Tourist, Au Pair meeting, soccer, the cops and the Oscar

Today (Sunday) I slept a little longer in the morning. I waited until the family was out of the house and then I went down in my pyjama and had breakfast in front of the TV. It was really nice and I like to start the morning a bit slow.
I got myself ready for the day and packed the things I needed for a whole day in Seattle. Emilie was picking me up at 1 and then her, me, Kadda, Ramona and Hanna went to Seattle to first act tourists and then we had our monthly au pair meeting.
First we went to the Pacific Science center to get tickets for Alice in Wonderland that we are gonna watch next Friday with Ramona's boyfriend. Finally we get to meet him! And at this cinema we get the tickets cheaper cause we have a Microsoft Card with some discount!
Then we went to the famous Troll sculpture that is under a bridge at Troll Ave ;) It's big and really cool! So we took some pictures and climbed on it and saw all the poor, homeless people that has a shelter under the bridge. So sad!
When we were satisfied, we went to the University District and this is a really cool place. There are almost only young people, there are a lot of nice little restaurants and shops and the atmosphere was just relaxed and so nice. We found a great recycle store where they sold clothes, shoes, bags, accessories etc and it was really cheap. I loved that one! They had so much cool stuff but it was so much so I bet we missed the most of the good stuff. This time I brought a shirt but I'll be definitely coming back!
Then we walked to the famous University Garden where they have Cherry trees that are blossoming now. The University Campus is like a big labyrinth so it was a bit hard to find it. But we asked some nice people that explained the way and then we found it. And it was so beautiful! The garden was in between big, old houses and the tress were full of white/pink flowers. There were a lot of people as well and everyone wanted a picture with the trees. Too bad the weather wasn't that good today. It was cold and cloudy! So we didn't stay that long cause we also needed to find our way to the Au Pair meeting that actually was at the campus but we needed to find the right building.
This meeting was together with all the different groups in the whole Seattle area, so it wasn't just our group. I think there were about 50 au pairs from all over Seattle and it was really cool. We were at a Game floor in the Husky Union Building and there U could bowl, play pool, play table tennis, video game etc. The facility was a bit old and not in perfect condition but it was nice. We started with bowling but as soon as the food came we took a break. It was pizza and it was so good!!
Me and Hanna needed to go earlier cause we had our soccer game. Anna, a team mate, picked us up and the game was at the same field as last week. Hanna was a bit nervous cause it was her first game for so long now that she didn't knew if she was gonna be good. But she was so there was no problem.
We didn't have a full team and we even had some other players who, as Hanna, don't usually play with us. But we played really good and I felt like I was on fire. I so badly wanted to score but I couldn't. I don't know how many shot I took or how many chances I had but either the goalie saved it or I missed. I was so frustrated! How hard can it be? I don't wanna be a defender but I guess when U can't score, there's where U end up. But I did two assist and Hanna get to do a goal! We won the game with 3-1 and it felt really good when we drove home.
From my place, I drove Hanna home and now i can check something else of my list of things to do here. I've been pulled over by the police! We drove pass a red light and suddenly it started to flash blue and red in my mirror. I was so nervous and I didn't get why I was pulled over. Hanna was as hyper as I was and we both wondered what I had done. What had I done wrong?
When the guy came he told me that I had a broken head light. Pfew! He was really nice and this was good cause now I'm no longer afraid of the police! He just gave me a warning and I had to promise that we would fix it and that I should drive safe. Yes sir! We were just giggly and relieved that it wasn't anything more serious and the rest of the drive I was just scared that I would be stopped again ;)
Back home me and Lotta watched the Oscar. I never saw one before but it was really nice. We commented on every dress or the hair and if it was the right person who won. There were one movie, Hurt Locker I think the name was, that got so many Oscars. I never heard of it before and I need to check it out cause it seems good.
Lotta had recorded it so we didn't need to watch the commercial, which was good cause it was really long. She also recorded the show from the red carpet, but I'll see that tomorrow.
Sandra Bullock was the winner of best actress and I was really happy for her cause she has never even been nominated before and she was so good in The Blind side so she really deserves it. And her speech was really emotional and U could see that she was touched and happy about this!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

