Present and New Moon

Today (Friday) I had planned to go to Yoga in the morning, but when I came back from school I realized how tired I was. So I went to the sofa to rest for an hour, but in the end I slept for 2,5 instead. I was so tired but I had to go to the mall to get my brother a graduation present. I had realized that I need to send one now if I want it to be there in time, it's only like 10 days left! I'm so sad that I can't be with him on his big day but I hope he likes my present cause I spend like 2 hours in the mall, running between stores and compared to find the perfect one. I wanna put on a picture cause I'm so glad but I think that would ruin everything ;)
I also went to the post office and send the whole package with a card and now I'm hoping it'll be there in time.
I had a quick lunch before I picked up the kids and I spend the next two hours playing Monopoly with Filip while I also played with Sofia and her stuffed animals ;) This time I won big, but Filip had a hard time accepting he was defeated, he never wanted to quit. But finally he gave up and I was the ultimate champion...moahhaha!
I went to Anna's place directly after dinner cause she was baby sitting this evening and didn't want to be alone.
She had Slater and a friend of him who was gonna sleep there and we all watched Toy Story before it was bed time for them.
Me and Anna started to watch Star Wars but then Kadda and Ramona came and they had rented New Moon cause Ramona hadn't seen it jet and soon is the premiere of the next movie so it was good to get a little review of how this ended. They also had ice cream and m&ms so we had a cozy time in the sofa ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Bikini and Valentines Day

Today (Thursday) I went with Lotta to her job to pick up the Saab that they had left there yesterday when they went to IKEA. I filled it up with gas and then I went home and did some laundry and stuff before I went to Bellevue to try to find a bikini.
I started with Sports Authority but they didn't have any that I liked. I went to the mall instead and to JC Penny, where I knew they had a lot. I wanted a under-wired bra with halterneck but apparently that's too much to ask for. So I decided to try some others on and I got like 5 or 6 with me in the fitting room. There were a couple that I liked but then I tried on a red/pink one that I loved, so I bought that ;) It has the peace symbol and a flower on the bra and then a flower on the panties as well. I really like it and I think it'll be good.
Since it was almost 12 I had lunch in the mall as well cause I was so happy that I now had found a bikini ;) I took a BBQ sandwich at the good salad place in the center, but there were a lot of people so I didn't get a table but I found a bench instead. I also treated me with a dessert, a chocolate dipped cone at Mc Donald's ;)
Very satisfied, I went home and watched some FRIENDS again and then picked up the kids.
Filip's braces had broken again at school so we had to quickly drive to the dentist immediately after school. There were a lot of traffic so we were a bit late and the dentist was waiting for us cause they were closing. A bit embarrassing! But they fixed the wire and after 15 minutes we were on our way home. And again, the kids were awful in the car, I hope they have stuff to entertain themselves with when we drive this weekend!
Back home, me and Filip played Monopoly again and also this time he crushed me ;)
I made chicken, french fries and broccoli for dinner and it was really good! I think I'll be a good chef when I get back home. I don't think I cooked this much during my entire life as I've done this year ;)
I picked up Anna and we went to Emilie's place to discuss our FB misunderstanding and watch Twilight since there is no more Grey's or PP.
We worked out our weekends plans but when we were gonna see the movie, the DVD didn't work. It's always sth when we try to watch a movie at Emilie's place. But we ordered a movie on On Demand instead. We watched the romantic comedy Valentines Day. It was really sweet and I liked it. The best part was when Taylor Swift made totally fun of her self, she was playing this blond stupid girl and it was totally hilarious.
Today was also the premiere of Sex and the City 2. Lotta and Jenny went and saw it tonight and they said it was a lot like the first one. I need to see it.
I was really tired when I got home and I fell asleep immediately.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Dad 50!!! (Tomorrow)

Today (Wednesday) I went to the gym to attend one of the group classes that I haven't done before. I was early so I spend 20 minutes on the cross trainer but when the class was supposed to start the instructor didn't show up so there was no class. So I went on the treadmill for half an hour and then I did some muscle work out. I was a bit pissed since I was prepared for a class work out and when it was cancelled, I wasn't really in a mode for a work out. But I did it anyway so I'm proud ;)
Back home I just relaxed. I had lunch and looked some on our Hawaii trip (OMG it's really soon!) and of course I watched some FRIENDS before I picked up the kids.
I picked up Filip first and Sofia had her art class today that lasted for two hours cause they missed another time. Filip did his home work and then he found the game Monopoly and we started. It's really fun but he totally crushed me ;)
I called back home to wake up my dad, who today (in Sweden) turns 50!!! The time was like 12:15 am and I sang Happy Birthday to him. Sadly, he was already up cause just before I called, there had been fireworks outside the house ;) It's totally hillarious and I'm so sad that I can't be home and celebrate him on this BIG day!! Happy Birthday old man!
Jonas came home around 5 and he took the kids with him to pick up Lotta and then go to IKEA. I didn't feel like coming so I planned to go to the cinema in Kirkland and watch Iron Man 2 since no one else wants to see it, I would go alone.
But my plans changed when I talked to Anna. She was going to U-Village in Seattle for a monthly au pair meeting and asked if I wanted to join her. Since I rather wanted to be with people than sitting alone in the cinema, I said yes ;)
She worked until 8 so I watched FRIENDS for two hours before she picked me up ;) The meeting was at Starbucks and we just sat there and talked. I was amazed of how different it was from our cluster meetings. The area director really cared and talked with the au pairs and they are more strict, everyone has to come to the meetings. We discussed stuff that concerned us as au pairs and I felt like, although it was a bit hysterical, it was more secure in one way and U could easily get a closer relationship with the au pairs around U and the area director. But I don't care, I've only got 3 months left ;)
After the meeting we walked around and just talked. There has been a confusing discussion on FB, again, and it's just so frustrating and dramatic. Well, it's better to talk face to face cause then there is no misunderstanding.
In the car back home we talked about how little time we have left and how much there is we wanna do. I just hope we can plan all of that so we can do it together. I'm gonna miss her so much!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

My Ass!!

