Boxing Day 26th of December

No, it isn't a shopping day like it is in the USA.  Actually the stores are not open :-(  So we piled on our layers of clothes to go on a mini adventure during the day.  We drove to Ølberg beach to enjoy the fresh air and a tiny bit of sunshine its about 15 minutes away from our house. We have had rain everyday except one 24hr period since we arrived. (not now we've had several days with sunshine since 2014).  When we pulled up there were these crazy people undressing down to their swimsuits.  YES, its freezing outside and people with santa hats are ditching their clothes.  I guess its their annual tradition to go swimming in the North Sea on Boxing Day.  Before we left for the beach, we told the kids were were going to the beach, Rebecca responded with...oh I need to find my swim suit.  We told her it was too cold for swimming at the beach.

She looks in amazement… these people are going swimming and I'm stuck in my winter suit. 

They looked CRAZY and cold.  

Most of these people had, what we in Texas call coveralls or thick robes to throw on after they came out of the water.  But I don't recall anyone going completely into the water.  Most of the people came out of the water pretty quick and grabbed their towels/warm clothes except for one crazy guy.  I guess he was trying to skimboard.  He did a few times but gave up fairly quick.  And just for the record, they weren't all speaking Norwegian a couple were speaking English.

Marcus playing in the sand while crazy man tries to use his skimboard

After the crazies left the beach, the kids had a great time playing in the sand.  Yes, no gloves but their little hands were warm.  Mine were freezing, with gloves on.  They were starting to get a little brave running out towards the water almost getting caught a couple times.

The wave almost caught her.

After playing in the sand for a while, we went on another expedition.  There is a small harbor just to the left of the beach area.  

Marcus is walking up towards a German WWII bunker

Photo was taking from on top of the bunker

Rebecca taking a stroll

We have been back since the 26th of December.  The kids found a great trail through the bunker and under some rocks, its perfect for the kids but not so great when Mommy & Daddy are both tall.  

After the beach trip we went back home to get dressed for desserts at Besetmor's house.  Its very nice visiting with family.

Rebecca & Marcus had already been given their desserts