The Engleson Files

Well, the sleeping habits of young Svea Elina have royally stumped Kristin and I for the past year and trying to figure out how to get her to sleep on her own has been a daunting task to say the least. Magnus was extremely easy in his sleeping habits which gave us both an inflated sense of our parenting skills, but Svea has been another story altogether. Now, I realize we are the only ones to blame for our current predicament by allowing her to sleep with us, but those days have officially come to an end and time for hard ball is now! Basically, Svea always began her night sleeping in the crib but would always eventually end up with Mom in the bed to finish off the night. This all changed last night when we switched the venue of her crib from Mom and Dad’s bedroom to the computer room. (We have a bed made for her in the bunk bed but she refuses to sleep there so we were forced to come up with another plan B). So, with all of this said, last night was Svea’s first night sleeping alone. She cried many times for Mamma but did stay the course of the night alone. We will see how it all goes but for now Mom and Dad are very humbled by this young girl and I can only hope and pray that we have nipped this problem in the bud - soon!

Well, our little girl is growing up with each new day. Lately she has really been talking up a storm and has now turned to her ABC’s. Keep it goin’ girlfriend, you’re doing great!

Here’s a picture of young Magnus Bjorn with his best buddy Carter Brown in their new mandatory Monday school uniforms. Uniforms are commonplace in Chinese schools and from judging all the others ones that I’ve seen, these guys got off fairly easy. Not too sure I am down with the pants/shorts pattern, but hey, the things you have to do to get a little school spirit!

This past weekend was Mom and Dad’s 40th wedding anniversary. Yes, 40 years ago this was where they were in Vancouver, BC and there has been no stopping them ever since. While back in Penticton for the summer we were very happy to be able to celebrate with them and had a wonderful night. Congratulations Mom and Dad, we love you both very much!

And finally today we sadly leave Pappa Joe behind for another year. It was great hanging out with Joe and watching the kids latch on to him like never before - be sure to have a nice rest Pappa, you have earned it! Take care and we’ll see you in China.

Love,

Craig, Kristin, Magnus and Svea

Well, sadly, yesterday Gramma Judy had to leave us to go away for her annual work retreat with Abebooks. The family misses her dearly in our last few days and we all had an absolutely wonderful time with her this summer. Drinks, laughs, movies and great debates at the dinner table - we did it all! Thank you so much for everything Gramma and we hope to see you in China this coming May!

Love,

Craig, Kristin, Magnus and Svea

On the day we came back to Victoria, Papa Joe and Gramma Judy slaved away in the kitchen in order to have an Elmo cake ready for the kids to enjoy. Svea was just so elated by it that she murmured “Elmo” over and over again (what a surprise!) - needless to say, both of the kids loved the cake and enjoyed eating it thoroughly. Thanks Gramma and Papa!

On our last trip out on the boat today Magnus finally decided to get brave and jump off the front of boat. It has been a couple of years in coaxing him to do so and once he did it there was no stopping him - told you so pal!

The other day while out for a bike ride on the Kettle Valley Trail we stumbled upon this great little store that sold fruit and ice cream. While there I found this beautiful 1928 GM Apple Truck. I asked the guy how much he would sell it to me for but his only reply was muffled through laughter. (I’ll try again once I return!)

Here’s a summertime picture of the two gals hanging out on the water. Oh yes, vacations are a great thing!

Ah yes, the Tumble Tower, I can remember specifically hours upon hours of joy playing with it as child, and it is certainly seeming to stand the test of time with all of us adults these days. The game is simple: get all the little white balls from the top to the bottom as quickly as possible; and today during Happy Hour the Engleson clan could not get enough of this game. Everyone had a few rounds with it and in the end young Riley Engleson came out on top with a staggering time of 57.4 seconds. Well done young man, you are the true Tumble Tower champion of 2008!

As I stated in an earlier post, Magnus has been a bike ridin’ fool during our stay here in Penicton. Every morning he rides his bike to swim lessons (and any other chores that needs to be done) and then the other day he rode his bike all the way from one lake to the other - for a grand total of 10 km; and when you factor in that he has to pedal 5 times (at least) the amount as the rest of us I think he’s doing a pretty damn good job for a 4 year old. Anyways, he is just loving it and I hope he keeps it up. Atta boy Magnus!

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Every day for many hours Kristin, Magnus, Svea and I lounge around at the beach and just relax and watch the world go by. It is a great way to spend a vacation and it is especially nice now with the kids being a little bit more self-sufficient. Both kids love the water and all the wildlife that surrounds it, and here Svea was introduced to a mother duck and her ducklings - good stuff!

To Dad, Elizabeth, Andy, Kristy and Nikky,

Thank you so much for everything you guys did for Magnus, Svea and I. It was wonderful to see you all again and spend some time to catch up and share our families with each other. We all had a great time visiting with you in Windsor and I hope we can do this all again very soon - maybe this time in the Okanagan! I love you all and thank you again.

Love,

Kristin, Magnus and Svea