BEAUTIFUL

Today (Saturday) it was a girls vs boys day. Filip and Jonas took their bikes and tennis rackets and went out for a nice little trip while me, Lotta and Sofia went to Costco to fill our new fridge with all kind of good stuff ;)
It's such a cool store Costco, they don't have big pack, they have GIANT pack! It's so much fun to be there but it's too bad that U need to be a member otherwise I would have been there every week ;)
Today, the weather was so perfect! Sunny and about 20 degrees, can U believe it! When we got home from Costco, we took out the mattresses for our outdoor furniture and then sat in the sun wall on the backside and ate grapes and just enjoyed life. It was so nice!
At lunch time we drove to Juanita, where Filip and Jonas were, to have lunch together. We ate at a Greek restaurant and I had a delicious Greek salad. Jummie! But it was so much that I took some of it home to have in the evening.
Then we needed to hurry home cause Filip had a basketball game that I was taking him to. Lotta and Jonas wanted to go shopping for a couple of hours so I took the kids. Filip didn't want to go and he was really upset for not be able to ride his bike back home and he was sulky during the whole basketball game.
When we got home, we just grabbed some toys and then we walked down to the water, where there were a lot of people, everyone wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather. Me and Filip bought Frozen Yogurt with some good toppings! He had: gummibears, raspberries and chocolate chips. I had: strawberries and chocolate chips. Jummie!
Sofia wanted an ice cream instead so we went to another place to get that and of course they didn't take card there so I needed to go back and get some cash from the ATM. Then there were so many people in the ice cream store, cause everyone wanted one now and our Ben and Jerry store is closed for the moment so this was the only place to get an ice cream.
After some chaotic moments with kids, toys and ice cream, I manage to get them to the water and we sat down and just enjoyed.
There were really a lot of different people there. Some business men who took a break in their work, some couples, young people, old people, kids, musicians etc And there were so many big boats and jet skis and other water toys ;) We had a really nice time down by the waterfront.
While Sofia played at the beach, me and Filip went to the "Stone store" they have here and since Filip is a collector, he loves it! They had really nice things and he asked me if I wanted to buy anything for me or for him ;) But not today!
We walked back home but we stayed outside, playing with the bikes and the skateboard on the street. It's so much fun being an au pair and U have the perfect excuse to be able to play all those silly games that U deep inside loves ;)
Jonas and Lotta was gone for about three hours so when they got home, I went out for a running trip and I only needed a t-shirt! I ran to those new tennis courts that Lotta had tried to explain another time but I didn't found. This time I found them and they were really nice and more private then the others so when Anna comes back we'll go there. I also ran to a beach that Lotta told me about and it was so beautiful. I was just amazed about the view with the sunset over Seattle, the mountains and the water. I felt that I never wanted to go back. I just wanted to stay in that moment forever! But then the sun was setting and it was getting colder and darker so I ran back home. On my way I saw two big Golden eagles. They were so graceful and peaceful. God, I love this place!
Back home, I took a nice shower and then I called Hanna to see how the plan for the evening was. We had talked about going to a club but Hanna felt sick and truly I was a bit tired so I didn't mind staying home.
I played Rock Band with the family and it was so much fun. Filip was really good with the mic and when he sang Living on a prayer I wonder why the neighbours didn't knock on the door. He was screaming so loud and with so much emotions. He was so cute ;) Unfortunately, the drums doesn't work as they should so we can only play on the beginner level where it doesn't matter what colour U hit. I think I'll create my on player and play some during the week now cause it's so much fun!
Before I went to sleep I watched the latest Lost episode and the very second of Desperate Housewives. It's getting exciting!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Back to school

