Chilly days are here.....

This past weekend we accomplished a lot of things that have been lingering over our heads.  Steve hung most of the pictures on the walls and built Smith's desk, while I cleaned and organized the apartment.  Sunday morning Smith had practice,  I offered to take him so I could go for a run.  Smith had mentioned to me once that he didn't like when I ran during his practice because he was nervous that I would get lost and not come back for him.  After reassuring him that I wouldn't get lost, and I would always come back for him, we agreed that I would go running and he would not worry at all.  I dropped him at practice and headed out on the trails.  The first 45 minutes were great, I was so proud of myself for knowing where I was the entire time.  As I approached the soccer field, I felt strong, so decided to go a little longer.  There was a path that veered off so I decided to take it.  That was a mistake.  One thing about Stockholm, there comes a point in a road where you can go uphill or change directions on the same road and go downhill.  I used to think that both up and down eventually lead to the same place.  This is so far from the truth.   I should have used my prior knowledge, because I took a path down, and ended up in the woods.  There were lots of people walking and running, so I never felt unsafe, but I had no idea how to get back to the field.  One big mistake, I didn't know the address to the field, so I had to put the closest t-bana stop in .... knowing that I could find my way to the field from the train.  Keep in mind it's now 10:20 and his practice is over at 10:45.  Google maps was saying that I was a good 15 minutes from t-bana.  So I started running (sprinting at times) up the hills, and each time I looked at my map, the little dot had moved off course.  Aghhh!!  I was a little panicked... but was determined to find my way.  I was most nervous about the promise I had made to Smith!!!  I decided to go by instinct and look around at where I thought I was.  I knew I had to go uphill because I  ran downhill to get myself into this mess.  20 minutes later, I found the field.  Smith's practice had just ended and he had no clue that his fear of me getting lost, almost came true.  My 45 minute run turned into an hour and 15 minutes.... finishing off with sprints up hills.

Sunday afternoon, Jake had a game.  It was a beautiful day for soccer.  Weather was sunny and 50 degrees.  The leaves are starting to change color and the field was in a very nice part of Sweden.

Behind the boys is a beautiful path

Really nice facility... Jake is in black 

Corner kick for Jake

Another amazing thing about Sweden, the dogs.  They are allowed pretty much anywhere in the city.  It is not unusual to see dogs in restaurants, stores, parks, and even trains.  Here's a picture of a very big dog riding the train.  They don't bark at people or bother anyone.  I don't know what the Swedes do to train their dogs, but Americans need to learn from them.  I heard they go to "Doggy Kindergarten"....  Jake is so much calmer around dogs here in Sweden than he was in the U.S.

As the weather begins to turn, I am realizing that we are not prepared with the proper clothing.  The coats, sweaters, gloves and hats that we brought, are appropriate for September and possibly October weather.  It's already in the 30s and 40s (Fahrenheit) and might reach 50 for a few hours each day if the sun is out.  Clearly, I had no clue, nor can I imagine how cold it's actually going to get.  That was a good thing!!!  I am not sure I would have agreed to moving here if I completely understood how cold it actually gets!  So now, I will be shopping for the serious winter gear.  I have been asking around for the popular name brands along with where to find them.  Unfortunately, the prices are almost double what I would pay back home, so I'm doing a lot of ordering online and shipping to Bebop and Kiki's house.  We will be visiting them at the end of October, and will be bringing at least two empty suitcases with us.  Considering I'm already cold, this is going to be a long winter.

Speaking of clothing, Jake had a growth spurt in the past two months because all of the sweatpants and jeans we brought with us, are too short now.  We spent Thursday afternoon shopping for him.  Oh, how I miss Old Navy and Gap right now.  I paid a lot of money for basic sweat pants.  We will be hitting the malls in Florida for the rest of his clothing.    Boys do not like shopping unless it's for balls, cleats and toys, so  you can imagine the fun we had... plus it was their day off, so they were not thrilled with Mom that day.  I rewarded them for their effort with some hot cocoa.

Next order of business, recycling.  I told you that I would figure out a way to recycle here in Sweden.  Since our apartment complex sent a letter to each family warning us that pizza cartons and large garbage bags were strictly prohibited down the shoot, and those caught would be fined, I thought I needed to start doing my part now.  The boys earn Swedish Kroner for their allowance money and i've added recycling to the chore list.  Once a week, Jake and Smith have to walk across the park and sort the recycle.  Since this is a new job,  today was the perfect day to teach them.  Before playing, we all walked down together and learned how to read each bin.  They actually liked sorting it, so I think this will be a job they will actually do without complaining.  

Now for the fun stuff.  

