Thanksgiving++

My parents came to visit us over Thanksgiving week.  The kids always have early dismissal on Monday and Tuesday during that week and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off, so it makes for a good week to visit. 

We went on a pirate treasure hunt set up by a local family.  There is a new treasure hunt every month on a different 1 to 1.5 mile hike, complete with map, clues, and treasure box that you have to solve the code for.  On the hike, we found some deer including a buck with many points (I didn't count, but it seemed impressive).   Lydia wanted a picture with it and if you zoom in, you can see the buck in the background.  

The pirate treasure hunt hike brought us past a playground. 

Derek was dressed with pirate accessories.

The monthly hunt is very popular in the area and we had to wait for our turn to unlock the treasure chest and pick prizes.  The kids had solved the code of the lock with clues along the hike.  

As usual, the kids loved having the extra attention from Mimi and Mormor.  

Thanksgiving Day dinner was a success!  All the food was delicious and I think worth the many hours of effort.  

Derek made an obstacle course in the front yard with Mimi helping.

Derek developed a fever on their last night here and also threw up once. His illness was short-lived at least.  A few days later, when they were home in Miami, Mimi was able to report that Derek had given him a present: a cold.  Derek thought his 'present' was hilarious.

Lydia and Derek's elementary school had an International Night.  Much to Karina and Lydia's dismay, I made them dress up in their Norwegian bunads.  They finally cooperated for some photos. 

Derek missed out on posing and wanted to join in too for a moment:

Derek has improved on the piano and is less rebellious than before.  I still wouldn't call him cooperative in practicing though, but he is certainly forced to be consistent. 

Karina had a recital with her new piano teacher Ms. Maja.  At the last minute, the in-person recital was cancelled because Ms. Maja had a fever of 104.  However, she held a virtual concert the next day instead.  Karina's main song was 'Rondo Alla Turca' by Mozart.  She also played a version of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' and a duet with Lydia ('Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella').   Everyone did a great job.  Here is Karina playing Mozart: 

 

We watched the World Cup Final with great suspense.  We were on team Argentina.  Below you can see how nervous Karina was during the exciting game.  She has her hands over mouth and nose because it was so nerve-racking.