Today (Friday) the kids went back to school again and that meant back to normal for me, which was kind of nice ;)
I didn't go to the gym cause I was still tired since the Yoga yesterday but I took a little walk after leaving the kids.
when I got home, I was on my computer for a while but then I walked down to Starbucks (without a jacket!!) and bought myself a cup of coffee and a banana chocolate chip cake and went to the water and just enjoyed the view and the weather.
The girl who worked at Starbucks thought that I was from France cause of my accent? I don't have a French accent, do I? When I told her that I was from Sweden, she thought that it was the country with the female president. I was like: "Eh, no. That's Finland" She was quite after that ;)
It was so warm in the sun, I could have stayed there forever! But I didn't, I decided that it was time for me to buy that watch I've been looking at for a while. I walked to the store, that's here in Kirkland, and thought for a while about the colour: White or Pink? Finally I decided to go for the more basic white and I'm really happy with that choice. It's a rubber band and the clock has diamonds around, Bling Bling ;) I'm gonna wear it everywhere ;)
Back home I worked with my music and I have to tell U that I'm almost done!
At 11:30, I picked up Hanna and together we went to Sports Authority in Bellevue cause we both needed some soccer equipment. I wanted a pair of indoor soccer/gym shoes, if I'm gonna play more on Friday nights I want the proper shoes. But it was kind of embarrassing when I was looking for shoes. I thought that I needed a 6 or sth like that cause that's what I have on my soccer shoes and regular shoes. I couldn't find any in the youth section or in the men section and of course they didn't have any women section. So I asked for help and a guy found a 6 1/2 for me. I tried them on and they were huge! So big that my foot might be fitted twice in there, well maybe not but they were too big. So he went to youth sizes again and handled me a 6, also too big. Then I looked for my self since I now realized that there could be shoes in my size there. I tried a 5 1/2, too big, a 5, too big...hmmm I needed a 4 until I was happy. A 4!!! It sounds so small, but I think that they changed the sizes or sth cause it's a 36 1/2 in Europe. I was confused, but at least now I had the right shoes.
I also bought a t-shirt and Hanna bought shin guards, socs and a red t-shirt cause she is gonna play with my team on Sunday!! Jippie!
Back home, I ate and skyped with Anna, who now enjoys the snow in Colorado. She was tired but it was really nice she told me, but I don't envy her at all!!!
I picked up the kids and of course we went to the park when it now was such a great weather.
Later this evening, I picked up Hanna again, and we went to Emilie's place to finally watch Sleepless in Seattle! But it didn't work. It was a Swedish DVD and they have a different type of DVDs here so U need to do sth special with your DVD player. So once again, we couldn't watch that movie, I think we are gonna watch it on our last day here ;)
So instead we watched A knight's tale, that we also have tried to watch a couple of times. I really like that movie and it's so sad that Heath Ledger died, he's such a good actor and handsome ;)
Emilie was so against this movie in the beginning, just because it had the word "Knight" in the title. Talk about being prejudiced! But then, she was the one who laughed the most! We told U so Emilie!
Hanna had brought some funny candy that was shaped as eye globes ;) So we had some fun with them and got great pictures ;)
I drove Hanna home and since it was a bit late, I went to bed right when I came home.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

No school!

The kids were much better today, but they were home today as well since they weer throwing up today.
It was a really slow day cause they were still tired but they had some more energy than yesterday so we were outside for a while cause the weather was so nice and I didn't want to be inside the whole day.
We started the day with listening to a "Bamse" episode and then we watched "The muppets and the treasure island" It was a cute little movie and I was so tired so it was a nice start for me ;)
Sofia got a keyboard not so long ago and today she had a concert for me and her teddy bears. She now knows how to play "Twinkle Twinkle little star" ;)
We played some games, build with duplo and we saw another movie as well.
Outside we tried some new stuff with the skateboard, we tied it to the bicycle so one could drag the other ;) In the beginning it didn't work so well but after some rides it worked and Filip was happy ;)
When Jonas and Lotta came home, I went to the gym since I didn't have the possibility to go this morning. I attended a 1,5 hour Yoga class and it was really nice. You could really take some more time to feel all the poses and the breathing and every thing.
I walked back home and felt really good! That was nice!
I didn't go to Emilie's to watch Grey's and PP cause I didn't want to risk to infect anyone so I'm watching at home.
I'll take a cup of tea and just enjoy some Sandra time after a whole day with the kids ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

I'll miss her!!!! And my kids are sick

Today Filip was home from school cause he felt not well. He complained about a upset stomach but U can never really know for sure when it comes to the kids. But we let him be home for a while and then we would see how he felt.
After dropping Sofia at school, I took my jogging round and today it felt great! I manage to keep up with my time and I felt good during the entire round. I really like Nike's slogan when I'm working out: "Just do it!" It's a good motivator, donno why but it works for me.
When I got back, Filip wasn't better so I let him rest some more while I took a nice shower and then I started to update myself on my computer and I also called to the dentist and reschedule Filip and Sofia's appointment that was on my birthday.
Then they called from the kids school and said that Sofia wasn't feeling OK so I went and picked her up. She was also complaining about a bad stomach and she had all this morning.
Just as we walked in to the house, Filip threw up. Poor kid! I had prepared a bucket for him so he didn't threw up on the floor or anything.
He was really exhausted after that and they both just laid on the couch and watched TV. It didn't take long until Sofia threw up as well. Now they both just laid/slept in the sofa and were so helpless.
They watched a movie while I picked up Agnes and when I got back, I red for them a while but then they fell asleep and slept for maybe two hours. I got a pretty calm day so I got some things done on my computer.
I made dinner, salmon and mashed potatoes, and when Lotta and Jonas got home the kids were happy but still really exhausted.
I'm really working on my music tonight and I think I've got a better order now and I hope that I can get what I want on my Ipod without too much work ;) I'm also trying to think of what to do when my family is here and planning my schedule. Tomorrow Anna is going on a trip with her host family for TWO WEEKS!!! How will I manage? And she didn't plan any goodbye meeting with me so now I'm really sad :( I'm eating somenuts to cheer me up but it's not helping. I'll miss my friend!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Kadda is back!

