Kings, Queens, Football, Friends and Family!!!!!

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends,
I cannot believe it has been three weeks since I updated Sondre's blog.  Do I need to reintroduce myself to you all?  So many exciting things to tell you all about.  Starting with our brush with Norwegian Royalty three weeks ago today.  Then I have to fill you in on all of what is going on in football for both Sondre and Alex.

The Queen, King and (in our opinion) the "crown prince" of Norway: Sondre Lerhol. 
Three weeks ago today we were able to join many Norwegian students and many Americans of Norwegian descent at a church service at Augsburg College.  Even though my sister Anne is a graduate of Augsburg College I had no idea of the connection to Norway. 

Augsburg was the first seminary founded by Norwegian Lutherans in America, named after the confession of faith presented by Lutherans in Augsburg, Germany, in 1530. Augsburg opened in September 1869, in Marshall, Wisconsin, and moved to Minneapolis in 1872. The first seminarians were enrolled in 1874, and the first graduation was in 1879.  Here is a link to its history for you to review. Here is a link on the college history is you are interested in learning more.  http://www.augsburg.edu/about/history.html

The service was wonderful and done just beautifully in both English and Norwegian.  We were excited to be able to meet Mary Quanbeck Barber at church (who is a relative of Sigrun's here in Mpls).  We also met her Mom and Dad and her brother who is a professor at Augsburg.  I am starting to think Sondre's has as many relatives here as I do.  After the service we were able to go to a reception in in honor of the King and Queen and I was amazed at just how close we were able to get to them.  They seem like very lovely and warm people.  I think Sondre really enjoyed the entire morning...Scott and I sure did.

 The King and Queen...can you believe how close we were?

 Sondre, Mary and her parents

Sondre and me standing by as the Queen and King walked over to the reception.

AFS Party and Presentation: 

After the brush with fame and church service we went home to get ready for the AFS party at our house.  Every month one of the AFS students must host all of the other students at their house and do a presentation on their home country.  Sondre did a great job and was both interesting and funny.  Everyone was extremely impressed with him, but also so interested in this wonderful family he has in Norway.  Scott and I were very proud of the job he did and we think the other kids will have a "tough act to follow" after the great job he did.  Sondre made Lefsa for his "dish to share" and every single bit of it was gobbled up by the kids.  They seemed to love the ones with Nutella in them.  Nutella has become a staple around our house since Sondre joined us....I had never had it before now. 

 All of the kids waiting for Sondre to start his presentation.

Sondre giving his presentation to a very full room of kids and their American parents.

Later that evening we watched Torstein's documentary and all we can say is WOW.  Sondre translated it for us so we got a very good idea of what was going on.  We loved it and now feel very honored that someone of Torstien's fame will grace us with his presense this Christmas in the US.  :)  

Minnetonka Football...an amazing season comes to an end:

It is hard to believe that the football season for Sondre and the Minnetonka Skippers has come to an end.  They played well all season (the Jr. Varsity team was undefeated) and the varsity team had only lost a few games against extremely tough opponents.  (Wayzata and Eden Prairie).  Friday night they had to play Eden Prairie again to advance to the State tournament and sadly they lost a heart breaker by only 3 points.  I think Sondre was surprised by how overwhelmed he (and all of the other seniors) were by the loss.  He said there were a lot of tears in the locker room afterwards and the coaches were emotional too.  We are so happy that he had such a wonderful experience and was part of such a great team of young men.  Next....he has to decide which sport he wants to play this winter.  His football coach thinks he should be on the wrestling team....so we will keep you posted on if he decides to do that or skiiing.  Either way...he will meet more kids and keep active. 

Frank and Buehla were able to come to one of Sondre's games in the last few weeks!

Winona State Football:  Alex has been the starting QB for the last 4 games!!!!

