How did three weeks fly by that quickly? Sandi and John just left after a fun visit, and we miss them so much. John kept saying that we will be kicking them out after three days, but it was just the opposite. We loved having them here and saying goodbye was so hard. The boys really miss them, and the house seems empty without their smiling faces.
They traveled via Queen Mary and then a few trains later arrived in Stockholm. Steve picked them up at Central Station Monday (May 26th) and there was no stopping there. Between soccer, school, and goodbye parties, there were very few minutes of downtime. They were able to experience our busy lives and hectic schedules first hand. We kept apologizing, but they kept insisting that they wanted to be a part of our daily routines. I'm sure they will need a vacation after this "vacation". I was able to show them a lot of Stockholm, and the weather actually cooperated. There were a few chilly days (as seen from the picture above), but they also experienced some really warm days too.
One of the first things we did was the City Hall Tour. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I learned a lot about the building, how it was built in 1923, and that 90% of the materials used to build it, are Swedish. The Noble banquet takes place in this building each year, and the Gold room is made up of only 10 kilograms of actual gold. The grounds surrounding City Hall are absolutely beautiful, one of my favorite places in the city.
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| Sandi and me at City Hall |
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| courtyard |
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| the staircase that the Noble winners walk down |
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| this ceiling was beautiful |
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| beautiful artwork throughout |
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| the Gold room |
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| The bottom left has a picture of the American flag |
Another day was spent in Gamla Stan, Old Town. This part of the city is very touristy, however, I love walking the cobblestone streets and experiencing the history of Stockholm. Two of my favorite places in Gamla Stan, Under the Chestnut Tree cafe and
The Polkapojkarna (The Old Town). Here they make (and sell) polkagris (Swedish candy canes). It's the only polkagris bakery outside of Gränna where you can watch Polkagris being made. Since I don't like peppermint, I always buy the other fabulous flavors that they make. We only had Chase that day, the other boys were with friends, so we spent a few hours in an Irish pub drinking Kalua and coffee. Chase fell asleep for two hours "forcing" us to stay longer.
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| beautiful Old Town |
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| Love this picture of Pop Pop , Gamma and Chase |
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| Right before Chase conked out |
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| Steve and his mom |
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| Me and my sweet boy |
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| John and Steve |
Sandi's birthday present (which I gave to her back in December), was a girls day out in Stockholm. I took her to the Abba museum where we spent hours reading, laughing, and singing Abba songs. I still remember dancing and singing Super Trooper in my bedroom growing up. So I enjoyed this outing most of all.
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| this was the band's actual camper |
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| We loved looking at all the costumes |
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| so fun |
After the museum, we ate lunch at one my favorite cafes on Djurgården.
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| I ordered a deliciou salad |
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| This is a Swedish Club Sandwich |
The weather was perfect so we walked around and snapped some photos in the gorgeous gardens.
Of course you can't have a day out in Stockholm without enjoying Fika. We had tea, coffee, and treats on Strandvägan
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| The view was beautiful |
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| Perfect day with a VERY special mom |
The timing on this trip was perfect because they were able to be here for Steve's birthday. We not only celebrated Steve, but also celebrated Jake, on completing his first mini marathon. It was a busy day, but a lot of fun.
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| Jake crossing the finish line |
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| Pre race |
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| Post race |
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| lots of boys running in this race |
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| Proud little brother |
After the race, we spent the day outside, and finished it off with Phil's Burgers (Steve's choice for his birthday), chocolate cake and presents.
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| Happy Birthday Daddy |
The day before the mini marathon, was the Stockholm Marathon. Since I've run a few marathons in my day, I always love to go out and cheer the runners on. I was lucky because the race actually took place only a few blocks from my apartment. I'm always so inspired and proud of these runners, even though I don't know them. You can never understand the emotions of crossing the finish line of a marathon until you actually do it. For each of mine, I cried..... then hyperventilated because crying after running 26 miles is not a good idea. Each time I watch a marathon, I cry. The training, hard work, sacrifice, pain, and pure dedication to complete this great feit is worthy of a tear. Next time a marathon is in your home city, I encourage you to go out and cheer the runners on.... you will walk away a changed person.
