda and Anna collects the different state quarters. I got like 7 new ones so now I have around 40 I think, there is 56 so there is not so many more!
The kids have been good today, I hope they continue that!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Sunny and 60 degrees!

Today (Wednesday) it was warm and sunny early in the day. I didn't go to the gym or anything cause my body was sore after two days of working out so I gave it a day to rest.
I actually went to the dentist with Filip before school cause they needed to fix on his braces. The wire had got loose and it was actually too small already since the teeth had moved so they exchanged the whole thing. The dentist office is really nice and fancy. There were several big windows that let the sun warm up the room and I almost fell asleep cause it was so cozy and I was tired ;)
Filip was a couple of minutes late for school but it was OK, we had a good reason.
When I got back home I had a lot of stuff to do. I needed to update my blog (I've been really behinde with that for a while now) and I had to write several emails to my friends. They probably wonder if I'm still alive cause it was such a long time since I wrote them anything. But I blaim my family ;)
But of course something else came up. Well, it wasn't bad stuff: my parents called and we needed to talk a bit about my taxes in Sweden and about their trip back home and how everything was going. Then I skyped with my friend Ida and got the latest gossip from back home, and that's really important!
Then Emilie called and asked if I wanted to have lunch with her outside since the wether was really nice. Of course I said yes and I made some salmon sandwiches and met her at a park here in Kirkland. She had her two kids with her and they are so cute!! We had a wonderful picnic in the park and it's nice to brake your everyday pattern.
I walked and picked up Filip and we did some homework and had a ice cream in the sun. He came with me and picked up Sofia who had been at the art class, and drove her to the Bowling here in Kirkland were one of her class mates had his birthday party.
Me and Filip drove then to Bellevue where we met Anna and her kid Slater in a park by the water. It was so nice and we played some volleyball with is new ball, and we red some stories. It was so nice being out in the sun playing and Slater, who is three, is so cute!
I would have liked to stay there all day but we had to go and pick up Sofia again. She had a good time with her friends and actually won the game! I guess it's the WEE practice that gives result ;)
Back home I started with dinner while they were out playing and we played some card together before Lotta and Jonas got home.
After dinner, I went to Anna to join her on a walk with Ace (their dog) We walked about one hour and it was really nice. It's such a great view where she lives and the houses are amasing!! I came inside to see the kids new frogs, Sleepy and Swimmy ;), so weird. Two frogs in a little jar and Anna and Slater had bought a snail (to clean the jar) and some plants.
We went outside with Ace who just were playing around and then we went to QFC cause Anna needed some flowers for her hostmum's birthday. After that I went home and me and Lotta just talked through the weekend cause they are leaving in the morning at like 5! I'm glad I don't have to drive them ;)
I went to bed, tired after the long walk, and before I turned out my light I red a chapter in my book. It's getting exciteing in the end!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

A buzy Tuesday

Today (Tuesday) I walked Filip to school earlier cause he had choir again and then Jonas and Lotta took Sofia when they drove to work.
I went straightly to the gym where I took the SET class and now the regular instructor was back. She's good, and I really got a great work out, but I liked the substitute much better cause she had more energy and was pushing U all the time.
After gym, I stopped at QFC and bought some bars that U can have for snack which is very good when we don't have any fruit at home.
I had to quickly eat my lunch cause today I had my first new Spanish class at the college. It's much better that I take it during the day so I don't have to miss a evening and since it's between 12:15-14:15 I have time to pick up the kids after. It's the same teacher and I really like her so it's fine. I could tell that it was a higher level cause the people were really good and spoke Spanish most of the time. I think I need to put some more effort in my studies ;)
The kids were a bit noisy when I picked them up and it was not fun in the beginning But after they made their homework, we went outside again and played. We took Filip's ball that he got from me this Easter and we went to the top of our street to play. Unfortunately, there was a dog and he really liked our ball. He took it and bite it in to pieces. Filip was really sad cause it was his favourite ball. We went to Safeway, where I had bought the ball, and found not the exact same one but another that was good. He was glad again but we decided not to play with it outside if there was a dog ;)
When Lotta and Jonas got home, we went to McDonald's to have dinner. Everyone except Jonas who went to a meeting, that's why we went today cause he doesn't like McDonald's ;)
Sofia had decided to meet a friend from school there and she was really happy when she showed up. We all had dinner together and then the kids played for a while. We got ice cream for dessert and everyone was happy ;)
When we got home, I went to Starbucks for the weekly meeting. It was really nice and we met a new au pair who just had arrived. It's always nice to meet new people. We talked about San Fransisco and we decided to stay at a fancier hotel since we only staying there for one night. I'm so looking forward to it and I hope it'll be good weather!
Before I went home, I went with Anna to QFC to buy a bottle of wine for her host mum who has her birthday this week. Since I'm 21 I can do this ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

So tired!