Scott and I have seen more football games in the last 10 weeks than in our lifetime.  We have enjoyed it immensely but have had some scheduling conflicts trying to be in two places at once.  Alex was not expected to be the starting QB this year but circumstance with the other QBs changed that and Alex has started the last four games and has led the team to three victories. 

Yesterday,.Scott, Sondre and I got up really early and drove to Bismarck North Dakota to watch Winona State play University of Mary.  It is a LONG drive...6.5 hours each way but was worth it.  Alex played really well and Winona State won in the last 2 minutes after a long offensive drive down the field led by our favorite #18 Alex.  Here is a link that was in the local newspaper about the game.  Next weekend we are going to drive to his final regular season game in Wayne Nebraska.  We might rent a motor home since it is another long drive.  Sondre will now be able to say he has been to North Dakota and Nebraska in just two weeks. http://bismarcktribune.com/sports/college/football-u-mary-falls-to-winona-state/article_f9868b42-0826-11e1-90e3-001cc4c03286.html

All of us on the field after the game....it is strarting to get cold her so we are all bundled up.

Family:

Sondre was able to spend the weekend with Frank and Buehla when Scott and I went out of town to one of Alex's game.  They also had dinner at Deb's too.  Sondre really enjoyed the time he spent with all of them and is very lucky to have such a wonderful family right here in Minnesota. 

Two weeks ago Courtney, Amelia and I flew to Virginia Beach Virginia to visit Pam and Jackson.  Billy (my son and Pam;s husband) is out on deployment with the Navy until January so we like to keep Pam company and try to visit often.  We had a great time and really enjoyed spending time with Pam and loved watching Jackson and Amelia play with one another.  Pam and Jackson will be home over Christmas and are  excited to see Knut and Torstien too.  I am really blessed to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law.

  Amelia and Jackson giving each other a little smooch. 

Me reading to the kids before they went to bed.  How lucky am I???

Last Sunday we all went to Amelia's 3rd birthday party at Courtney and Ryan's house.  Sondre was able to meet a lot of relatives that he had not met before and they all enjoyed meeting him.  So many people remark about how fortunate we have been to get two Norwegian exchange students that are so cool. 

Tomorrow Courtney and Ryan find out if their baby is a boy or girl.  I think it is another girl...we shall see in less than 24 hours.  Courtney is about 20 weeks pregnant and feels really good and looks adorable. 

Today we are just hanging out, doing some grocery shopping and errands and then off to another AFS meeting tonight. 

Hope you are all doing well.

Lots of Love,

Alix and Scott

I might have to blog twice this week....lots going on!!!!

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends...

Well the lull in our schedule is already over...we are back to an action-packed week.  Last week was busy and exciting and this week is unfolding as a busy one too.

I will start with last week...

We had a wonderful time in Winona with all of the kids.  The most exciting part of the weekend was that Alex played most of the game as the Quarterback vs. UMD.  We were all enjoying the game and all of sudden Courtney said "Oh my goodness...Alex is putting on his helmet! He is putting on his helmet" and then she started to cry she was so happy that he was going into the game.  She is emotional anyway but since she is pregnant she takes emotional to a new level.  Anyway...we all started to cheer for him.  The Warriors did not win but Alex played really well in spite of the loss.  It was fun to watch the game with Sondre...he has become a very seasoned football expert...he uses all of the lingo and football terms just like he has played football all his life.  We just learned tonight that Alex will be starting this weekend vs. Augustana (Sioux Fall, South Dakota). Very excited for him!!!

Alex and Amelia after the big game!  CUTENESS!

After the game we went back to the house we rented and had a bonfire...the kids stayed up until 3am.  We old folks went to bed a little earlier than that...but not too much earlier.  :)  I think we will rent that same house in May when Alex graduates from college...it was perfect for a big family. 

Sondre was awarded the "Minnetonka Champion of the week" for Football.  He was recognized for his hard work and dedication and for how much he has improved since football started in August.  The coach told us that he has been making some pretty amazing catches during practice.  As usual he has football this weekend.   