Jake "coaching" his brothers.... forcing them to do drills

Smith and Chase playing hockey

Now for the MUCH NEEDED haircuts.  Steve has been using Roberto, the hairdresser in our building to cut his hair, so I decided to make an appointment for the boys.  Jake was tired of his long hair and having to comb it so often.  He was also frustrated with it in his eyes during soccer.  He sat down and told Roberto the exact hairstyle he wanted.  Check him out... you can see his cute face now.

Look at the amount of hair that was cut

The boys and I made our way to the butcher after haircuts to pick up something for dinner.  Taylor and Jones, a great butcher, English speaking owners, who I believe are American.  We decided on burgers for  Smith and Chase, lamb sausage for Steve and I, and after Jake and the owner chatted about hotdogs, he suggested two dogs that he was confident Jake would love.  Dinner was a hit!  We went into ICA on the way home to pick up milk and some other staples.  As we were waiting on line to pay, the woman in front of me was having a problem paying.  There was a line of customers behind me and we were all waiting patiently.  The cashier and customer paying decided to move to the next register, but the cashier never felt the need to tell us what was happening.  Of course, I wouldn't have had a clue if she did fill us in, but I knew based on the lady behind me, that I was NOT  the only one confused.  At that moment, the lady behind me asked the cashier if she was closing her register and moving over.  She must have answered yes, because everyone darted to the next register.  The lady behind,  looked me in the eyes, and raced to the front of the line, as all the others followed her.   Nobody cared that I WAS IN FRONT OF THEM... and now waiting behind them to check out.  Unfortunately, I've encountered this type of behavior many times in the past few months.  I had to take a deep breath and move on... not an easy thing for me to do!

Since we moved in, we have been passing Amy's Cafe.  It's a cute little place about 25 yards from our apartment.  Since many people close their shops and go on vacation for most of the summer, we have been waiting anxiously for this little cafe to open.  Finally, this week, Amy appeared.  It is common for cafe menus to be written on a board outside the door.  This week, Amy's was there... and it was in English!  She had her daily soups written on the board.... I was so excited to try all of them.  I love soup... and I REALLY love soup in the cold weather.  I told the boys that Amy was going to be my best friend and that I would be eating lunch there regularly.  So, after haircuts, I promised the boys a trip in for a treat.  As soon as we walked in, we knew this place was special.... they were all speaking English.  We quickly joined into conversation, and Amy and I became fast friends.  She is American, along with the customer eating soup.  We all chatted and had a great time until Amy sprung the news on me.  She was in process of selling her cafe because she is moving back to the states.... West Palm Beach, to be exact.  Two people are bidding right now.  She's hoping to sell it to the man that wants to keep it a cafe and continue to keep the American flare.... but someone else is bidding to make it sushi.  I do love sushi, but I already have a great sushi restaurant on the opposite end of my apartment.  I want this cafe.... I want my soup!!! I NEED my soup this winter!  I will stop in next week to see who won the bidding war.... she was hoping to settle today.   

Friday, the boys were off from school.   Steve worked a half day and we decided to go to Skansen.  If you visit me with your children, we will definitely go here.  It is beautiful, and so fun for the kids.  We bought a season pass because we heard that it's awesome for the holidays.  I can't wait to see it decorated for Christmas.  We were only able to visit the zoo today because of time... but we'll be back. 

 Instead of taking a ferry or tram, we walked most of the way.  It was a chilly day, but still nice.  We walked along the water, past all the boats and cruise lines.  Bebop, we thought of you the entire time.  I took some pictures so you could see the boats.

I love the buildings in this city

Chase was so anxious to see the bear at the zoo, so we headed that way first.  We climbed a lot of hills and passed so many beautiful things.  I absolutely loved it.  There is so much history here.  I took a bunch of pictures because it would be too hard to put Skansen into words.

We were very close to this bear

Not quite as cute as Rudolph

Bison

Lots of log cabins to climb

Camp Sami.... this was  really cool.  Many homes and 'buildings" made of logs.  The Sami was an Indian tribe and this was their village.  

The rain and chilly temps that moved in late afternoon did not stop us from having a great time.  We ended the day with a visit to the coffee house.  It was so nice inside and a much needed break from the rain.

Jake had a game at 6:30.  He has another one tomorrow and two more on Sunday.  Between games Sunday, Liam, Jake's new buddy is coming over.  Liam speaks very little English, so Jake usually plays at his house, where Liam's parents can translate when needed.  The boys decided they wanted to play at our house this weekend.  Tonight we found out that Liam downloaded a translator app on his phone to help him speak to us while he's here.  So cute!!!

We met an American at the zoo today that has been living here for two years.  Her advice for us to get through the cold, dark winters was to take a lot of Omega oils.  She said depression sets in quickly.  It's so interesting to hear different perspectives on the winter months.  Some people feel like this woman today, and others love the winters and tell me how beautiful it is here.  I wonder how the Payne's will feel about the winter....