Hahah...today, my ass is so sore from the work out yesterday. I could barely sit down at the toilet ;) But then U really know that the booty booster works..hahah
I was so tired this morning, cause Lotta started the movie Enchanted yesterday and I had to watch all of it, so it was late when I got to bed. That's why I went back to bed after taking Filip to the choir, but I could only sleep for two hours cause I had my Spanish.
The class was nice but Antonia, a German au pair in the class, had twisted her knee this weekend while playing volleyball. Now, she had to go back to Germany next week to have surgery. Her year was soon over anyway but she had planned to travel in her travel month so I feel really sorry for her.
I picked up the kids and back home, they draw and coloured a thing for school where they are competing for being the one who design the t-shirt for the marathon they are doing at school. They both draw leopards cause that's the school's mascot. They were really pretty and I also draw one cause I was so in the mood ;) I draw a leopard cheerleader ;)
I walked with Sofia to Jasmine while Filip "tried" to make his home work ;) Today was a day when everything was too hard. But when I got back, I helped him and then it was not so hard.
At first I was gonna play a game tonight with the coed team with Jen but then they didn't need us, then I was gonna go to Starbucks but instead I was working ;)
Lotta and Jonas went out today so I was with the kids in the evening as well. We had dinner, played game and then we watched some TV. We had a cozy time in the sofa before heading to bed. I red some Sune to them and then I tucked them in bed.
Now I'll see what I do, maybe just play around on the computer in front of the TV ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Goodbye Lost!

Today I went to the gym and had a nice work out in one of the group pass, sth power sculpt whatever. I barely could walk out of the gym so I think it was good ;)
Back home I took a shower and when I was gonna eat I saw that the new, and LAST, lost episode was on Hulu (the program where I watch my series on the computer) so I watched it. And now it was 2 hours cause there was this final weekend where they showed one episode Saturday and one Sunday, but I couldn't see them.
It was a bit weird the ending but I mean, the whole series has been weird so it was a good ending. Really emotional so of course I was crying a lot. Feels so weird now that it's over, after so long time and so much confusion and questions. No more hot Jack ore the cute couple Jin & Sun....what will I do?
Well, after two crying hours in bed, I went and picked up the kids. We did home work and Filip came with me when I drove Sofia to cheer leading. We stayed and played outside and Filip had brought his roller skates and we had the dice game so we had a nice time in the sun.
When Sofia was done, we went to the playground and stayed there for half an hour or so before we drove home. It's so hard to take them in the car if U don't have prepared sth for them to do, even if it's only a 10 minutes ride they can't go with out fights. Arrgg...I hate it. But I gave Filip my phone and then it was quite, for a while.
Jonas and Lotta were already home and had started with dinner. Me and Sofia went to Jasmine's house to get Maja (her kitten) back that she had forgot the last time.
After dinner I made my Spanish home work and now I'm in the couch, don't really know what to do. I think I'll try to look up some stuff about all the trips I'm planning ;) Hope I get some answers!
Oh, I almost forgot, today I've been here for 9 months! It's incredible!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Soccer and movie

Today I had to go up early, which was hard after yesterday. I had a soccer game and it started at 9:30 and was in Seattle. Hanna was also playing so I picked her up before. Jen was not playing today so I had to drive.
We came early so we waited in the car until it was time cause it was FREEZING!!! It was windy and cold and I didn't bring a long sleeve to have under my t-shirt so I had to put my big, green sweater under it and I kept my sweatpants on ;) I'm not usually comfortable playing with anything but shorts as pants but today I made an exception.
We started the half with the wind against us, but we did really well. We passed good on the ground and helped each other. I was in center mid and before half, I scored which was really nice cause I had had a couple of shots but they were always just outside the posts.
Second half didn't start so good, I was up top and we couldn't get the balls away from D so they scored twice pretty close to each other. I went back to mid field and we manage to push forward a bit but we didn't score more. I had a couple of shots, but also now they were on the wrong sides of the posts.
It sucks to loose but I still feel that I did a good job and that's whats counts. I just need to practice my shots!
Back home I took a shower and then watched some shows in my bed before Hanna called and we went to Bellevue. I looked for a new bikini but didn't find any. I need to before next weekend when I'm going camping with the family.
We ate at Cheesecake and it was so good! I had a fried chicken withe a spicy orange sauce and rice and vegetables. Jummie! We sat there for a while but I still couldn't eat it all so I have a nice lunch for tomorrow ;)
We met up with Kadda at the cinema and saw the movie: "Letters to Juliet" Ohh...it was so sweet! A true love story and I loved it. It was so romantic and now I want my Romeo to come and we'll move to Italy ;) And the guy was so hot!! I would love if he would be my Romeo ;)
I'm gonna go to bed now to prepare my self for a new week!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Sounders & BBQ

Today (Saturday) was the great day when I was going to see Fredrik Ljungberg kick some ass again in my second Sounders game here. I woke up early to get ready, I put on my Ljungberg shirt and then went and picked up Hanna.
We had an hour on us before the game started and that was good cause we didn't really know where to drive to get to the parking garage, but we just went with the flow and ended up right ;) In the tickets, I got from Jen, the parking was included and it was a garage connected to the stadium so we just had to walk down one floor and we were there ;)
We had all inclusive tickets so it started with a lunch buffet ;) We got a plate and then we took what we wanted, omelets, fruit, waffles etc and a drink, and then went to our seats. They were in the middle of the field and U saw everything really good. Great seats in other words ;)
The Sounders were playing the Earthquakes from San Jose (pretty funny name ;)) and I don't really know how either of the team is in the league. Unfortunately, the visitors got a goal after 11 minutes but there was still a lot of time left.
In half, it was still 0-1 and we went to the buffet to get some new food ;) This time there was hot dogs and apple pie for dessert.
Hanna was frozen, so we stayed inside for a while and watched the game through the enormous panorama windows that was covering the lounge. A old man came to us and asked if we were from Sweden. He had been there the last 30 years cause he took a team to the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, and when he heard that we lived close to there he was thrilled ;) I like when people come to U like that, they are not shy at all like in Sweden. I think I'll miss that.
We went outside and saw the rest of the game and Sounders had a lot of great shots and attempt on goal but sadly they didn't get any. No one liked the ref and the audience were so cruel, both to him and the visitors. I can't believe what people said. Like there was this guy who got a cramp and everyone was booing and telling him to go off the field. OMG! I guess they never got a cramp, or even played soccer.
Even though they lost, it was really fun and to be so close to Fredrik Ljungberg is just awesome ;)
I drove Hanna home and went to prepare for the BBQ we were having at my place tonight. The family was off to a birthday party so the girls were coming here for a nice BBQ and girly evening.
Emilie came first and soon Anna so we just chilled with a beer and started the grill before Ramona, Kadda and Hanna showed up.
We had A LOT of hot dogs. There were Bratwursts, breakfast sausages (?), Fake dogs (veggie stuff ;)) and sth more. We had salad, potato salad, fries and some baked potatoes that we forgot in the fire ;) And of course there was wine! It was a really nice dinner but there was a lot of hot dogs over ;)
Everyone had brought stuff that they didn't want anymore, like clothes, shoes, bags etc and after dinner we had a trader market in the living room. We were trading stuff with each other and it was so much fun. It could sound like this: "I give U two t-shirts for that pair of pant", "No, only if U give me that necklace as well" Totally hilarious! I got: one pair of Ballerinas, one hat, one bag, one sweater, one watch and shower cream ;) And a book that no one wanted ;) This is a really good way of getting stuff U want for stuff U don't longer want. Why did I never do this before?
We had dessert in front of the TV and watched Pride and Prejudice. Ohh....I love that movie and it really felt like a girly, girly night. I had a great time and with strawberries, nutella, pringles and m&ms there is not much more U need ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Working!

Today, I thought I was going to a shopping walk here in Kirkland with Anna, but she ditched me and went to the gym instead so I went to Target to look for a bikini but I didn't find any. I went back home and watched TV. I found The Smurfs on On Demand ;) I watched it a lot when I was a kid so I was a bit nostalgic for a while ;)
I went to the store to buy some food for tomorrow's BBQ we are having at my place tomorrow. And I bought doughnuts for me today ;) I felt like I needed something, and it's Friday ;)
I picked up the kids and I walked with Sofia to Jasmine. She wasn't home but her, "not-so-good-English-speaking" grandma ;) But she let Sofia in to wait for Jasmine.
I went back to Filip and we build with his magnets, it was fun ;)
Today was a Art walk at the kids school where they were showing art stuff that the kids had made, and Filip wanted to go. So, first we went to QFC to get money (that I thought we needed) and bought milk.
The show was in their gym and it was like a big art gallery and the art pieces were great. Filip had made a sunflower and Sofia had made a car. There were a lot of great stuff and there were brownies and drinks for free so I liked it ;)
We just stayed for half an hour and then we went back home. I picked up Sofia on our way home and then we made a quick dinner: mashed potatoes and fish sticks ;)
We saw a Scooby Doo movie and had some chips ;) It was cozy and the kids were really tired and just fell asleep half an hour after I had red to them. Nice for me ;) Lotta and Jonas are out looking at ideas for their new house in Sweden so that's why I'm still at home ;)
By the way, Jen was here leaving the tickets for the game tomorrow and they look so cool!! I'm so excited!
Now, I'm watching more of friends and eating the rest of the chips ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Final of Grey's!!

Today (Thursday) I was not motivated to do anything. I didn't go to the gym cause I was feeling lazy and had a muscle ache ;)
I was planning to drive Jonas to work and then look after a bikini at Target, but when he got home from helping Sofia's class, he said that he could take the car so I went to bed ;) I was in such a bad mode, I don't know what it was but I slept for 3 more hours ;) And then, I did sth really drastic: I went to the couch and watched TV for the rest of the time ;) I watched Friends and it was as hilarious as always ;)
I was feeling so bad cause of not doing anything but what a heck, it's Thursday ;)
I walked to the kids school and when they were out, we stayed for an hour so they could play with their school mates. It was nice and they like it so it's too bad that I pick up Agnes the rest of the week.
Back home, first we did one of their geography tests and they made it! Good work from my side ;) We finished Filip's home work and then I did dinner and they played for themselves. I made a salmon pasta that turned out really well!!
Since I had not done ANYTHING today, I went out for a run before dinner and it felt so good!
I had dinner and then I drove to Anna to pick her up to go to M. Her host parents were working with their new house so Anna had to work a little longer, so I was with her. I played with Ace, and he was really happy that someone was giving him some attention. With the new house, everyone has been busy and haven't really had time with him. So I'm his favourite now ;)
When they came, we were in a hurry cause we had only 15 minutes until the season final of Grey's started so I stepped on the gas ;)
We were a little late and then I had trouble finding a place to park, but we were just in time for the first shot!! OMG, it was so exciting and for the next 2 hours U could hear out heart beats ;) We were screaming, jumping and crying. It was so good and I think her host parents are never gonna let us stay there again, they have video cameras in the room ;)
It was a really sad ending and we were all crying, it's good that we are among friends ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Crazy!!!

Today I was so sore in my muscles so I didn't go to the gym. Instead, I went for one hour walk in the sun, that was already shining bright in the sky, and then took a frappuccino and a muffin and went to the waterfront. It was really nice but I soon got a audience while I ate my muffin. A whole army of ducks were surrounding me ;) There were also ducklings that were so cute!
Back home, I put on my bikini and went out in the sun ;) I was out there for an hour before I went up to the roof to see if the sun was there. I wasn't sure cause the balcony is on one of the side of the house, but there was sun there as well so I went up there instead cause there the breeze could reach and no one could see.
I took a quick shower to cool myself and then I ate lunch and picked up the kids. Sofia had art class so it was just me and Filip the first hour and he did homework and I did the dishes and the laundry.
The afternoon went really slow and we didn't do so much. Filip played video game and Sofia watched. I had to drag her from there cause I was bored ;) We played with her stuffed animals and they all got married ;)
I got the craziest opportunity today! Jen, a girl at my soccer team, asked me if I had any plans on Saturday or if I wanted two tickets to the Sounders game that they couldn't attend!!! OMG!! Of course I didn't have any plans, I would have cancelled if I had ;) And it's really cool tickets, parking included and there is FOOD!!! There is a buffe and in half, they change it so U can eat again ;) I think I'll like it ;) I asked Hanna and she's coming with me. I'm so excited! Ok, whatever....;)
Tonight, our Internet didn't work so we were like handicapped, didn't know what to do ;) But we called Comcast and they are sending a man tomorrow. How will I manage it without my network until tomorrow evening ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Starbucks for the first time in weeks