Tonight Scott and I attended parent-teacher conferences at the high school...it has been a long time since we have had to do that...not sure but we may have been the oldest parents there.  We met with most of Sondre's teachers to see how he is doing and I am happy to report his grades are very good and all of the teachers were very complimentary of Sondre as a young man.  I just cannot imagine going to school in a different country and learning in a different language and getting As and Bs. 

Scott has finished editing Sondre's senior pictures and below is a link so you can see them all.  Take a look and let us know which ones you like the best and we can order some and send to Norway.

Sneak peek at one of his senior pictures...here is the link to the others. 

http://gallery.me.com/scolehour/101524 (username: sondre password: sondre)

So...on Sunday I will blog again and tell you about his busy weekend.  On Sunday we get to meet the King and Queen of Norway!  How exciting is that?  We get to go to church with them and also attend an invitation only reception afterwards.  If they are anything like the English royalty I will be ready to put a "birds-nest" on my head as a hat and rub elbows with them.  :) 

On Sunday afternoon we will be hosting all of the AFS families at our house and since we are the hosts, Sondre has to do a presentation.  He did a nice job with it...it is about Norway, the culture and traditions, his family and about him too.  We will take a video of it so we can show you all.  Also, we are supposed to serve some Norwegian fare and we found Lefsa and some of the wonderful Norwegian chocolate too.  We will also be displaying all of our beautifully hand-carved wooden pieces (by Tore Gloppen's grandfather) that the Gloppens have given us over the years.  We also have our Norwegian flag on the front of our house...so we should be all set.   

This was a really big week for the Lerhol's and especially for Torstein since the documentary about Torstein's life had its grand opening to rave reviews.  We are a little worried with all of this fame that he might be too cool to hang with us regular folk when he is in the US.  We will see.  :).  Congrats Torstein!

More to come on Sunday...have a great week all. 

Love, Scott and Alix

Life in Minnetonka is getting pretty normal....

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends:

Sorry I have not blogged in a few weeks but I think life is getting pretty normal.  Sondre has been busy with both school and football and he has not been feeling too well for the last 3 weeks.  He has had a nasty cold that just does not seem to want to go away.  He missed one day of school and the big football game vs. Wayzata last Friday.  They lost...their first loss of the year--must have been because Sondre was not there.

In a few weeks it is Senior Night at a football game and all of the players that are Seniors and their parents are introduced.  They are doing a catalog of the kids and wanted a picture of when Sondre was younger so we used this one (cut out of a picture that Synne set me before Sondre came)...look at what a little cutie he was. 

Sondre as a kid (not sure how old he is)

 Sondre (17)...his taste in suits certainly has not changed. :)

Tomorrow we are all going to Winona to watch Alex play UMD (University of Minnesota--Duluth)...we rented a house (way cheaper than a bunch of hotel rooms) that sleeps 12 so it will be perfect for us.  Courtney, Ryan, Amelia are coming with Scott, Sondre and me and then my nephew (Ben) and his girlfriend  (Ala) will join us there since they go to college in Winona.  Alex will join us after the game for a bonfire and Scott's famous roast beef sandwiches.  The adults may have a beer or glass of wine too. 

We have had unseasonably warm weather so it still feels like summer...which we love.  Sondre is getting ready for winter and ordered a new winter jacket from this great little Ski store in Wayzata.  He said it is so much cheaper here in the US so I guess it is a good deal.  Not sure when the cold weather will hit, but he will be ready. 

School seems to be going well...his grades are good and it does not seem to be too hard for him.  Once football is over I am sure there will be more time for social activities but the coaches keep these kids pretty busy with practice and games.  He is trying to decide if he wants to play a winter sport like Alpine skiing.  More to come on that.  Scott is going to strongly encourage that he join the ski team.  The coaches love Norwegians on the team...they think you all were born with skiis on our feet.  :)

Will blog again soon....hope you are all doing well!