Today (Monday) I had a lot of things that I had planned to do but when I had left the kids at school, I was so tired that I wanted to take a nap for an hour. I couldn't get up so I stayed in the bed until it was time to pick up the kids. OMG! I was so tired and I guess it's from all walking in Seattle yesterday.
I helped the kids with their homework and then we went outside and played. Sofia has learn how to ride her bike without the extra wheels! She's so happy and drives up and down our street all the time. I think it's so cool cause it just came from one day to another ;) She wants a basket for her handlebars so she can drive with Maja and I think she also should have a bell!
Today Sofia had her first cheer leading class! I drove her to the place and there were several little girls that all were excited. I stayed a short time and it was so cute. They got their pomp poms and they jumped all over the place ;) In the end they gonna have a show and I have to see that.
I went back home and changed in to my running clothes and then went back to pick her up cause the session is only 45 minutes and it takes like 15 minutes to drive there.
I went out running before dinner and it was really nice to come out and do some exercise again after my family's visit. I had a nice shower before I had my dinner while I watched the latest LOST episode.
Since I was so tired I went to bed kind of early but I red in my book so it was late before I turned out the light anyway.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

A Sunday in sunny Seattle

Today (Sunday) I took the bus in to Seattle early, and met up Kadda, Anna, Hanna and Ramona to have a nice day in the city. It was the first time I met everybody (except Emilie) since my family was here and I was really happy to spend a day with them all.
We took the bus to the Seattle Center where they held a Vegfestival and since we have a veggie person in our group, we went there. Now U might wonder how I, who loves meat, could go there? The answer is simple, there was food to eat! We paid the entrance and then there were so much different samples of Veggie stuff. Food, cookies, drinks, snacks etc. Most of it was really good but there were also some weird stuff.
There was one brand called Hippie Chips, which of course was chips. When me and Anna were in line, there were two kids in front of us and they got a plastic bracelet each. Me and Anna asked if we also could get one and the man said yes, with a confused face, and we were so happy ;) We made up the slogan: "Hippie Chicks eating Hippie Chips" Totally hilarious ;)
We ate so much that we almost rolled out from there ;)
We sat down in the grass in front of the big fountain in the Center and we just laid there and enjoyed the sun. It was so good and that's the meaning with life, I think ;)
We stayed there for maybe an hour or two, and since the time wasn't that much, we didn't have a hurry somewhere. Finally we took a bus back to Westlake Center and we had some different plans, but we ended up at the Pike Place Market where we bought some fruit and donuts ;) We walked along the piers and we had a thought of taking a ferry but then we decided not to. We sat down and ate our free food we had taking at the festival, and it was just by the water so there were A LOT of Seagulls trying to take out food. It was crazy and people were feeding them and then it just came more. OMG! But they never got my food, never!!!
Me, Anna and Hanna had bought tickets to see Alice in Wonderland at the Seattle Center and when it was time, we took the bus there while Kadda and Ramona stayed at Westlake cause they had already seen it.
We saw it in the big IMAX theater they have there and it's so cool with the big screen and the great sound. The movie was OK, I didn't know the true story (apparently Disney reduces a lot) so it was fun to see it. And it was great done and the actors were brilliant. I don't know if I wanna see it again but I'm glad I finally did.
When it was over, we had to wait one hour for the next bus to Kirkland so we were at Starbucks first but then we went to McDonald's and had sth to eat.
On the bus home we played "Who am I" and it was fun. I was myself and Santa Clause's wife, and the others had a hard time guessing it.
After a long and perfect day with a lot of food and sunshine, I fell exhausted in bed and prepared for a new work week.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

