Duluth

This weekend the whole Kvenild family went on a trip to Duluth. We had a great time together!

The kids had fun rolling down a hill at a rest area near Duluth


Joey and Aunt Ellen spent lots of time throwing rocks into Lake Superior

(By the way, Joey started to really take off walking while we were gone. He followed in his brother's footsteps and waited until he was 14 1/2 months. Now I'm in trouble!)

Kathryn just looking cute

Uncle Kyle helped Ike climb up this thing (of course scaring me)

mini golf!

Grandma and Grandpa with all of their grandkids

I got this great shot of Quintin! Isn't it adorable?!?!?

Family shot

Sibling shot!

Four of the cousins all managed to line themselves up on the back of our van



A ride from Aunt Kim

Uncle Kaare and Uncle Kyle gave Ike wild rides on the tire swing with Uncle Tom pushing them

A Long Hiatus

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I last posted. We've been keeping busy with many things....enjoying time with family, mini vacation, adjusting back to life in Minnesota, etc. Here are some pictures from our last couple of weeks.

Enjoying coffee with Grandma

A baby shower for Quintin

Michelle got lots of great gifts for Quin

Noelle enjoying time with her newest cousin

Quin's baptism

The Kvenild family

Noelle and Kathryn had fun playing together at the coolest wading pool I've ever been too (and it is free, too!)

Katie and Amy spent the week here and the kids had soooooo much fun with them! Everyday Ike asked where me where they were!

Playing in sprinklers is one of Ike's favorite things to do!

Joey taught Grandpa how to crawl uphill

We Made It!

After 20 hours or so of time spent on airplanes and in airports, we finally arrived in America last Friday. Overall, the trip was good, and we are very thankful for that! We are almost over jet lag, which is another blessing because this mom is not used to getting up in the middle of the night anymore! We have been spending lots of time with family these past few days, and are looking forward to lots more time with them in the next few months...and taking lots more pictures,too!!

Saying good-bye to our mission family

We arrived just in time for Grandma B's birthday

Joey and Grandpa K doing a little singing and dancing

Having fun with cousin's D and M

A stop at Cabella's on the way up to Kindred

Playing games with Uncle M

Grandpa G having fun with his grandkids

Me and Kathryn showing off her scholars cap (which she didn't want to take off....still need to take a picture of Quin with his)

Elle and Aunt K playing mini golf

Joey spent the day flirting with Aunt H

The kids loved playing in the sandbox

The Larsen grandparents and grandkids

Elle was so tired because she didn't nap at all. She ended up falling asleep while Uncle G was holding her!

Joey LOVED playing outside in the grass!

AliShan Mountain

This weekend we went with our friends on their family vacation to AliShan mountain. We had a great time with them! Thanks, Zhap's, for letting us spend the weekend with you!

It was very funny how Ike referred to the mountain. It is called AliShan mountain, but Ike referred to it as "A Ba's mountain" ("A Ba" is what the kids call our neighbor).

A quick note....in MANY pictures you will see Ike, Elle, or both giving the "peace sign". All the kids and many adults do that here for pictures, so my kids quickly picked up on it. Now, whenever I say smile, they don't smile but rather give the peace sign!

Sunset at 2170 meters above sea level

The view of Jade mountain from outside our hotel

The clouds rolling in....Ike loved that we were "in the clouds"

A mountain stream

Ike was so spoiled this weekend by Mr. Zhap's nieces and his daughter. They were so nice to him. On this particular hike, these two nieces held his hands throughout the entire hike. He LOVED having so much attention!

Joey slept through most of the hike in the sling, but woke up in time to get a ride on Daddy's shoulders and then in the backpack (Elle decided she would walk for a good chunk of the hike).

Mr. Zhap even took a turn carrying Elle in the backpack.

She enjoyed the ride so much that she fell asleep.

Some of the family (and Ike and Joey, too)

We got to watch some aboriganal dancers perform

Of course there is always the attempted family picture!

I'm not sure why, but Andy decided to try carrying Ike in the backpack....Ike's about 36 pounds and way too long to be in the thing. I guess Andy just wanted a challenge and Ike didn't mind the ride!

Joey and the girls

A stop at the highest Starbuck's in Taiwan


Not sure why, but I love this picture! I think it is because it looks like the road goes right into the mountain.