The highlight of the day was reconnecting with my favorite Swede. For those of you that don't know, Erica, one of my best friends in the world, is part Swedish and her cousin Rebecca would come to NY each summer to hang with all of us girls. We would all look so forward to her visits each year. In 1991 or 92, seven of us went to Myrtle Beach for a week and met up with Steve and his friends. We all spent the week having too much fun! The last time I saw Rebecca was that summer. When we decided to move to Sweden, we started talking again, and we finally got together on May 31st. It was so great seeing her beautiful family, catching up on all those years, and having drinks with her husband Rikard. The kids played so well together too. Unfortunately, we were only able to spend a few hours with them, but we are planning to take a trip to Gothenburg where they live, and she promises to make more trips to Stockholm. We are both putting pressure on Erica to come on over and have a mini reunion of the good ol days! The rest of the Myrtle Beach crew is officially invited as well..... (Tara, Staci, Schwem....)
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| Just like old times |
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| picture perfect day |
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| beautiful view from Rålambshovsparken |
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| Chasey on his scooter |
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| more soccer with the dads |
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| This tree provided hours of entertainment |
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| The ball got away... but miraculously came back |
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| Soccer in the park with the kids and dads |
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| catching up after all these years |
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| Love this picture |
The past two weeks have been filled with high school graduations all over Stockholm. I have to say, Swedes know how to celebrate a high school graduate. The whole city gets in on the celebration (Utspring). Unlike the U.S, where it's a stuffy, formal affair, the Swedes throw a party in the street, and one of the few times you'll see a Swede shouting, laughing, dancing, and cheering is when those graduates are packed into trucks and trailers blowing whistles, and holding up signs as the trucks drive around town beeping their horns. The trucks and tractors are decorated with balloons, leaves, and signs. If you're on the street while one of these trucks go by, you stop what you're doing and cheer along with them. The "party" goes on for weeks, because each school graduates on a different day. The girls are all dressed in short white dresses, the boys are dressed in suits. All graduates wear hats resembling sailor hats. The drinking age is 18 here, so it is very common to see them loading cases of beer and bottles of champagne onto the trucks. They are all walking into the actual ceremony with champagne glasses in hand. Here are a few pictures that I took throughout the week as graduates passed me by in my daily travels.
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| loading cases of beer onto the trucks |
We had a bit of our own excitement as we traveled to and from the city. I was taking John and Sandi to their boat tour. We took the bus to the dock, where I planned to leave them for a few hours, (I had an appointment) and they were going to tour Stockholm by boat. I exited the bus, only to see Sandi's face in a state of panic. She left her pink bag on the bus, and the bus drove away. I decided to chase after the bus, hoping it would get stuck at a light so I could beat it to the next stop. I was doing well until I came to a cross road. I wasn't sure which way the bus would go, so I waited for the light to turn and then sprinted behind it. I actually made it... ten blocks later, but unfortunately, just as I arrived at the door, he pulled away. I ran so far that I had to navigate myself back to Sandi and John who thankfully had waited in the same place that I left them. Even though I wasn't able to retrieve the bag that day, it was waiting or us at the lost and found a week later. So alls well that ends well.
They did make it to their boat tour and they took beautiful pictures that I'm posting below. When the sun shines here in Stockholm, I can't think of a prettier city. I only wish the sun showed it's face more often.
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| John enjoying the boat tour |
Smith had his final tournament of the season and he and Steve drove to Hallstavik. It was a great bonding weekend for the boys, and even better for Smith. Smith's teammates have made huge efforts to get to know Smitty and they are all enjoying Smith as he practices speaking his Swedish to them. They are learning quite a bit of english as well. The bunking arrangements for this tourney were a step above camping. Not my speed at all... so thankfully Steve was able to go. They slept in hostiles, bunk beds, similar to dorm rooms, and showered in locker room bathrooms. They played soccer and baseball (Smith was the hero of the baseball game) until midnight, after sitting around campfires eating hotdogs and hamburgers. It was a little boy's dream weekend. It wasn't quite as fun and easy for Steve since he had to get through a night with 90% Swedish conversation. We both promise to NEVER again get upset at foreigners living in the U.S. that don't speak english.