A Saturday on duty

Today I slept long in the morning, well as long as the kids let me ;) Lotta and Jonas went to Vancouver with Jennie and Henrik to watch a hockey game. They left at around 12 so after that it was just me and the kids.
We had lunch before going to the park. We went to Grass lawn park and there it's really fun. They have big playgrounds and several turf fields where U can play soccer etc.
The kids climbed on the big towers, went on the carousel and I red my book ;) We also played some soccer and after almost three hours we went home. It was nice being out in the sun for a while. Yes, now when my family is gone, the sun is out! How typical.
Lindsey came bye and dropped Sofie and Alexander to play with the kids for a while. That was good for me cause they always entertain themselves so good.
When our guests had gone home, we had lunch and I made a ham and spinach pie today as well cause it was so damn good ;)
We watched Alvin and the chipmunks and it was cute. Now the kids are in bed and I'm watching some Jackass and uploading picture from New York! Go check fb!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

A sad day

Today, it was time to say goodbye to my family - again!
After walking the kids to school, I went to their place and we all packed the bags and ourselves in the cars and left to the airport. Mum and Eric went in my car.
Their flight wasn't until 1:45 pm but to be sure, we left at 10:am!! I know, it's extremely early but Janne didn't wanna be late and U never know what can happen ;)
They checked in and I was with them before I went back home. I was sad, saying goodbye one more time. But it wasn't as hard I thought it would be and it's good to know I'll see them again in just 5 months or sth. But it still was sad!
I stopped at Top Pot in Bellevue and bought a donut for me, and then I grabbed my lunch at Zeke's pizza. I felt that I had an excuse for eating up my sorrows ;) Now, I need to catch up with my training and I'll TRY not to have too much sweetness ;)
I watched Friends all the day until it was time to pick up the kids. Today I also picked up Agnes again cause they are back from their vacation. It was nice seeing her again and she told me they had a great time in Sweden and Hawaii, and I believe her.
The kids were outside for a while before we walked to the library cause Filip needed a book for school. We stayed there almost an hour and they played some computer and we found three books and one movie that we borrowed. The movie was "Bedtime stories" starring Adam Sandler.
Back home they went back outside and there were some other kids on the street that they played with while I started with dinner. Lotta came home and helped me, I have never made a pie before so she had to guide me through some parts ;)
We had a ham and spinach pie and it turned out really good. Of course there was a Friday evening in front of the TV with some chips and Coke ;) We watched the movie we rented and the kids loved it. I've seen it before and I think it's funny.
Now I've been sitting in the sofa, updating my blog, listening to music and watching some of the family's photos rolling bye on the TV. I'll go to bed soon and I think I'll sleep until Lotta and Jonas leaves tomorrow cause I'm so tired!
I already miss my family but I'm glad they came and I hope they enjoyed their stay cause I enjoyed having them!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

The Underground and Last Dinner

Today (Thursday) it was Seattle that was on the schedule again, with it's underground tour at the Pioneer Square. I wanted to show them how everything began and let them listen to the history of the city.
It was cold but sunny, and in the end it actually snowed a bit ;) I guess they up there wanted us to have some snow after all ;)
We bought tickets for the tour and while we waited, we went to the great Toy Store that is at the square. It's so cool and they have a lot of "old" toys (new made old toys if that makes sense ;)) I bought a rubber duck for my collection. It's a bigger one that is kind of ugly ;)
The tour guide was really funny and had a good voice so it was easy to understand and he captured our interest. I think my family understood the most parts, and even if I had taken the tour before, I learned some new stuff since it was a different guide.
Afterwards, we had lunch at a cozy Italian restaurant that was really small and we almost took all tables with our 7 people party ;) I have to go there with all my friends cause the food was really good.
We drove home and I walked and picked up the kids. We didn't do so much and I had made reservations at the Outback Steakhouse that is really close to the family's place so at 7 both my host family and my family went there to have a last meal together. So sad!
The food was really good and it was a nice place with a touch of "Down Under" ;) I had a chicken with bacon and topped with cheese, jummie! My dad and Robin had a big steak that they have been longing for the whole trip ;)
Sofia ended up next to Robin but she was in heaven ;) She have really falling in love with him during their stay and it's so sweet. I wonder who will miss him the most ;)
This time we also had dessert and me and Eric shared a brownie tower with ice cream and whipped cream ;)
When we all were done, my families said goodbye to each other and I went with my family to give them some stuff that they needed to take home for me. Actually it was pretty much and when they saw the bag the almost freaked out ;) But they manage to take it all and I'm glad. Mostly it was books, my ski clothes and other things I didn't need anymore.
I also played a final round of Clue with my brothers and this time Robin was the ultimate player. I let him win so he would be in a good mood when he's going back home ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra