My American Family in Denmark

SO much has happened in the past few days that it is hard to know how to even begin. I guess now that I think about it, it's only been three days since I last blogged, but in many ways it feels like it's been lightyears longer. The most significant and exciting update is that my mom has arrived! She's only been here for two days, and yet we've packed in a significant amount of activity. It has been fabulous to share the city and my Danish life with her, and I will share some of the highlights here.

Picking up breakfast on the way
home from the airport

Thursday morning: We began with a full Danish breakfast with breads, cheeses, jams, and the best pastries! To keep her awake and moving, we took a long walk around Ejby. This gave me the chance to show her my running trails and favorite spots to play with the dogs. We even got to introduce her to the neighborhood sheep (anyone who knows my mom knows that she has a thing for sheep)!

We were THIS close! My mom even got to pet some of them!

The sun was shining and the reflection on the pond was THIS vivid!

Junior and Baloo were very happy to join us

Later in the afternoon, we took off for Roskilde, a waterfront town north of Glostrup/Copenhagen. The Hellesens thought it would be a good short trip to keep her up and moving without having to go all the way into the city (which we would be doing the next few days). She was not disappointed!

The town is famous for two things: 1. the cathedral where royalty is buried 

And 2. The VIKINGS! 

Lars shows us where we are in relation to the rest of Denmark

We ventured down to the water

Gorgeous colors of the boats, water, and sky

Mom's and my favorite aspect of the town were the buildings... mostly shades of orange,
yellow, and red with colorful roofs and gorgeous gardens

After our adventure through a forrest to the waterfront, we walked down the little main street...

...and eventually walked back up it (of course stopping into little stores along the way)

We'd worked up a bit of an appetite from our walk around the town, so Helle suggested we sit and get a drink at this beautiful outdoor cafe on the square.

Even though it was Thursday at 2pm, the little town and cafe were bustling with activity!

Note the castle in the background of our drinks

Mom and Helle enjoy their drinks

Before leaving town, upon my request, we stopped at a Danish Red Cross Thrift Store. Lars was patient while Helle, my mom and I picked out jackets, dresses, and a purse. I think I may have successfully converted Helle to thrifting! :)

My mom tastes the caramel and white chocolate mixture that
Mira has made for a layer in her cake

At home that evening we enjoyed a traditional Danish, Mexican dinner (this was said in jest when I first arrive in 2012...there is not such thing as traditional Danish Mexican). Mira baked us an AMAZING cake, and we all settled in to spend the evening together. It was really fabulous to have us together, and my only regret is that we don't have my dad, Mike, or Katie with us here too. I know that this will not be my last trip to DK and will ensure that I get the rest of my American family here soon.

I have many more exciting updates about today's adventure, but now I am crashing. Godnat!