17 May-Independence Day

Heidi, Per-Tore and Liv's daughter being a very good cheerleader/chaperone.

Children's parade in Oslo.

King and Queen of Norway's Palace.

Lots and lots of kids.

Streets of Oslo.

Liv, Odd (Heidi's husband) and Anton.

Very cute picture of Per-Tore and Anton.

Left to right:  Ingrid, Steinar, Grethe, Bjørn, and little of Eric.

I think my brother Allen looks similar to Steinar (2nd cousin once removed) around the eyes.

Eric was given the job of grilling.

Yummy dessert!

Ingrid made this one, very delicious!

Today was 17 May, independence day for Norway!  The Norwegians celebrate big.  All the school children take part in a parade, first at their school, then in Oslo.  They wave flags, shout "hurrah!", and some have traditional costumes.  Many of the adults also wear a traditional costume called a bunad.  In fact 70% of the women own one.  They are handcrafted and very expensive, often passed down to other family members.  The bunads represent different regions of Norway, so you can tell where someone's ancestors came from by which bunad they are wearing.  There is a great deal of national pride in Norway.  After the parades we went to Per-Tore and Liv's house for a party, lots of food and laughing and talking.  And I am exhausted.  Sorry I forgot to post this yesterday.