Stavanger
The flight to Stavanger via Amsterdam was overnight and we had a seat for Mathilde this time so the kids managed to get some sleep, thankfully. Nevertheless it was a long flight.

We had, reluctantly left Cape Town to return to Lagos the day before. Jeremy's parents had left on an early plane for Manchester and we left a bit later in the morning and arrived in Lagos in the evening. The next day had been spent unpacking summer clothes and packing empty suitcases.

My parents met us at the airport and we drove back to Eikebergveien. The house they are building into the rock behind our house was still not finished when we got back and we felt quite glad not to have had to live their through the construction. The tenants in our house are a Scottish family with 4 kids and a dog.

We had a lovely lunch with all the food we had been missing for five months, and then afterwards Erik ran out to see his friends, Mathilde had a little sleep and Daniel, Jeremy and I went for a walk. As we walked past Daniel's "barnehage", he saw a lot of old friends so he got to spend the afternoon there. And he had to promise to come back the next day. Jeremy and I enjoyed our walk. It was great to feel free again.

The next day Erik went to visit his old class and Daniel went to his old barnehage.
Uncle Håvard, Tante Trine and Julie flew down from Bergen to spend a long week-end with us. It was great to see them again. Mathilde and her cousin Julie even got to share a room which they thought was great. They also enjoyed going up to the lake and playing in the playground.

Saturday night we had a late Christmas dinner. My mom had left a some Christmas decorations around and afterwards we even open a few Christmas presents that had been too heavy to send. I think our children could get used to having this many Christmases...

Sunday was really pouring down with rain, so we decided to go the Children's' Museum in Stavanger. My cousin Nora and her family also met us there. Erik, Bjørn, Jonas and Daniel played like they hadn't been apart. Mathilde and Julie were impressed by their older cousin Målfrid.

On Monday, Erik only had a short day at school. I drove him there in the morning, and then I dropped in to Godalen School. It was nice to see all my old colleagues again and catch up on the school gossip. Both Erik and Daniel had dentist appointments at 11, but luckily they had no holes so we came straight back. Jeremy had decided to take an extra day of holiday, so he and the boys went bowling in the afternoon while my mom, Trine and I took the girls on the bus to Kvadrat for some shopping and a nice lunch. I had "Hattings" in the evening where it was great to meet up with girlfriends that I have known for twenty years.. Are we really that old???

On Tuesday, the children just had a quiet morning playing and then we went for a last walk up to the lake. Afterwards, Håvard and family had to leave for Bergen. That was sad, but luckily it will only be 5 months until we see each other again.

Daniel and Mathilde had their 5 and 2 year check-ups with the nurse and doctor on Wednesday morning. It was good to hear that they are both very well and they also remarked on how big Mathilde is for her age (all she eats is meat!). My mom came along and we went to a shopping center (Kilden) for lunch.

My mom and Daniel hurried home to make waffles and coffee for my aunt and uncle who came to visit that afternoon. I took Mathilde on a longer walk in the rain, past a farm with horses and then up to feed the ducks and swans. I think the rain stopped Mathilde from having her nap. It was very nice to see "Moster" and uncle Bjørn again.

We invited 14 of our closest friends to come for dinner that evening. But we have become spoilt by having a steward, and decided to go for catering; one of our favorite restaurants, Ostehuset, delivered a lovely buffet. It was great to catch up on all people's news and show photos from South Africa and Nigeria.

My mom took the boys to the museum for a new dangerous creature exhibition. They loved it. Afterwards they had lunch in town. Kathrine and her baby Hannah (7 months) came to visit me and Mathilde. In the evening, Erik and Daniel went to Jakob's 8 year birthday party. He had arranged it especially for them, since they were leaving the day before his class party which was very thoughtful.

Erik and Daniel both went to school and the barnehage the last days to say goodbye and went home with Solveig again. Mathilde got to see Ann Kristin as well. She seemed to recognise the house, and told Ann Kristin "see you in the morning"
Jeremy and I spent most of the day packing. I think we reached the limit of 130 kg , with our eight pieces of luggage...We are travelling like real Africans.