Today (Tuesday) I took the kids to school without any problem and then I went to the gym and did the SET class. I was totally exhausted after that and I was almost not able to walk home ;)
I did my German homework, the laundry and some other choirs here before I took a one hour nap ;) It was really nice but I would have loved to stay in bed the rest of the day ;)
I picked up the kids and even though it was a bit cloudy, it was warm so we went to the park. We brought a snack and we had a great time playing with the kids new bounce balls that has water and glitter inside so it looks really cool when U throw them.
After maybe an hour, we went home to continue on Filip's Grasshopper project and today, he draw the life cycle of a grasshopper.
I took the bus to the college and I was a bit early so I ate my sandwich I had brought and red my book. Yesterday I finished the last Twilight book: Breaking Dawn!! I love it! So now I've started with a Swedish book called "Lyckans Tempel" by Alice Lyttkens. It's OK, but I haven't come that far yet. I took it from the family's bookshelf and it's a series so we'll see if I'll read the rest as well.
German was nice and it's only two times left so I need to sign me up for one new class but I don't know what yet. I wanna take German again I think but I wanna read in the morning instead. This far, I haven't found a class that fits so I'll see what I end up with.
After college, I went to Starbucks and Kadda was there! Hurray! She's back after her vacations in Washington DC. It was really nice to see and talk to her again and she had a lot to tell from her visit at her best friend's. It was nice to talk to everyone again and Tuesdays are actually one of the highlights of the week and I'm always looking forward to the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake ;)
Lotta was playing model today with Lindsey. She got styled and then took a lot of pictures. It was really fun she said and as a thank U from Lindsey she got a huge canvas picture of Filip that they had taken a while ago. It's so beautiful and emotional. They are talking about taking one of Sofia as well but with like the opposite emotions. I think that would look great and I hope they'll do it. Well, U can see for yourself but I think it's amazing!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Finally a new fridge!!!

Today, I woke the kids and got them started for a new school week with everything that comes with that. The weather today was nice and it was a great morning.
I had my phone with me everywhere cause today our new fridge was supposed to come and they were gonna call before they delivered it and I didn't wanna miss the call. They said that they had been here two times the last week and called twice as well but that's just bullshit cause I was home and had my phone with me. So this time I didn't wanna get them a chance for an excuse.
I went to QFC and bought two bags of ice for our temporary fridge, a Amazon box ;), cause I didn't know when the new one was coming.
Today was also the day for the last payment on the house that my family is gonna rent while they are here. So I went to the bank and made a withdrawal from my Swedish account where my mum had transferred the money. When I walked out of the bank I had $1800 in my hand! Can U guess how near it was that I went to the mall instead? ;) No, I called the couple and we decided that I should bring the money just before I went to pick up the kids.
The fridge guys came just when I ate my lunch so I just sat by the kitchen table, eating my noodle soup and watching Desperate Housewives while they were working. Felt good ;) To have someone else doing the work. Like my dad ;)
The new fridge is a bit bigger, than the old one, so it's coming out of the wall a bit but that's ok I think. As long as it works. And we still have water in the door so I'm happy ;)
I picked up the kids and when I was at Agnes, mum and dad called and were all anxious about how everything had went today. And when I told them that I had forgotten to ask for a receipt they almost freak out. So I promised to go back and get one, which I did with Sofia while Filip made his homework.
Filip has a project in school where they are writing about an insect. Filip chose grasshopper and today we did the cover of his work. He did really well and in the end, he is going to make a 3D model of an grasshopper and put it in a shoe box where we are gonna make it's habitat. It's a fun project, even for me ;)
I had my Spanish today and it went well. It was the second to last time now and I can't believe it's already been like 8 weeks since I started. OMG!! Well, time flies.
I got some really good chicken salad when I got home cause Jonas had had a meeting with the board of the Swedish school. Now Lotta and Jonas are cleaning the new fridge and I'm just watching...hahah, let others work for U ;)
Surprisingly, I'm not tired at all today. I'm usually tired after a whole day and then college, but today it's ok. I hope I'm not tired in the morning instead.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra