Breaks are Good

I really needed a break from blogging when we left Iceland, it felt like I just needed to let that time rest and in some ways continue at the same time by leaving my last post up for a good long while.  I still have things  to catch up on, perhaps in a designated time each week to stretch out the remembering as long and sweetly as possible.  We miss our life there, but returning to St. Louis has also been joyful, and we have packed in the craziness (as we do so well!) since coming back to the States.  The weather here is starting to feel a bit like Iceland. . .well, Iceland in July. . .and we’re putting our sweaters and hats back on after a month or so of shorts and t-shirts–just the right amount of time for me, I think.

I look forward to sharing more about St. Louis life, but first, Art House America has kindly published another essay of mine, this time about Iceland (here’s mine from last summer, about Dutch L’Abri).  While you’re over on that blog, check out some of the other articles there, there’s something for everyone and they’re always worth the time.  Here’s the link to my essay.

 

This Moment

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.* A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see. (Inspired by SouleMama)

 

Bless Bless

Dear Iceland,

You have been close to our hearts for a long time now, as the first time Eric came here, for 9 whole months just after we started dating, served as a crucially formative period in our relationship.  I visited you then, in the dark, windy 1st week of December 2005.  We came again in 2009, a remarkably gorgeous summer, just a year before we had our first child.  We saw some amazing bits of your countryside on two road trips, and I soaked up every inch of Reykjavik that I could.  Once more, last spring, with our boy just 7 months old, you greeted us with snow on the 1st of May.  We stayed in the city then, laying low as Everett battled a fever.

And then this year, deep in the middle of February, we returned, in the dark, in the snow.  Everett now 16 months, and a baby girl growing within me.  We settled in, we hibernated as our active toddler would allow.  Eric set to work on some of your manuscripts, working on a writing project and exploring the history of your fascinating people.  I set to work exploring the walkable radius of our apartment in the snow, meeting other mothers and knitters, and growing this baby.

Then she came.  Helped along, no doubt, by the many kilometers I must have walked through your streets as she grew, she made her entrance swiftly.  Aided and welcomed by two of your own daughters who comforted and encouraged me through the labor; your naturally heated spring water as the first element to touch her fresh new skin, she arrived.  Bryndís Ann, bearing a name that is part of your beautiful language, and who I hope will always be proud to claim you as the land of her birth.  You are now an indelible part of our family.

We say farewell, or “Bless bless,” to you now, but it is not forever.  We will be back, it feels inevitable, even necessary.

With Love,
Eric, Emily, Everett, and Bryndís

This chapter in the Bryan Family Adventure was made possible by: Icelandair, The Missouri Research Board, the American Scandinavian Foundation, The Arni Magnusson Institute, and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.  We would also like to thank Jóhanna Bogdottir, Hanna og Elvar Ingolfer for their lovely apartments; Magnea and Helga at Hallgrimskirkja, Bergdís Rosantsdottir and Hrafnhildur at the Red Cross; Jenny, Torril, Kassia, Renee, Jana, Colleen, Amanda, Sonja, Johanna, Sandra, Anna, Dawn, Angela, and all the other wonderful mothers I had the pleasure of sharing playtime with (no doubt I’m leaving someone important out); Hrafnhildur at Bjorkin Midwives, and Soffía of Hönd í Hönd for making Bryndís’ birth possible at home, and a peaceful, joyful experience; Kara Payne for coming to take care of us for awhile; Diane, Mike, Kaitlin, and Freya  Wilson, for being the difference between surviving and enjoying this visit; and of course our families, for showering us with love and encouragement, spending a fortune to send us the things we couldn’t buy here, and another fortune on coming to visit, serving as glorified babysitters and taking us out to dinner.  We couldn’t do it without you, and we appreciate you letting us take your grandchildren so far away for awhile.

 

Flashback to June: On our own, learning the ropes, enjoying each other

I had a hard time believing that, once my mom and sister left, we could possibly manage two children on our own.  Who would hold the baby while one of us bathed Everett and the other finished dinner?  Who would play with Everett while Eric worked and I fed the baby? How could I get both kids ready at the same time to go out, get back in time for dinner, and MAKE dinner all by myself while Eric worked?  HOW DO PEOPLE DO THIS?

Well, we have managed, and pretty well most of the time, if I do say so myself.  We even found time to enjoy each other!  Now, did I also find time to take pictures of it all?  Not really, but here are a few special moments from the relatively calm month of June.

The Festival of the Sea–this wasn’t a great day as we missed the best entertainment and it was crowded and Bryndís kind of lost it part way through, but we did discover this perfect place to throw rocks into the water.

There are no trains in Iceland, except for this old locamotive that’s parked by the harbor. I think there’s also a sign that says not to climb on it, but it’s in Icelandic so I claim ignorance 🙂

Nauthollsvík Beach, a very cool place; closest we’ll get to a real beach this summer.

June 17th, Icelandic Independence Day; Reykjavik got a little crowded as people from all over descended on the city for the celebration. We enjoyed the weather, some live music, and a classic car parade.

A true victory for me–we walked a good distance to Kjarvalstadir, one branch of the Reykjavik Art Museum that houses a lot of work by the artist Kjarval (love his stuff), and since it’s surrounded by a park I managed to time it perfectly so that Everett got to play for an hour, then was tired enough to sit still while I actually went on a TOUR! Then we all ate the lunch we brought in the museum cafe, and walked home in time for naps.  (I love Ev’s expression here, like, “um, Mom, I’m reading here”)

Naps all around, crucial to survival.

 

 

Dear Tourist. . .

I’m very glad to see you here, enjoying and discovering a country I love dearly, and patronizing all the businesses in this city.  I’m barely more than a tourist myself; I don’t speak the language and I don’t pay taxes, but I feel like the amount I’ve spent here in groceries alone counts for something.  And as a resident, even if temporary, I do feel the need to express a few thought to you, the even more temporary visitor:

• I completely understand that you wanted to pack light so one pair of comfortable shoes and an all-weather jacket of some kind were necessary, but it’s REALLY obvious that you’re not from here when you walk through the middle of town on a sunny 60 degree day in your North Face parka and bulky hiking boots. (Also, I know it’s a sauna in the U.S. right now, but it’s not THAT cold here)
• Now, the MATCHING North Face parkas and hats are just plain hilarious
• It’s weird when you take pictures of the front of my house, even if the view in this part of town is spectacular.
• It’s even weirder when you take pictures of my KID, especially without asking.  He’s cute, I know, but first of all, he’s not Icelandic, despite his blond hair and blue eyes.  Second of all, if I find those pictures anywhere on the internet besides MY BLOG, you’re in for a world of pain.
• When walking down the street, keep in mind that some of us are walking because we need to get somewhere, and you’re slow.
• On a similar note, when meeting with a group of other waterproof jacket, sunhat, hiking boot, and daypack-clad folk in order to enjoy a walking tour or catch a bus (undoubtedly to the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle), please don’t spread across the entire width of the sidewalk.  Again, some of us walking actually are trying to get somewhere (like home, before children start screaming).
• I apologize if I end up in your picture, immortalized in your scrapbook forever, making some awful face or picking my nose or something.  But it’s just impossible to avoid all your lenses, they’re everywhere.
• Americans, I am one of you so I can say this: you’re loud, louder than the French, louder than the Germans.  Just thought you should know.  Also, there are no McDonalds or Starbucks located in this whole country, so enjoy that while you can.
• You should absolutely buy an Icelandic sweater, because it’s really cool that although a great souvenir, locals wear them too, so you won’t look ridiculous.
• Do not, however, buy a Viking helmet, or anything with the Icelandic flag on it, and wear it around.  Dead giveaway (especially since real Viking helmets did not have horns. . .I think we have Wagner to thank for that little embellishment, though someone correct me if I’m wrong).
• Don’t worry about not knowing the language; it’s a tough one and only 320,000 people in the whole world speak it so no one blames you (especially not me), but learning a few pronunciation points will help you ask for directions. . .I won’t attempt to explain, just google it:)

Enjoy your stay!  It makes me feel extra special when one of you asks me directions and I can actually help, so if you see me (I will have one adorable blondheaded kid in a stroller and one screaming baby in a pack on my chest. . .hard to miss), feel free to ask!  (however, I’m moving away on Tuesday, SAD!)

 

Highlights: Mombee and Aunt Silly take Reykjavik!

After Kara left, my mom (known to Everett as Mombee) arrived for two weeks, and my sister Hannah (affectionately nicknamed Aunt Silly) joined her for the second week.  So we got a full month of extra help with a new baby, so awesome.  Some of the sweetest moments I don’t have pictures of, like getting to take my mom to two playgroups to meet everyone whom I’ve gotten to know over the past few months, just hanging out in the flat reading or watching videos with Everett, mom cooking most nights, wandering around town, shopping, and stopping at playgrounds, and the moments when they took both kids and I got to rest some!  We took one road trip that included Þingvellir and the southern coast down in Vík, and mom and Hannah headed to the Blue Lagoon one day.  Here are a few favorite pictures of mine:

whale watching, or really, rocky boat ride in the cold and looking at a lot of water:)

Watching some new dvd’s Aunt Silly brought with her

The girls at Þingvellir; we also got some great family portrait shots here but I’m saving those for the Christmas card.

Hannah and I (and Bryndís, hiding in the sling under the blanket) on the beach at Vík. This isn’t the best picture, but I wanted to show the cool rock formations behind us. It was a beautiful day to drive down there!

Skogafoss; not part of the planned day trip but we spotted it on our way home and had to let mom and Hannah get out. I was pretty ok with not unstrapping two babies again, but would love to go back one day and climb up to the top. How gorgeous!  Hannah took this picture, btw

Sheep! I have an absurd number of pictures of sheep and horses from our various drives, so it’s about time I threw one in here. There’s just something so magical about the way these animals are allowed to roam the countryside until they’re needed, and they are EVERYWHERE.  But sheep are particularly special, not just because I love knitting with their wool, but because my mom has a thing for them and decorated MY nursery with little sheep stencils.

 

This Moment

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.* A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see. (Inspired by SouleMama)

 

Highlights: Kara’s Visit

As timing would have it, baby girl arrived 2 weeks early which meant our friend Kara got to be here for the first two weeks she was alive!  Kara is someone we got to know last summer at L’Abri (remember? here, here, and here); she lives in the UK and the plan was for her to come and help me through the last two weeks of pregnancy, but timing is everything and I just love it when God’s turns out to be way better than mine.  She was a tremendous help as we got used to two little ones, often cooking and constantly doing the dishes (which seem absolutely endless), holding the baby or playing with Everett.  Bryndís’ birth was such that I recovered much more quickly than with Everett, so we also got to have a little fun with Kara. Here are a few highlights:

Holding the little one.

Bryndís’ first road trip at 1 week old!!

Kara at þingvellir

Snæfellsjokull, view from the car. The day was perfectly beautiful, though very very windy and chilly, so we were content to stay warm and snap pics out the window. We briefly considered driving the road that goes right through the glacier, instead of around, but a strongly worded caution sign changed our minds!

Everett, NOT sleeping on the way home from a long day’s drive around Snæfellsness

Kara on her last day with us, taken by the Viking ship sculpture down by the harbor, Harpa concert all in the background. We miss you, friend!!

 

 

 

 

Heima, part 4: Hanging out with Kiddos

We get out and about as much as possible as Everett’s energy level seems to increase daily and he needs more to keep him occupied than can be (safely, undestructively) found in our home.  But occasionally we do have a few lovely moments just chilling at home together, sometimes involved in activities together, sometimes everyone doing their own thing.
One of Ev’s favorite new things to do is climb into our bed with a book (or 5) and flip through them–literally, he loves just fanning through the pages–sometimes under the covers, sometimes sprawled out, and almost always with violently kicking feet and healthy doses of drool.
 This photo’s from awhile back, when we first moved in here in April, (and I have since had to retire that lovely red and white sweater due to a massive growth spurt in late April), but this fort stayed up for a few weeks and was a favorite place to summon Daddy when he came home in the evening.
At first, I thought this coffee table was an awkward height; then we set up the trains:)

 

{this moment}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.* A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.