Today (Tuesday) I took Filip to the choir so I got earlier to the gym than usual. I was there already at 8:15 and was on a bike for 45 minutes before the SET class started. Apparently there was a change in the schedule so it was suppose to be a step class but today, there were no mike so the teacher did a SET class instead cause she didn't wanna yell so much. Good for me since I was prepared for a SET class ;) I love that class. It's so hard and U are really working with your body. I'm almost just wanna lay down and cry but U feel so good when U are done.
I showered at home and talked with a lot of people on msn before I had to quickly eat lunch (my third day with the salad ;)) and then I went to college.
The Spanish class was nice and I like both my classmates and the teacher so it's a bit sad that's only 2 times left.
I picked up the kids and the weather was not so good and they had a lot of homework to do so we stayed at home.
After dinner, I watched a episode of Happy Town, a new series that is a bit creepy but U need to see it cause after one episode U were like stuck and now I wanna see what happens.
I had to hurry to the bus that would take me to Bellevue and my first Starbucks meeting in weeks. I didn't have a game today so that's why I could go ;)
First, I went in to the bookstore next to Starbucks and looked at some cool books. Then I found a biography (or sth) of Heath Ledger, and it was on sale and I really like (liked?) him so I bought it. He's so hot and a good actor so it's so sad that he's dead.
I met Emilie and Kadda and later came Ramona as well. we talked about everything and made some plans for the weekend. I also bought one of Starbucks cups and since I have my perfect Starbucks card, I didn't have to pay anything ;)
I took the bus back home and on my way I was thinking of how blessed I am with this experience. I mean, I have two lives right now and it's not everyone who has that! Not in a schizophrenic way, in a good one ;) I'm just so happy!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Glad 17 Maj alle Normän ;)

Today it's Norway's national day and I know that they are partying tonight ;) They are famous for their celebration of this day (don't remember what happened ;)) and are certainly not shy of being Norwegians ;)
I didn't celebrate, cause I'm not Norwegian....hahhaha but my day started with a nice running/walking turn for about one hour and it felt good. It was good weather but the sun was not shining so bright so it wasn't too hot which was nice.
Back home I took a quick shower and then went to Bellevue to try to find a present and a card for my dad. They didn't have what I was looking for at the mall so I had to go to South gate instead where I knew they had it. There I found it and went back to the post office in Kirkland and mailed everything, so dad: Now U know there is a package on the way. It's a bit late so I don't think it'll be in time but still.
I had a quick lunch before I picked up the kids and it was nice to see Agnes again and I also said hello to Axel who was happy to see me ;) So cute, I hope I can see them longer again soon!
The kids were nice at home, Filip is still tired from the birthday sleepover this weekend. Apparently they had went to bed at 1 am and then woke up at 6 again to play. They are crazy!
This time, I remembered Sofia's cheer leading so we got there in time and I stayed there to bring her back home cause it's just no use to go home cause it's so short time.
Back home, Jonas made dinner: a tomato fish thingi with pasta. It was good and I had my salad to it as well ;) I'll have it to everything ;)
I went upstairs and did my home work and now I'm planning to go to bed and read in my new book: the next in the same series I've been reading now.
I got a email from my mum who told me that Eric is getting a kitten!! OMG, I've always wanted a cat and now when I'll get home, there will be a cutie waiting. She sent pictures so I'm gonna post one here. I don't know the name yet but I'll tell U as soon as I know!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Lovely hangover day

Today (Sunday) me and Anna stayed in bed until 3 pm ;) We woke up a couple of times before of the sun and the f*** birds outside my window, but we just fell back to sleep and waited for the room to stop spinning ;) I'm glad the kids had the Swedish school today so it was quiet in the house.
It was so nice, just laying there and sometimes we spoke about everything, then we listened to German and Swedish radio and then we fell back to sleep. When we finally had gather enough energy, we went up and down to see if we could get anything to eat. Jonas was in the kitchen and made lunch, but only for three so we went out to get some pizza at Zeke's.
Everything was a bit slow so it took a while to get down but we were not in a hurry and I like being a bit slow sometime ;)
When we came down to the baseball field, there was a game soon starting and they sell burgers and hot dogs there, and it was cheap so we stopped and had a burger. It was so good and enough for our upset stomachs ;) We sat down to wait for the game, but we were early cause it would start in an hour. So, we went to a kiosk to buy some chocolate but we took doughnuts instead and a lollipop ;)
When we came back to the field, it started to rain but as the hardcore fans we are we stayed. Cause we didn't care! ;) But when it was really hard rain, we took cover under a parasol ;)
Finally the game started and Anna wiped my seat with her ass before I could sit. (She called me a princess and I don't understand why ;)) Now the sun came out as well and it got really hot and nice.
We picked one team each to Cheer at and I got the visitors, Toyota from Redmond (I think ;)) There was actually a lady who asked me where they were from, since I was cheering for them ;)
It was a lot of fun, and a perfect hangover activity. We tried to understand the game a bit more and I think I got a little hang of it. There was a guy who explained some for us cause he heard that we weren't from here ;)
My team won, and that's because they were European and had a lot of Germans ;) At least their name sounded German and they had actually a guy who's last name was Deutsch...hihihi
We didn't feel like spending three more hours watching the next game so we went to the park where we met my host family. Anna bribed the kids with doughnuts and soon the whole playground wanted some ;) Good thing we had bought a big package.
Slowly we walked to QFC and I bought a ice cream that we then shared in the sun. It was so nice, we just laid down in the grass and listened to music and didn't do or care of anything. I'll tell U, that's the meaning with life: Enjoy the moment!
The party yesterday was so worth today's hangover and I hope there will be another party before I go home.
We walked back home at around 7 and the Anna went home. I ate some of my left over bean salad (I'll eat that for the rest of the week ;))
Tonight was the season final of Desperate Housewives and it was so exciting! Jonas tried to tell me that it's not real, just a show, but I didn't listen to him ;) I love it and I can't wait until next season start. I think I'll watch it from season 1 now during the summer ;)
I also got a card and a letter today from my angel Ida and I started crying when I red it! When I get a part from their world over here, I really realize how much I miss everybody and in that moment I just wanna go home and have everybody close around me again. But I know that now it's not long until it will happen and my friend Elin had a nightmare where our meeting was stiff and full of hate?!! I guarantee that will never happen, cause I can't imagine we wouldn't have anything to talk about after this year, certainly not when we have a friend in Ida ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Street Fair and Mexican Party

