A few memories of mine.

Some of my Tessem Memories from the past 13 years or so: Bestemor and Bestefar dancing at Wolfcreek... Spending the night on the basement couch at Bestemor's while the boys were doing a 50 mile hike in 20 hours... Including my big brother in Thanksgiving plans when he had no where else to go, even though it meant we didn't eat until late into the night ... Special surprises... Bestemor kissing baby necks...not really wanting to ever say goodbye... Concern for our well being, always ... Bestefar waking up to a flat air mattress in frustration (who wouldn't be frustrated?!!!) ... Bestemor and Bestefar at Disney World, acting just like the kids:going all day long without a word of discomfort... Bestefar going out trick or treating with Jeff and my big kids after Bestemor and I turned back to relax and get babies to bed ... Skype conversations that I'm sure come across as if we are raising caged animals when the children are in the room, but they never seem to mind ... Hugs, lots and lots of Hugs, if we're ever together ... Awesome cousins who only wish they could spend more time together ... Love for all things Norwegian. Bestemor always being willing to help out after a baby is born if needed, and staying with our kiddos while Jeff and I spent time in Canada for a whole week ...even though there were a few snow days in there, meaning the kids were ALL home for several days helping to make her extra exhausted, but knowing they were all just fine because she was with them... Rejoicing in every new addition to the family, spouse or child ... Raising the Man I love. He is truly my best friend. Thank you! --Kathleen

Provo Tessems

Located 10.3 miles from Tessem homebase, the Provo Tessems are arguably the most spoiled branch of the Tessems. Plenty of face-time with the besteparents makes for some great memories and some very happy grandchildren, not to mention the world's best babysitters! Here's a little record of Scott and Jessica, et al, 2012 edition:

Name: Scott "Dada" Tessem

Tessem Super Power: Bean Counting and Sunburning, Master of Laugh/Cry Inducement, Sheer Awesomeness

2012 Highlights: Kjersti joining our family, finished the MBA!

Favorite Memory with Mom & Dad: Too many to count, but I'll go with any of the trips to Norway.

Name: Jessica "Mama" Tessem

Tessem Super Powers: Birthing Cute Babies, Cooking Ridiculous Quantities of Food

2012 Highlights: Making a cute baby (see aforementioned super power), Scott finishing his MBA!

Favorite Memory with Mom & Dad Tessem: Vacationing together at the condos and just getting to enjoy each other's company.

Name: Ellie "Energy" Tessem

Tessem Super Powers: Any and all Princess powers

2012 Highlights: Princess for Halloween, getting a little sister, kicking the "wa" habit, mastering the potty.

Favorite Memory with Bestemor & Far Far: Watching Disney shows and playing with toys at their house with them.

Name: Kjersti "Happy" Tessem

Tessem Super Powers: Cute Death Ray

2012 Highlights: Being born, seeing the sun.

Favorite Memory with Bestemor & Far Far: Snuggling up on Bestemor during Disney Movies. Slapping Far Far repeatedly in the face because I love him.

More pictures from East of the Appalachians and South of the Mason Dixon line

Olivia Solveig Tessem

Olivia Solveig Tessem

Kathleen and Olivia Solveig Tessem

Olivia Solveig Tessem

Jeffery and Olivia

Jeff, Kathleen, Benjamin, Lily and Grace-Easter 2012

Benjamin at Durham Honor's Chorus

Olivia's first beach trip

Olivia's blessing day-outside in 100 degree heat and 100 % humidity

Olivia's blessing day, inside like civilized people

Benjamin, Grace and Lily-Baywatch style

Bestemore at the 4th of July parade

Bestemore and Olivia

Bestemore and Bestefar with Benjamin, Lily and Grace in July 2012

Olivia's birthday May 18, 2012

Benjamin and Olivia

Grace and Olivia

Lily and Olivia

Olivia meets her siblings

Kathleen and Olivia at home

Jeff at the beginning of the NC Marathon

Carving pumpkins, Halloween 2012

Saying good bye, October 2012

The Southern Tessem Family

Benjamin at Duke Garden's-Summer 2012

Grace at Duke Garden's-Summer 2012

Lily at Duke Garden's-Summer 2012

Olivia with our wedding rings

Olivia Solveig

Mother and Child

Olivia Solveig

Grace Kristianna-first day of school, 2012

Lily Anne-first day of school, 2012

Benjamin Atle-first day of school, 2012

First day of school

Halloween 2012-Peter Pan, Hook, Smee, Tiger Lily, Tinker Bell and Mermaid

Lily at Old Salem

Tessem's at Old Salem

Olivia walking with Dad

Old Salem-October 2012

Priesthood ordination day

Bestemor and Bestefar-October 2012

Mother and Son

Grace-Elon University

Lily-Elon University

Benajmin-Elon University

Olivia-Elon University

Herman

Easter 2012

Fort Fisher-April 2012

Kathleen and Grace-Forth Fisher, April 2012

Grace the ballerina

Violin concert, Lily Anne

Piano concert, Benjamin

Mothers Day 2012

Waiting in line for Disneyworld-November 2010

Lily at Disney-November 2012

Parade with Bestefar

Disney Parade

Bestemor and Bestefar at the Magic Kingdom

Meeting Santa at Sea World

Bestemor at Sea World

Epcot

Norwegian Pavilion at Epcot

Viking Girl Lily

Our impression of Wagner

Funny viking girl

Climbing the Troll

Norwegian Pavilion with the Beste-parents

3D viewing with Bestemor and Bestefar

Meeting Mickey

Meeting Minney

Christmas at Disney

Bestefar at Sea World

Watching the whales

Petting the Dolphins

Ugly sweater contest

Saying good bye to Disney from the boat