Alix and Scott

Homecoming 2011: Minnetonka Skippers UNDEFEATED

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends:

This week was Homecoming week at Minnetonka High School...it is so fun to see so much school spirit.  Everyday there was a new theme at school and all of the students participate by wearing some CRAZY outfits to school. 

The first day was pajama day, then lumberjack day, safety day (I don't even get this one so don't feel like you are losing something in the translation) and the last day it was "school pride" day where everyone wore the school colors.  Sondre got dressed up everyday and then wore his football jersey on "School Pride Day."  On Friday they crowned the King and Queen of the school too.  Enjoy the pictures. 

The student section.  Lots of school spirit for sure.

The varsity team played Edina on Friday night and won again by a score of 28 to 14; the junior varsity played on Saturday and "creamed" them by a score of 56 to 7.  Sondre played in a full series...and he looked good.

 The team walks in arm and arm...sign of team solidarity.  It is pretty cool to see. 

During the national anthem...not so sure he knows the words.  I think he hums it.  :)

 After every game the team sings the school song to all of the fans to thank them for the support. 

I love this part

 Post game huddle.

The two teams shaking hands after the game

Above is a picture of Sondre running through the defense on the other team (vs. Jefferson...last weeks game).  Look at the smile on his coaches face in the background.  He looks like an ox he is so strong. 

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Below is a picture of Sondre all dressed up in his new homecoming suit.  Handsome huh???  He can wear this suit when the King and Queen of Norway are here.  Scott contacted "The Sons of Norway" here in Minnesota and Sondre will be able to go to the church service they will be attending while they are in Minnesota (October 16th.)

It was a pretty busy football weekend for us...Alex (our youngest) who is a senior in college at Winona State had a great game as Quarterback.  They won too.

Alex #18..throwing a touchdown pass vs. Upper Iowa

Today we spent the day at an AFS event...and had a good time.  Sondre enjoyed "hanging" around with the other students from the other parts of Minnesota.

Knut and Torstein:  Scott got tickets to the Vikings game for when you are in the US.  They have been playing terribly...so hopefully they can get their act together so you will have an enjoyable game to watch.  He got enough tickets for all of the boys (including Chrisopher)...we girls join you for a pre-game tailgate somewhere.  Scott may have also finagled a way for two of you to actually watch the game on the field with the team.  Fingers-crossed.

Both Scott and I were out of town last week for a few days...so Sondre got a break from his nasty host parents :)  I actually think he missed us!

Next weeks update will include Sondre's senior pictures...we will send you the link so you can chose which ones you want. 

Have a good week...lots of love from Minnesota.

Lerhol vs. Lerohl...what a small world we live in!

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends:

Things are settling in very well here in Minnetonka and life is seemingly more normal.  We have gotten used to being parents of a teenager again (which we really are enjoying) and Sondre has gotten used to life in the US.  The best part about being a host family is learning more about Sondre and his family and life in Norway.   He has shared so much about all of you and life on the farm...with pride and fondness. 

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Sondre's "Wide-Receivers" coach (Coach Croyle) is a grandson to Howard Lerohl (notice the different spelling...) who is a descendant of the Lerhol family from the North Farm in Vang, Norway.  Last night at Sondre's football game Howard Lerohl was there and was anxious to meet Sondre.  After the game, Coach Croyle introduced Sondre to Howard and they immediately started to speak in Norwegian.  Apparently, Howard met (Grandpa) Knut Lerhol in 1993 when Sondre's Dad (Jon) was a driver for the Norwegian Kings guard.  We hope to get to know him and his family while Sondre is in the US and to also introduce him to Knut and Torstein while they are in the US over Christmas.  We would like to make sure we introduce Howard to Frank and Beulah too.   In the US we have a saying that "we live in a very small world" and this is a perfect example. 

This is Coach Croyle and his darling family.  He is also Sondre's Civics teacher.

 Above is Howard Lerohl and Sondre after the game.  Coach Croyle is Howard's grandson.

Above is a picture of the Lerhol farm in Vang Norway.  Sondre's family lives on the farm on the far left and Howard's family is from the North farm on the right.  Absolutely beautiful.

As a side note:  Sondre was able to play in the Varsity game last night...Minnetonka won by a score of 42 to 0.  They are sure off to a great start.  Below is a shot of Sondre during the game and the band playing during half-time.

Last Sunday we had a meeting with all of the other AFS families in our local chapter.  It was nice for all of the host parents to meet and for the kids to meet as well.  Below is a picture of all of the kids...there are kids from Finland, Italy (she also goes to Minnetonka High School and is ADORABLE), Bangladesh, Germany, Japan and Uruguay.  There are many times over the next year that we will spend time with these families.  AFS is very organized to make sure the kids are doing well.  For the monthly meetings each student has to do a presentation on their country and culture.  We have to also make some Norwegian food...fortunately Bjorg ( Tore's mom) sent me a Norwegian cookbook last Christmas so we will find something delicious to make.  Sondre's presentation is on October 16th...we will share a copy of it in future blogs. 

 AFS students from all over the world.

School seems to be going very well.  We have access to Sondre's progress (homework, tests scores, etc... )on-line through the school computer system, so it is very easy to keep in touch with what is going on.  I am happy to say at this point he is doing well in all of his classes especially in Higher Algebra and also in Human Anatomy and Physiology.  In English he is reading Les Miserable  and next will read Hamlet.  I told him I would read them too (since I never have).

Last night after the football game there was a dance and Sondre attended the dance.  He had a great time but is fighting off a nasty "cold" so did not stay as long as he would have liked to.  He is just hanging out today so he can get well before school starts on Monday.

Next week at school is what we call "Homecoming" week.  In the  US it is a tradition and annual event at schools, colleges, and universities for returning graduates.  Along with a BIG football game, they crown a King and Queen of the school; there are parades, and a dance where the kids all get dressed up.  We will post pictures next week.  Also, this week Scott will be taking Sondre's "senior" pictures...which is also a tradition here in the US. Sondre will get copies of the pictures, have one for the yearbook and exchange with his friends.

Scott and I both have to travel for work next Tuesday and Wednesday (I am going to Columbia South Carolina and Scott is going to Philedelphia.  Courtney, Ryan and Amelia will staying at our house with Sondre. Norman (their 90 pound yellow Labrador) will be here too…Norman and Sondre have really bonded.  Courtney and Ryan shared some really exciting news that they are expecting their second child in March.  It will be fun to have Sondre here for that blessed event.  J

Hope all is well.  Lots of love from Minnesota.  .

The "Money" Shot...Sondre's first pass catch in a game!!!

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends:

Well today was quite the day!  Not only did Sondre play in the game, he caught his very first pass during an official game.  Scott got the "money" shot (see below)...he looks just like a pro  When Sondre caught the pass the team went crazy...lots of cheering and lots of high 5s on the field and the sidelines.  Very, very fun.  The coach even mentiioned it in the post-game huddle.  Minnetonka won again.  We could get used to this. 

His goal was to play in one game for one play in the season.  He has surpassed that already, so I guess he will have to re-establish his goal and perhaps scoring a touchdown would be appropriate.

.  Dre's very first catch as a wide-receiver for the Minnetonka Skippers. 

Last week we went to Martha and Doug's cabin where Sondre enjoyed some "Paddle Boarding" and sailing.  Good times.

Last week Scott and Sondre went to Alex's football game at Winona State University and  got this picture.  I think they look like brothers...seriously.  Two handsome young men for sure.

School started this week and Sondre seems to have adapted rather well.....I will blog more later next week .

Tomorrow is a very solemn day in the US...hard to believe it has been 10 years since 9/11. Also tomorrow, is the first family AFS meeting at one of the local AFS chapter.  We are supposed to bring something Norwegian to eat...so we will have to figure something out.  The only thing I can think of is lefsa :)

Sorry for the short blog...but it is beautiful outside so we are going to head out on the boat for the afternoon with Jim and Noonie Lieb.  We don't know how many more nice weekends we have left before the snow starts to fall.  Although...we love to snow-shoe and actually really do enjoy the winter. 

Hope all is well in Norway. 

Spillte min foerste fotballkamp i dag :) (Quote from Sondre)

Hello Lerhol Family and Friends....

I am starting to sound like a broken record, but we had another very busy week.  . 

It started out with a visit to the Minnesota State Fair, as I mentioned in last weeks blog. Scott, Courtney, Amelia, Sondre and I all took the bus there...parking is nearly impossible. Sondre was literally in shock with the amount of people there and how many places there are to consume calories and buy food.  Even we were over-whelmed with the "sea" of people.  We had to be somewhat aggressive to get through the crowds.  You only need to go to the State Fair about once every 5 years.  :)

 Above is an example of some of the booths at the fair.

 Above and below...people, people everywhere. 

Here is a summary of the food he ate while he was there. 1) Turkey Sandwich...so delicious.  2) Fire roasted corn on the cob...num  3) Cheese curds...a Fair favorite   4) Deep fried Reese's Peanut Buttercup...seriously who eats deep fried candy bars?  (he loved those)  5) French fries...hot and fresh, 6) Deep fried pickles...he ate those just to make Scott happy...I don't think he cared for them, 7) Corn dog...classic Fair food. 
That was all within an hour :).  It was fun but not very good for us. 

 Having a corn dog.

 Really???? Deep fried candy bars.  Only in the US.

 Amelia was not very interested in sharing her french fries with Sondre. 

This is a pig from the livestock barn...Sondre specifically requested I post this picture.  Is this what pigs look like in Vang?  I wish you could smell this picture.  :)

This week was really more about school than football.  Scott was out of town all week visiting Pam and Jackson (our daughter-in-law and grandson) while our son is out on deployment through the Navy.  On Monday, we went to the District Office to get him registered as a student in the District and then on Tuesday, we met with his school counselor to register for his classes.  He is all registered for his classes including:  Math...a higher level of Algebra, English (writing, reading novels, etc...), Strength Training, Human Anatomy, American History/Geography, Sports Business Marketing, and a few other classes including a study hall.  I think he felt good about what he is enrolled in.  I did.   

Then that evening we attended the "new student" orientation at the High School, where he got to "walk-through" his schedule, see the classrooms and meet his teachers.  This will be very helpful on his first day of school.  Makes me feel better, so I don't have to worry about him getting lost on his first day of school.  He did just great and so many of the football players were student tour guides, so he sure seemed to know a lot of kids already. 

On Thursday night the Minnetonka Skippers played Totino Grace, who has been unbeaten at home for 3 years.  Well guess what?  Minnetonka beat them..in fact we would call it a "trouncing".  Minnetonka looked great.  It was a beautiful evening for outdoor football.  Last night he went out for burgers with several of the players on the team.  Sounds like he had a good time.

 Just before he went into the game; #6 is Cote...a very nice guy and very welcoming to Sondre.

 Taking instruction from the QB...#12

 Get ready....

...and done.

Today Scott and Sondre are heading down to Winona (Southern Minnesota)  to watch Alex's college football game and tomorrow we are going to our good friends (Martha and Doug Miller) cabin to enjoy the last weekend of the summer.  Martha and I have been best friends since grade school...we are very blessed to have so many close friends.

School starts on Tueday so things should settle down a bit.  He has football practice everyday after school so we will make sure to stay on top of his homework and grades.

By the way...Sondre mowed the lawn today, which was a great help since Scott has been out of town all week.

Take Care...love from Minnesota.