Speaking of languages, Sofia, our Swedish tutor, has been working with us twice a week for two hours a session. I decided to sit in and learn with the boys. It makes it much easier to help them study, plus, I love learning the language with them. I am proud to announce that I was able to read an entire menu at a restaurant and for the first time, order, and feel confident knowing what would show up at the table.
One of my favorite touristy places to visit is Skansen. It's a peak into the life of Swedes from the 16th century to the 20th century. You can actually walk into furnished homes, see domestic and wild animals, and speak to actual people dressed in the clothing from that time. The open markets having traditional Swedish food, and many of the shops allow you see how things were built and made back then. One of our favorites was watching the workers make glassware.
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| Chase pushing the cart to transport heavy objects |
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| an old house |
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| the boys are shocked at the size of the homes |
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| Chase found his calling in life |
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| Jake sitting in a traditional home |
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| Maybe I can get him to clean our laundry at home |
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| the cotton candy is bigger than him (notice no food dye... only white) |
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| driving around Skansen |
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| this picture cracks me up |
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| Glass....(ice cream) |
Look at Gamma and the man next to her, smiling and enjoying the show. Now look at Jake's face. He was less than thrilled that he had to sit through the folk dancing.... see the next picture.
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| Chase helping the man carve in the wood shop |
After Skansen we waited for the tram to take us off the island. To our surprise, a very old trolly picked us up. We were all so excited to experience a trolly ride from the 1950's. He rang the bell when we were at each stop. Instead of a recording telling us which stop we were approaching, the conductor yelled it through the car. He was dressed in full gear too.
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| John and Sandi with the conductor |
After the trolly ride, we stood at the bus stop waiting for our bus to take us home. After quite a few minutes of waiting, we realized the bus was never coming. Instead, we had stumbled upon a parade for Swedish National Day. The streets were packed with people and we were able to see tradition first hand.
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| next to the parade was the Stockholm Food Festival |
The weekend did not end here.... we still had two big going away parties, Chase's first soccer game, and we found some time to do go shopping.
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| Daddy coaching Chase |
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| Mommy got big hugs after the game |
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| beautiful picture taken on the ferry |
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| eating outside on Fjaderholman |
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| This picture was taken at 10pm |
Tuesday morning we took John and Sandi over to our new apartment. We took measurements of the rooms and sorted in our heads where the furniture would fit, and what we still needed to buy. We went for fika after the viewing, and then had lunch at an Italian restaurant near our new place. Sandi and I left the men and went shopping, then headed over to school to see Jake's 4th grade class put on a fashion show for their teacher. It was so sweet and so hilarious at the same time. Mrs. Öqvist, Jake's teacher, loves fashion, so the kids thought this would be a great surprise for her. They decided to put on a fashion show to honor her, and let her know how much they will truly miss having her as their teacher. I think she was not only surprised, but very touched by the gesture. I even shedded a few tears listening to all the very sweet things the kids had to say about her.
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| They blind folded her |
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| The MC's for the show |
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| One of the boys walking the cat walk |
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| 4C doing the Harlem Shake |
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| Jake, dressed as a rock star, and his fabulous teacher |
The last day of school was bitter sweet. We are all ready for summer vacation after a long school year, but we are also sad to say goodbye to so many friends that are moving on from Stockholm. I personally had to say goodbye to four friends this year. Smith had to say goodbye to three very close friends. He actually cried when I told them they were moving. Jake, too, is saying goodbye to two or three close friends as well. As I stated in a past blog, this is part of the life of an expat. We knew coming in that all of these friends would only be with us for a short period of time. You have to treasure each day with them, because there's a lot of moving in and out.
