September is 'Autumn'

September is the beginning of autumn here in 'Norge'. The weather is slightly cooler than last month, and surprisingly less rainy. We're certainly not missing the Columbia heat, although we do miss family and friends. Technology, however, has been a sure cure for homesick-ness...

- Skype - We use it almost daily. Contact us at shannon_virtue or david_virtue!
- Hulu.com - Allows us to watch our favorite tv shows - White Collar, Psych, etc...We're looking forward to the season premiere of Chuck!
- ESPN America (tv) & ESPN Player (computer) - David is able to follow Gamecock football in real-time. (Crucial!)

Speaking of Gamecock football...David should win an award for me most dedicated fan. The first USC game was held at 7:30 p.m. EST on a Thursday. At that time we did not have access to the game, so David got out of bed at 1:30 a.m. (Oslo time) to watch via Skype. (He Skyped my sister in Florida, who placed her laptop in front of the tv!) I, of course, remained in bed - like the sane person I am! JR should win runner-up for the most dedicated fan. We brought one of his Gamecock jerseys with us, but he wants to wear it all the time. Luckily we left his second jersey at my parent's house, and they are mailing it to us Priority Mail.

David has been busy planning lessons and scheduling school visits, in addition to fulfilling other US work obligations. So far, he has over 25 schools (across Norway) scheduled. He has also planned to visit a Norwegian school in Spain mid-November. We will travel there as a family (as a semi-vacation) and stay at our landlady's flat. We are told that November in Oslo is very cold and rainy, so we are sure to enjoy the escape!

There is never a dull moment here in Oslo, and we learn something new each day. 'City life' is physically tougher and more cumbersome (pushing a double-stroller, carrying groceries, etc - and sometimes in the rain!), but we've adapted quite well. We always wear comfortable shoes and utilize public transportation. James Ryan and Evie have become such the 'city slickers'. JR loves riding the buses, trolleys and trains, and Evie has become the 'queen' of the Baby Bjorne (baby sling)!

Norwegians are known for keeping to themselves, but that was before the Virtues came to town! JR feels it's his obligation to speak to whoever is sitting near us on the bus, train, etc. It's fun to watch their serious faces turn to delight when he blurts out 'BYE' to them as we exit! They are obviously surprised at his boldness, and (I think) warmed by his friendliness.

Evie almost always makes a friend when in her baby sling. Her smile draws people in - especially the young and elderly. I can't tell you how many times an elderly woman has stopped us on the street to say 'hi' to her and touch her feet and cheeks. Norwegians, unlike Americans, are not afraid to touch a stranger's baby - which actually a refreshing change.

So far we have been unable to get JR in a pre-school program. They are all full, which is fine. He is getting lots of time with his new friends - and with us. Evie is growing like a weed. She's flipping and turning like a fish out of water, and also has TWO teeth! She enjoys her daily babble, which James Ryan says is her speaking Norwegian! LOL.

I'll close for now, but be sure to look at the posted pics from our recent adventures. (Folk Museum, Merano Circus, Royal Palace, parks, etc) Keep in touch!