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We've had guests since May 2nd, my sister and her husband have just left after one of the most fun weeks of my life. Just a quick "guest list", as much for myself and remembering. David Jeremiason (Jeff's Bro), Jan Jeremiason (Jeff's Mom), Joan Day (Jeff's Aunt), Chelsea - Valerie - Andrew (GAC students who spent a Monday with me while Jeff was in Norway), Kristen & Rob Johnston (my Sister & husband). Right now, I'm doing laundry and our dear friends from St. Peter, Mary and Lydia arrive tomorrow morning...oh, and a co-worker of Jeff's will be here this week-end, too. Then we will welcome Ingrid and her family from Oslo next week-end for our final farewell with them. This is what I love - it's almost the best "tired" I've ever felt in my life, second only to the tired of a new baby.
Hanging out with me sister was a blast. It's the most time we've spent together since we were probably 13 years old. When we were little, we'd get home from school, eat our toast (or homemade chocolate chip cookies if Mom was home!) and watch a little Gilligan's Island before we'd most likely head
outside to play. Then we started to grow up and apart...naturally. I'm two years older, so I was involved in my sports and friends and boys, then it was off to college, marriage and motherhood. I don't think we've had an uninterrupted conversation (in person) in 25 years. That last conversation was probably about who left the milk out or who's turn it was to unload the dishwasher. A lot has changed in 25 years.
It turns out, I really like my sister. I'm pretty sure we'd be friends, even if we didn't have to be. I loved the occasions this past week when people would ask us if we were twins. She's really cute, I was flattered. We don't actually look that much alike, but I think our mannerisms make it seem more so than it is. Last night we asked Jorgen if we looked alike and he said, "No. Krissy has curly hair and you have straight. You (me) have lighter eyes and a bigger nose...and your clothes are different. Your hands look the same, but you have these (he touches my rings - Kristen forgot hers at home)." There you have it. She's the hip, sassy
twin, by the way...I'm the boring traditional one. Case in point. The answer to the question, "if your friends were jumping off a cliff, would you?" is an absolute "No" for me. Kristen, on the other hand, jumped right in. There was never a second where I thought, "maybe I will" and I actually think she would have done it again if her body didn't ache from running a marathon less than 48 hours before and the thought of jelly fish and creepy fish with eyes on the sides of their head wouldn't have stopped her.
I can't write the blog about jumping off the cliff, I can only show you the photos and tell you what a blast it was to watch. Rob, Kristen, Emma and Jeff (in the order) jumped from the cliff near Gunnel's house. The water was about 14 degrees - which is somewhere in the mid to upper 50's, I think. The biggest shock to Kristen was that it was salt water - it hadn't occurred to us to mention that and she never gave it a second thought until she had a saline nasal experience upon landing! One of the extra fun parts
for us was seeing the boy in Emma's class interacting with her as she contemplated the leap...for-ev-er. Long contemplation aside, she did it - TWICE! She and Rob were going to go together the second time. They did the count and then Emma balked as Rob couldn't stop the momentum of his big body propelled him forward. Emma giggled a bit and then leaped.
The next day, Jeff, Kris and Rob went golfing while I cleaned up around the house and then yesterday, Kris, Rob and I had a shopping day in Gothenburg before taking in Signe's dance performance with her class last evening. She loves to dance and it was fun to see that and share that time with her Godparents. 3:45 am rolled around much too quickly this morning and, in a fog (that's early, even for me!) I said good-bye to my sister and her husband. We didn't solve any world (or family) issues while we were together, but I can tell you that we laughed and there is some serious value in that. I know their kids miss them terribly, and "real life" beckons them, but I'm so pleased to have shared a bit (perhaps
the best bit) of this year with someone I love so dearly. Now I hunger for a time when ALL of my sisters can share some time together.
These next 27 days (yes, I'm still counting) will fly by - now I get a week with one of my dearest friends and Emma with hers. Come on "Sister Sverige" gives us your best...
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Grandma Jan
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Good Memories
Great pixs - the rocks and sea - you're going to miss them! Good courage, Emma! Enjoying time with your sister - priceless!