Family Time...

Family Time The day after I got home was a me day. I took a trip down to the beach and ended up buying two new pair of glasses. One regular pair and some subscription sunglasses, which I love! Dad came home that evening so I spent the next day with him running a few errands and playing a game of golf. We both sucked miserably at it but we got to spend time together and laugh at one another a whole bunch! Hehheee… Here is a picture of dad hiding from some players that passed us by on hole 4.

Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays was wonderful. Dad and I arrived a few hours before we sat down for the big meal and I was able to help my sister with the food and cleaning a bit. She did a fantastic job with everything, her turkey better than perfect and as always the sweet potato soufflé and pecan pie were heavenly. For all you non-americans who might wonder what we eat for Thanksgiving here is a list of what we had for dinner. Hopefully I won’t forget something Dinner: Roast Turkey Stuffing Gravy Broccoli Casserole Cooked Corn Green Bean Casserole Macaroni and Cheese Croissants Sweet Potato Soufflé Cranberry Relish Dessert: Pecan Pie Sweet Potato Cheesecake Sweet Potato Pie

After eating and resting a few hours my dad, Jessica (sister), Daniel (brother-in-law), and Thomas (the nephew), and I loaded up into the minivan and headed out! My sister and I had decided out that this weekend would be a perfect time for visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a place I had never been before. For those that do not know, the Outer Banks are a small strip of island chain that protects the coast of the state I grew up in. It is home to the famous lost colony at Roanoke, wild horses that are believed to have survived ship wrecks along the coast, the largest sand dunes (some up to 100ft)on the east coast of the USA as well as being the spot where man flew for the first time. Here are a few pics from there...

West of the Mississippi

Early thursday morning I left out of Myrtle Beach. A small stop in Charlotte, NC and I was on my way to Phoenix, AZ to met up with friends for a Phoenix/Las Vegas weekend. Our first evening was spent catching up, exploring Kelly's sex shop, and waiting for the straggler to arrive. The evening ended with mexican food and margaritas! The next morning we set off bright and early for the four hour ride up to the grand canyon. Our first pit stop was also a combined tourist attraction and we spent about an hour or so wandering around the Montezuma Castle Park. It was amazing to see how the native americans had been able to build structures in the cliff walls and the fall colors were just amazing.

A few more hours of driving through the desert plateau of Arizona brought us to the Grand Canyon, which in my opinion was absolutely fantastic! Its immense size and the variation of brown and red colors were overwhelming. We walked along the southern rim, chatting, taking pictures, listening to the rangers, and trying to get close to the fat squirrel that lived there!

We arrived in Las Vegas that evening and I was again overwhelmed, but in a totally different way. Driving down the Las Vegas strip was indeed a sight. The lights, signs, crowds of people, and constant bombardment of stripper (sex) advertisements by very small, old non-americans (mexicans) really set the mood. We spent the next few days exploring the different themed resorts, which were dressed up to a tee. It was so strange to spend a half an hour walking through the egyptian styled Luxor where many of the decorations seemed so real and then walking back out into the chaos that was Las Vegas! We ended our last night in Vegas watching the beautiful light and fountain show at the Bellagio.

The next morning was an early one for me and some of the others. We had another early morning walk to explore some of the casinos we hadn't made it to yet and to take some fun pictures. After meeting up with most of the group for breakfast at Treasure Island we loaded up and headed back to Phoenix with a quick two hour stop at the Hoover Dam! :P

Coming "home"

It is always nice to come "home" to the USA. The weather is almost always warmer than what I am leaving behind in Norway, everything is cheaper and I get to shop a bit, and I get to eat some of that great southern food that I miss at times. The best part though is seeing all the people that are close to your hear. Your family that you talk with on the phone, plus all those people who you just don't seem to be able to stay in contact with but when you meet them you get that "yesterday" feeling.

But the last few weeks have been great and I have had the chance to spend quite a bit of time with my sister, nephew and my father. For Halloween we went to a church function. Thomas went as Elmo and I won a cake. So all in all a very good night! :)

The weather has also been wonderful for the most part, something you can see from the pictures I have included. The first one is from my dads backyard and the area I grew up. Here below is a picture from a boat trip we had out on the coastal way. Fantastic day with 27C, lots of sunshine and fun!

The last week before my trip to Phoenix and Las Vegas I had my last exam ever! :D The feeling of finally getting done with it and knowing that I may never have to take another one was just fantastic. It was even more fun to know that this baby was waking for me once I finished. Now to just figure out how it works! Hahahaa....