Today (Saturday) me, M, Kadda, Ramona and Hanna went in to Seattle and the University district where there was a street fair. There were several booths whit food and stuff that people wanted to sell. There were street performers and a lot of people. It was sunny and so nice to walk there and check out all cool stuff and eat delicious. I had a gyros and then chocolate dipped strawberries and bananas and I also bough some caramel popcorn. Here they don't only have salt on their popcorn, U can choose sugar, chocolate or caramel ;) Do I have to say that they were delicious? ;)
My shopaholic side took over again and I bough a pair of shoes and a jeans jacket ;) But it was only $12 in a second hand store so I'm happy!!
We spend like two hours there and the best part was when we tried to find a parking spot. We saw a guy going to his car with food from Mc Donald's so we thought he was going but he decided to have his meal in the car while it was running. We said he was still living at his mom's and she hated fast food ;) Finally, Kadda knocked on his window and asked if he was leaving after he had finished, and he would ;)
Hanna had to work so we needed to go home after the fair but after we had dropped her, we went to Medina Beach park and laid in the sun a bit.
Tonight was Elliott's monthly party with the theme Mexico!! It was a BBQ so every one should bring some food. I made a spicy black bean and corn salad that I got from Jen. Anna helped me in the end so I guess she also gets a little of the credits for it.
M picked us up at my place and even though we were two hours late, there weren't so much people and there were still a lot of food. We got skewers, salad, popcorn, salsa, chips and a lot more. There was one really HOT sauce that burned for a long time on the lips and I don't like it when it's that spicy, U don't taste any flavours just the hotness. But there was a potato salad that tasted like my mum had made it or sth, it was so good and both me and Anna almost started crying cause it was so good ;)
Another au pair had brought a pinata, a bull that looked like a gay zebra ;) It was called Fernando and she didn't want anybody to hurt him. Sadly, someone put a rope around his neck and smashed him with a stick, and we got candy ;)
The party was super grate as usual. We had tequilas and margaritas and there were a lot of cool people. We had a jump rope competition with one of Elliott's TV cables ;) It was hilarious.
Emilie went home before us, cause we didn't wanna leave when she wanted so we said we would get a cab or sth so I put all my stuff in the bushes ;)
After some more Tequila and Margaritas, we got a ride from a French girl that Anna knew and I don't really know when we got home, but I think it was around 4 or sth ;) I had a so much fun but it was nice to go to bed and it would have been better if the room weren't spinning ;) But that's the price U have to pay!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

First step to HAWAII!!!

Today (Friday) we finally booked our trip to Hawaii!! I'll tell more about that later.
The day started with Yoga and some work out at the gym and this time, the yoga felt really good! I could do downward facing dog all the time ;) And the sun was shining so I was in a super good mode today. I grabbed a smoothie from Starbucks on y way home and I said goodbye to Lisa and Lotta who were gonna stay at some friends this weekend.
I called Robin since it's his birthday today. Happy Birthday Robin!! And we talked about his graduation and all kind of cool stuff. He told me about the world championship in hockey that apparently has started, didn't know anything about that ;) And they are invited to a really cool party in the end of August where my cousin and his wife are turning 30 and they are gonna celebrate that with a masquerade! Can't they wait a month or sth so I also can join? This suck with everything I'll miss!
I put on my bikini and laid in the sun for 1,5 h! That was nice but maybe a bit too hot since there is no breeze in our sun wall ;) But I'm gonna be tanned so it's just to suck it up and do it ;)
I picked up the kids and we went to the castle park and stayed there for like 2 hours or so. We played some ball and I pushed them on the swing and it was really nice and the weather was amazing!
Back home, Jonas was already home and we were gonna eat out tonight so I didn't have to make any dinner.
It took so long before we went out cause first, Sofia was in our pool and Jonas and Filip played a game. Then when we got out of the door, there was a water fight on the street and Filip went in it, of course. After maybe half an hour there they all were wet and had to go in and change and then we could go. I was starving! And the kids had their bikes so it also took extra time. We went to the place where T.G.I.F had been before, but now it was only a bar so we had to find sth else. We went to a Vietnamese place and took food from there and went to the baseball field and ate there. I had a curry rice with vegetables and chicken and it was good. The baseball game didn't start when I was there and I left before the others cause I was already late to Kadda's place where we were gonna book our flight to HAWAII!!!
I came and we talked a little bit and discussed which flight would be the best and then we booked!! OMG, we couldn't believe it. We have been talking about it for so long and now we finally did it! It sounds a bit weird, the flight we took cause it's gonna take 11h and we are gonna land in Salt Lake City on our way ;) But here is the explanation: with this flight, we get out most hours of the Friday when we arrive. Now we are landing at 2pm and with another, cheaper and shorter flight, we would land at 9pm so it would be like a waste of day since we would just sleep there. We think we are smart anyways ;)
So, Kadda is going home a little earlier can't take so much vacation as I can, but Anna is also coming and we are staying 8 days, from the 18-26 of June!! It's gonna be so much fun and I wanna learn how to surf, go snorkeling, go to the rain forest and just hang out at the beach!
Me and Kadda also did our first plan of our traveling month after our year. This is just what we want to do but we haven't booked anything yet. First we wanna fly to Las Vegas and check out the casinos and everything. There we gonna rent a car and drive to Death Valley and Grand Canyon and check it out. Then we drive out to the coast and the first stop is Los Angeles where we gonna spend a couple of days and hang out at the beaches and tourist stuff, and also go to the amusement park Six Flags that I've heard is supposed to be really fun.
From there we'll continue up the coast and stop at all the cool places like Santa Barbera, Santa Cruz and San Jose until we reach San Francisco where we'll spend a couple of nights cause we both fell in love with the city.
Our time plan for this is about 2 weeks but I mean, we don't really know how far it is everywhere or how long we can drive but I think it'll be great. We have to see how we are gonna sleep as well, if we take in on motels or if we bring a tent and stay at camping places. But it's really exciting and I hope it will work as we want it.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Basketball

Today (Thursday) me and Anna decided to try basketball instead of tennis, since we aer not making any progress ;) She came here and we walked down to the QFC park where there is a basketball court. It was kind of hard in the beginning and we scored maybe every 20th ball ;) But then we got the hang of it and it was really fun. We celebrated our new talent with Starbucks at the waterfront before Anna needed to go home and get Slater. My Starbucks card, that I got from my friends in Sweden for my birthday worked! Thanks guys!
The weather was amazing and the sun was out when we woke up and the temperature increased during the day.
Lotta was home today cause Lisa, her sister, was coming to visit so she needed to pick her up at the airport.
I went to Bellevue and a store called Platos Closet which is a second hand store with all the famous brands and the clothes are really cool and fresh. I was in a shopping mode and needed some stuff for summer. They had a lot and I tried on many things and I think I spent 1 hour in there ;) Finally I bought one dress and three tops ;) And it was for a good price so I was happy when I left the store. I went to Marshall's which also is a store with brand clothes for a cheaper price. Here I also found one dress and one top so now I'm ready for summer, I just need a new bikini but luckily there is a store here in Kirkland that just sells bikinis so I think I'll go there to see what they have.
Since I was not picking up Agnes today I had really much time before I needed to get the kids. Lotta was away picking up Lisa so I just sat out in the sun and read my book.
I walked and picked up the kids and when we came home Lotta and Lisa just arrived as well so there were some hugging and talking so I didn't have to do so much with the kids. I was outside a while with Filip and then I played some with Sofia.
At around 4:30, another family came to have dinner with us. They are friends of the family and also of Lisa so it was nice. We had a BBQ with lamb and I was really hungry cause I hadn't have anything since I had my leftovers from the brunch yesterday, at 11!
When we were done, I went to pick up Anna and we drove to Emilie's place to watch out doctors ;) It was season final of PP and it was so sad! I was on the floor so no one could see me cry ;) All of the good series are ending now, what are we gonna watch this summer?
Today, Sofia showed me that the walls in the house are magnetic! That's whats the picture is showing. Apparently there is metal poles supporting the walls so in every corner U can put up a magnet, like my little ducks ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Brown Bag Cafe

Today, Filip had a dentist appointment at Dr Lund so we had to wake up earlier to get there at 8:10. This time it was a scheduled time but yesterday the braces broke so it was good that we didn't had to go extra. They exchanged the wire and colours and he took blue and yellow, like Sweden ;)
It didn't took so long time so he came back to school just in time. I went to Totem Lake (another part of Kirkland) and to the Brown Bag Cafe where I was gonna have Brunch with the girls. I arrived first and I had to sit down and wait for the rest. Ramona joined me and finally Kadda and Emilie came. We got our table and sat down to order. This was the place me and Emilie wanted to go to after we had been out a couple off weekends ago but the waiting time was 45 minutes, but now we didn't have to wait.
The place was really cozy and felt like home ;) We had heard that the portions was gonna be big, and it said on the menu as well: "We hope U are hungry" ;)
I ordered sth called "Big Mike" which was hash brown (broiled potatoes), sausage, egg and their famous french toast with syrup. The plate was HUGE!!! OMG! And we found out why the place is called Brown Bag, everyone needed to box the left overs and bring back home. It was really good and I didn't walk out from there, I rolled ;)
Back home, I quickly wrote on my blog while I was chatting with Anna in Sweden.
I had to go to QFC and buy light bulbs, batteries, butter and milk ;) And I needed to fill up gas in the car before I picked up the kids. We changed the day when I don't pick up Agnes from Wednesday to Thursday. This meant that today I went and picked up Agnes ;) So I didn't have so much time to do anything.
Sofia had her art class so me and Filip walked to school to get her and we stayed there for a while and the kids played and I red my book ;)
Back home, we just played games and nothing special.
I went out running before dinner and it felt so good. I had tried to find excuses not to do it but then I just told myself to do it and I'm glad! Now I'm in the sofa and figuring what to do. Feel like going to the cinema but I think I'll just be home and watch Lost and V, not too bad either ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Outside and soccer

Today (Tuesday) I went back to bed and slept for like 2 hours after dropping the kids at school. I hate when I don't have anything to do cause then I'm just so tired.
I finished my home work and had lunch before I went off to college for my Spanish. It went well and it's only like 4 times left so it's going really fast!
Me and the kids grabbed a snack at home and went back to school to play. They took their bikes and I could just hang around in the sun. Me and Filip played the dice game and then he found some friends to play with. Sofia always finds someone to play with so that's never a problem.
We spend like 1,5 hours there and I red my book all the time ;) I had a game tonight so we had to go home and make dinner and I got ready for Jen to pick me up. I quickly ate my salad and then I went to Seattle and the game. Hanna was supposed to play today as well but she didn't get off in time so she had to cancel, which is sad cause I know she wanna play.
Me and Jen was early so we watched a Lacrosse team that had practice. That's a sport I really wanna watch a game of when I'm here. It looks so cool and I never saw a game. Jen was asking me if we had it in Sweden and I wasn't sure. I said that we had played it in PE at school but I didn't know if there is any league or so. But then, I saw one of the players wearing a t-shirt saying: Lacrosse Sweden ;) That's funny! I didn't say anything but I bet he was Swedish!
The game was against a really good team, but luckily for us they didn't have a full team. We didn't have all of our original players but we had some pretty good stand ins that did a great job. I played forward most of the time and it felt really good. We had a lot of chances and I passed some really great balls but unfortunately it took all the way to the end of first half before we scored. I did an assist on that one and it felt good!
The other half was good as well but they scored once before I did our second goal, that actually was a offside goal (not from me but the one who passed me) For me the game was great but since they were, in the end, 3 people less than us we should have out rolled them with passes and had a lot more goals.
Back home I took a quick shower cause I didn't wanna wake up the kids, and then I joined Jonas in front of the TV and watched the Jay Leno show (or what his name is ;)) I had a nice day!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Rain but Strawberries ;)

Today, Sofia almost did a temper tantrum in the morning (U know when kids just fall to the ground and scream and kick to get what they want?) She wanted to wear her new, pretty dress that she had when the princess was here. We didn't think that was such a good idea since it's a really fragile dress and Sofia is a very "wild" child that likes to climb and jump on things. This led to a loud discussion that ended with me and Filip walking to school, so we wouldn't be late, and Jonas and Lotta drove Miss "I-do-whatever-I-want/U-are-not-the-boss-of-me" later.
On my way home, I walked to the library to renew one of the books that we had borrowed cause Filip needed it in school, but of course it didn't open until 10 so I walked back home again.
I updated my blog and talked to some nice friends back home. It was hard to focus on the blog but now I'm not behind any more ;) I also watched one V episode and had a nice cup of tea and a chocolate doughnut ;)
Now the library was open and they helped me renew the book but I had to pay 40 cents cause I was 4 days late with it ;) They told me I could do it online so that's what I'll do next time.
Back home I did my Spanish home work and had lunch. I was so tired that I went to bed and slept for 1,5 hours before I picked up the kids. It was nice but I didn't wanna go up and I still felt tired so I don't think it was so good.
Me and the kids were creative today and we coloured and build stuff out of paper. It was fun and when we were done, we played some video game. After a while, Sofia asks me when it's time to go to cheer leading? Shit!! It started for 15 minutes ago!! Hurry hurry! I had forgot it and we were 30 minutes late but she ran in and had fun so it was OK. Lotta had also forgot it so next time we need to remind each other.
When me and Sofia got home, they were making dinner and we got some jummie pasta salad with chicken. For dessert, we got strawberries! And even though it's been bad weather today, they were delicious and gave a taste of summer ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Tennis, Soccer and Strawberries in the sun

Today (Sunday) I woke up at Anna's place and ;) During the night I woke up and had Anna's face close to mine, not a nice experience ;)
We stood up and had breakfast before we went to Medina park and tried to play tennis. I write try cause I think we are the worst tennis players ever, we suck! It's so hard, why can't someone teach us? Next time we'll try basketball instead ;) But the weather was nice so we could enjoy a great morning outside.
We didn't really know what to do next and I had a soccer game at 1 so I couldn't do so much. But after some organisation Anna went to Discovery park in Seattle with the rest of the girls and I picked up Hanna and we went to the mall. She was coming with me to play cause we were short, and she needed to buy a gift for her mum's birthday and I had to eat sth.
We were a bit late when we came to the field, but the others were also late so the game didn't start at 1.
I started in goal and we didn't have enough players so they scored immediately. That sucked! Then the game was very even and we could have scored a lot of times. I played forward for the most part of the game and had a couple of chances but their goalie was good. It's hard playing forward cause U don't really get any balls U can work on. I would like to have myself on the midfield who could pass myself on top ;) There were no other goals so the game ended 1-0 but it was a good game and it was so warm! 1 is maybe not the best time to play a game on a sunny day with no wind, but it was fun!
I drove Hanna home and then hurried back home cause I was gonna work a couple of hours in the afternoon. Jonas and Lotta was going to play some golf so I took the kids. They had eaten strawberries and there were some for me,so I took some milk to them and sat outside watching the kids ride their bikes and just enjoying my life ;)
We went to the park and stayed there for like 2 hours before we went home and made dinner. The kids played video game and after dinner we watched TV. I almost fell asleep in the couch and could barely stay awake when I red for the kids.
Lotta and Jonas came home while I was reading and the kids got a bit distracted. Sofia was going on about me not being the boss anymore and I just hate when she does that. I'm glad none of the parents are working from home cause that would never had worked.
I tried to do sth on my laptop but I was not motivated and too tired. I just watched Desperate Housewives and then went to bed.
I got a birthday card from my best friends yesterday. Better late than ever, right?! But it was so sweet and in it was a Starbucks card that one of them had bough on her trip to London. Hahhaah....it's perfect! Now I don't have to worry that I need to save money! I love U guys!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

School and Seattle

Today (Saturday) I had a class at the college in the morning. It was a class called Greek Odyssey and sounded interesting and I needed the hours.
I took the bus to the college and the class started at 10 so I couldn't sleep as long as I wanted but I want to get as much as possible out of the days so I wasn't that pissed, just for a moment ;)
The teacher was an old, cute lady that had traveled to Greece for the last 30 years. Her parents were Greek or sth like that and now she was gonna talk about the country and give tips and advices for trips there. It wasn't really what I had expected but it was fun. The lady was so cute and really passionated about Greece so we got to hear all kinds of stories and were able to ask questions and got to know pretty much about where to go and what to do.
She had made us some Greek cookies and they were delicious and we also got the receipt so I'll try to make them some day.
After 3 hours, I took the bus back home and had some lunch. The family wasn't home cause now when it's the Swedish week, the kids had the Swedish school today and they had royal visit! The crown princess from Sweden, Viktoria, visited them and the kids sang songs and asked questions to her. It had been really great and I would have loved to come but the school was at the same time. What a good timing...aaarrrggghh! And after that, Lotta and Jenny went to a fashion show that also was connected to the Swedish week and there they met Fredrik Ljungberg and took a picture with him!! Good for them....aarrgghhh!!!
I called the girls and they were on their way in to Seattle and I joined them. Emilie picked me up and we went to Broadway where one of us did sth really cool, but I can't tell it here cause she don't want anyone to know...heheh Are U curious now? Well, I'll tell U when I get back home, if I remember ;)
We spend the whole afternoon in Seattle and we went to check out Greenlake which was awesome! So beautiful and U can rent bikes or inlines there and go around the lake. U can also rent this paddle boat and we said that we have to come back and do that someday.
Then me, Kadda and Emilie said goodbye to all the French girls that had been with us, and went to Mercer Island to meet up Anna and two of her friends. We were gonna eat on a German restaurant but unfortunately, it was closed. Instead, we went back to Seattle to another German place but more like fast food. It was really good! I had schnitzel with fries and mayonnaise ;) After, we tried a Bubble tea at a Korean place (or whatever) and it was weird. It was a milkshake with slime balls in it that U were supposed to eat. I didn't, the milkshake was good but not the balls.
We were all very tired and went back home after that. Anna showed us the new house and one of the doors were open so we could go inside. It's such a nice house and the view is great! Her host family is moving, if I didn't told it before, but it's just one block so they will still live close. Anna will live there maybe just a couple of weeks but they have a pool!!
I went to Anna's place cause we wanted to drink the rest of my liquor ;) But she didn't have anything to mix it with and we tried to drink it as it was but I almost threw up so I settled with a beer ;) We watched some Lost and then went to bed, not so exciting ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Leap day - Playdates

Today (Friday) there was no school for the kids cause it was a leap day, a day where the teachers do something.
I slept one hour longer, and then had a nice breakfast with the kids. When the parents left, we didn't do so much just hanging around and waiting for the kids' friends who were gonna come. I arrange play dates so that I didn't have to do so much ;) It's good both for me and the kids cause now they don't have to be just with me all the day and even there were 4 kids now, I just had to feed them ;)
Sofia had Jasmine over, for the first time, and Filip had Christopher and it went well. Sofia and Jasmine had some arguments and played for themselves sometimes but then they played good.
I red a lot in my book today, the weather was so good and the kids were outside and inside doing all fun stuff. We had lunch, macaroons and meatballs, and then we went to the park. I really felt like a Super nanny, taking care of 4 kids ;) And I could just enjoy the sun and red my book ;)
They stayed pretty much the whole day and before Lotta and Jonas came home from work, we played some games and made dinner, salmon and potatoes! Jummie!
Tonight, I didn't feel like doing sth so I stayed home and watched Karate Kid with Lotta and the kids ;) It was really good and so much the 80s.
Jonas was gonna buy a Ipad but unfortunately they were out of them for the day and he didn't want to put a reservation on one cause it has to be a impulsive buy ;) I don't see the thing with it and don't really know what it's for but I guess it's a thing everyone just gonna have? I wont, and I think I'll live anyway ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

The Zoo!

Today (Thursday) I went to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle with Emilie and her two kids. It was really cool and fun! I had one kid in one stroller and it was fun with something different, and it's really different from having a 6 years old and a 2 years old ;) They are so cute and behaved really well.
The zoo is huge! U don't really think there can be such a huge area in Seattle with so many animal. There were lions, elephants, giraffes, bears and so many more. I felt like a little kid again ;)
We spend 4 hours there and had lunch at one of the restaurants. Me and Emilie spoiled ourselves with a ice cream and that was so good! The kids got new energy after the lunch, and that was easy to see. Before, they were quite and clam but after, they talked, sang and jumped around in the stroller ;)
The weather was pretty nice. It was a bit grey in the morning but it got better and in the end, the sun was shining. It was a bit cold so I couldn't take of my jacket ;)
My favourite animals were the penguins and the bears. The penguins were so cute in their tuxedos and the bears were just huge and amazing.
I got home just in time to pick up the kids but Filip's braces broke in school so he had to go to the dentist. Lotta took him so I just picked up Sofia. We went to the store to get some stuff for dinner and when we came back, Filip and Lotta was home.
The kids went outside and I made dinner, it was a easy day for me ;) I made the broccoli gratin and I think this was the best this far. It was not as watery as before but I don't know how it tasted cause I didn't eat home, I was still full since the lunch at the zoo ;)
I went straightly to Anna's place cause Slater was going on about that he wanted to see me and Anna was pissed ;) I can't help I'm so popular. But it's weird cause I've been here for 8 months, haven't he seen me earlier? Guess I'm a summer flirt ;) But I forgot my Lego power miner, that we played with at our place, and he was a bit disappointed ;)
They had dinner and then we played outside, it was nice but there were a lot of people. There were 5 kids, 2 dogs, the parents and 2 au pairs ;) We took Slater to bed and I got to read the bed time story with Slater in my lap ;)
Me and Anna went to Emilie's to watch TV and on our way we bought strawberries and ice cream ;) It was nice at M's place and I always like to get my weekly portion of Grey's and PP ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Happy Sinco de Mayo

Today (Wednesday) is Sinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday. I haven't really celebrated it but I'm going to, not until 15 May when Elliott has his party but still.
After a lot of considerations I went to the gym in the morning. I wasn't really motivated but since I wasn't there yesterday I couldn't come up with an excuse ;)
I did my work out program and when I was there it felt good. There were some cute guys that I could rest my eyes on so it went fine ;)
Back home I took a shower and took some extra time and put on nail polish both on my toes and fingers. So now I'm all summer red ;)
I had lunch and chatted with my brother while I was uploading some more pictures and before I went to pick up Filip, I took a nap.
The weather has been really weird today. It was grey all morning, but no rain. When I was gonna go and pick up Filip, the sky opened and I had to take the car. Then later, at around 6 or sth the sun came out and it was so nice. It's just weird.
I picked up Sofia from art and we did some arts and crafts for mother's day and it was nice. Sofia did a really sweet card to Lotta but she gave it today cause she couldn't wait ;)
Today, Filip helped me with dinner. We made pasta with mincemeat sauce! He's a good helper but there was a lot on the floor ;)
Since it was so nice weather now after dinner, I took my book and went for a walk. I ended up at Starbucks where I spend an hour or so, reading my book. It was nice to get out and the walk gave me more energy. I want it to visit more often, or even stay.
Back home, they were watching hockey but Vancouver lost this time so it was not a happy atmosphere in the evening.
I was on my computer and fixed with my pictures, and just before I was going to bed, Ida called me on Skype so I talked to her for like 20 minutes. I think it's so funny cause she had just woke up and was soon going to school while I was going to bed ;) I wished her a good day and she wished me good night ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra