Sunday with the King

We knew something was up about town on Sunday.  First of all, the Festning (fort) was flying its huge Norwegian flag.  Second, around 10am, they fired off their cannons.  Third, the high bridge was lined with Norwegian flags.  We figured it must be a national holiday of some sort.  Turns out, we bumped into the reason for all the celebration later that morning.

We usually attend the 11 o'clock service at Nidaros Cathedral, and this Sunday was no different.  Since we have little ones, we don't like to arrive too early, so we were strolling up to the cathedral about five minutes to 11.  The bells of the church were ringing joyfully nonstop.  I was a bit behind the family because I was video taping part of our walk and the lovely sound of the bells.  There was a crowd gathered in front of the church and a large array of police.  Dave and the kids stood among the crowd and watched as King Harald got out of his car and entered the church.  I wish I could say I got his entrance on vidoetape, but I was too busy filming the family.

Once the police pulled back, we started to enter the church.  But at the door, the accolytes told us the church was full.  Turns out at that service, the Norwegian church was installing its first archbishop since the reformation (a woman!)  So the king was there to take part in the ceremony.  The church can seat 1800 people.  1000 people at the services were invited, so that left only 800 seats for the common people.  I guess we needed to get there a bit earlier to get our usual pew.  No room at the inn.

The service was shown on tv in the cathedral's welcome center.

All the action was in there

Riding on the glow of nearly touching royalty, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day to eat lunch in the revolving restaurant atop Tyholt tower.  It was a lovely walk, mostly uphill, to the tower.

Sam spied this truck as we were leaving church.  It belongs to the Royal Norwegian Air Force Band.  Sam got a big kick out of the band members pictured on the wing of the plane.  This is his "surprised" look.

It was a gorgeous day.  The weather forecast had predicted rain, but it was clear and warm - a wonderful surprise.

We brought some extra friends along with us.

Climbing up the hill to the tower.

As we were climbing, we could turn around and see breathtaking views of the fjord and the fort.  You can see the extra large flag flying at the fort.

Tyholt tower.  It's full of telecommunications equipment, but it also gives a magnificent 360 degree view of the city.  The restaurant is in the glass covered portion.

Katie and Isaac enjoying the view.

The kids spotted their school and Munkholmen (the island we previously visited).

One of our Lego tag-a-longs helps secure a balloon.

Pizza buffet - Katie outdid us all and ate 6 pieces!

Sam shared some pizza with his friends.

Another round of pizza!

We walked by this cute playhouse on the way home.  It had a mini forest growing on its roof.

Enjoying the flowers

Full and headed home

Dave stayed at this house last year when he visited for the month of June.

Katie found three snails on the walk home.  She set up a lovely living place for them.

She brought them to school on Monday morning to show her class.