Today had a planned slow start to the day. We decided to take it easy on the kids and let them sleep a bit later than we had been due to the long hikes we did earlier in the week. Greg went for a long (hilly) run while I mastered my best Norwegian (via google translate) to make my own cup of coffee in the fancy coffee maker.

Brooks and I made a successful trip to the store (with Brooks driving) to pic up some breakfast options. Brooks picked up a Skolebrød for himself so I added a couple more for others. When I got home I cut one in half thinking it wasn’t going to be my jam. Turns out I was wrong. It was delicious.

I had a chance to take a few more outdoor pics of our Airbnb.

The plan today is to meet for lunch at the Bayne’s around noon and then to head to Arendal in the boats to walk around and view the city from the glass elevator they installed since our last trip over.

Jason, Philip and Pia came to pick Brooks up a little after 10 to go prepare the boats.

The weather here in Norway changes frequently. A few days ago rain was predicted the entire time we were here. Then the forecast was updated late last week to zero rain. As of this morning it still said zero percent chance of rain as it was drizzling. Our main issue is the wind. It’s nothing like what we had on Preikestolen but boating could be interesting based on the weather app.

Greg layered up in five layers (albeit thin layers….essentially all Peter Millar with a rain jacket on top) and I borrowed a sweatshirt from Jake (have I mentioned I packed all the wrong things?) and off we went to the Bayne’s.

After a quick lunch we headed off to the boats. Brooks will be riding with Pia whose boat is docked in a separate marina. Because of her age she can only drive a boat with a smaller engine and I think is restricted on the number of passengers. I don’t really know what I’m talking about but Brooks is the chosen one to go with Pia. He’s her second favorite which really means first loser with this bunch. Greg is still her favorite but I’m guessing Greg wasn’t an option for her to pick because he’s in the boat with Jason.

Jason dropped off Pia and Brooks and met us at the dock where their boat is docked.

As we arrived in Arendal (the setting for Frozen) we were met with a jet ski who said that we couldn’t park in the normal spots because of a poker boat run. We had to go to some tie ups a little bit farther away.

We were going to stop for some “fish snacks” which I’m told are like fish and chips. I’m not exactly sure why we didn’t get any when we got there. (Maybe it was busy?) We tried to get some before we left town and they were closed so we had to settle on ice cream. Not sure if I’m happy or sad about that to be honest.

We walked the very short walk to the glass elevator which surprisingly was free for anyone to use. I’d expect anything like that to have a charge. The city decided to built it a few years ago as a tourist attraction because Arendal hosts several events a year. There is a viewing platform that we somehow had all to ourselves.

We decided to talk down vs the elevator. It was an easy path down

The kids were thirsty at this point. Logan is still struggling with allergies and wanted a Gatorade or water or something. Maddie and Lisa wanted to go to the Espresso House for a caffeine option so we split up into two group. I went with the boys to head for the 7 Eleven in a Church. Because why would you not?

We walked over to meet the kids at Espresso House which was in a mall. I found some dishes I need for my Norway house and they were on sale!

Time to head back to Fevik. Unfortunately the sun is behind a giant cloud so it’s going to be a chilly ride back.

Back at the Bayne’s we arrive and Karen had the table already set. Tonight’s menu was chicken on the grill (Logan’s request), vegetables, and potato balls. I’m not sure why we don’t have potato balls. Karen got impossible burgers for Maddie.

For dessert we had ice cream bars again. Except for Jason, Greg, and Brooks who made floats. I’m not exactly sure how or why this happened except that Greg was asking about Diet Coke which led to no Root beer in Norway which led to floats. I think Jason had a moment where he went back to his days in the states with floats so it was decided that instead of bars it would be floats. But only a few obviously bought into that. These floats were made with Neapolitan ice cream (Jason took strawberry only and Greg and Brooks did chocolate and vanilla) and orange soda. Sounds gross, they swore it wasn’t bad. I will take their word for it.

It was decided at dinner that we would host dinner tomorrow night. It’s definitely our turn to cook to give Karen a break and we have lots of space to do so. The dinner menu was decided to be pasta, bread and salad. Greg and I headed off to the grocery store because grocery stores are closed here on Sundays.

It was an interesting trip with us trying to read Norwegian labels but I think we nailed it. We only made multiple laps around the store as we refined the menu as we shopped. I’m especially excited about two of my finds.

While we shopped, Jason and most of the kids headed up to the Strand Hotel to extend the evening. Frisbee, Volleyball and throwing football were on the agenda. Brooks said it took Greg and I forever at the store (he’s not wrong) so we missed all but the volleyball.

They were playing with another family when we arrived. Greg and I were happy to sit on a bench.

Pia ran over and had us hold her phone and told Greg he could look at her Lock Screen which was a goofy pic of him. He was wearing the same clothes which we thought was funny. We spent part of our time taking funny pics of us as well as random things (like Greg’s shoe) on her phone. I’m wondering if she will see them on her own or if we will need to confess.

After those games it became a Bayne plus Jake vs Baker minus me competition. Unfortunately Jake was on the losing team and the Baker Family (with no help from me) remains victorious.

Tomorrow we will have an even slower start to our day. The Bayne Family will go to Church around 11 (maybe with Brooks joining) and we will meet around 1pm. The plan tomorrow is to go to where Pia’s boat is docked (also where Karen’s family lives) for stand up paddle boarding (not sure any Baker will be doing that even with a wetsuit), kayaking, ultimate frisbee (Jason wants revenge!). We may take the boats to an island weather permitting and then dinner here. Uno No Mercy Showdown tomorrow night!

Mixed emotions about our last full day on Fevik tomorrow. Excited for what’s on the agenda but it’s never enough time….