The school has a wonderful assembly on the last day. It was so well done. The children performed, the seniors gave speeches, diplomats representing various countries spoke to the group, and the music was fabulous. I'm so glad that Sandi and John were able to experience this and also to see the boys with all of their friends.
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| saying goodbye to a my sweet friend Carla |
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| Chase listening to the music |
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| Ms. Nalli, Smith and Jorge |
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| Smith and Elliott |
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| Ms. Lisa and Chase |
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| Ms. Jeanna and Chase |
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| Smith cried having to say goodbye to Jorge |
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| Chase being silly during the assembly |
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| We miss Gamma and Pop Pop so much |
Saturday arrived and we had to say goodbye to Gamma and Pop Pop. We loved having them here and the house feels empty without them. Steve drove them to the train station early that morning, then came back to pick us up as we headed to Jake's soccer tournament an hour north of the city. It was mid June and we had to wear winter hats and coats at the field. The wind was crazy and the temperatures were quite cold. The sun was shining though, which made it a lot more tolerable. Check this out.... it's not everyday that you see a snow mound in June.
Like I said, the sun was shining and the view from the field was quite pretty.
The boys won the whole tournament, with a very intense game in the finals. A much deserved pizza and ice cream was enjoyed afterwards as the team celebrated together.
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| Liam and Jake trying not to fall over from the gusts of wind |
Smith told me at the game that he prefers the Swedish chill to the Atlanta heat. Wow, is this child mine? I dream of the hot, humid summers in Atlanta. I will never complain of the heat again.
The following day was Liam's birthday party. The weather took a turn, and it was a beautiful day for a barbecue at their house. Steve and I really enjoyed meeting Jimmy and Åsa's extended family. Just like our special friends, their family is warm and welcoming. We loved seeing the traditions of celebrating birthdays, and also loved getting to know everyone. Even though they all spoke english to us, there is always this feeling that Steve and I have when we are surrounded by Swedes, that we are a nuisance. They don't make us feel that way, it's our feeling. We hate that everyone has to change their language for us. I used to be a snob when it came to this very subject in America. I used to judge people for not speaking our language when they're in our country. I'm so sorry for this, and I will never look down on someone again for not speaking english in America.
Last night I got together with a few of my friends that have children Chase's age. It felt like summer in Atlanta, only instead of meeting at the pool and hanging out until bedtime, we met at the park across the street from me. It was quite cold too. We ate pizza in the park while the kids played. It was so nice to spend time with all the ladies, but especially my friend Veronica who is moving to Charlotte, North Carolina in a few weeks. I will miss her so much when she moves. The only positive, she is moving to my home country, so I know I'll see her again soon. Chase is so sad that Maria is moving. Maria tells everyone that she's moving to "Chase's" country.
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| Hikaru, Chase, Maria and Pedro |
Tonight is our last night of just the five of us. Tomorrow, Dee and Jimmy arrive for a week visit. They are bringing my beautiful niece Natalie who will be staying with us for the summer. The boys are so excited to have a big "sister" in the house, and I'm thrilled to have not only a girl in the house, but also a teenager. This is going to be a very special summer.
I will leave you with this funny story.....
Smith saved his money and bought himself a scooter. Here in Stockholm, scooters are a great way for the kids to get around the city. Since Steve had to travel the following day after buying the scooter, it was still in the box when Smith woke up the next day. Feeling rather brave, I decided to break open the box and see if I could put it together. For those of you that know me, I am very challenged when it comes to these tasks. Without taking too much credit, the directions were in english, making my job a lot easier. I did mange to put the scooter together and Smith has not stopped riding it since that day. When Steve called later that evening, Smith asked to speak to him. This is how the conversation went: Steve; "Smith, I hear you have been riding your scooter all day" Smith: "Yes Dad, Can you believe that mom put it together for me?" Steve; "Yes, that's awesome". Smith: "I didn't know mom could do that stuff".
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| Chase rides his scooter everywhere too |
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| heading to soccer practice |
This weekend is Mid Summer, the biggest holiday here in Sweden. It's the longest day of the year and it will be our first Mid Summer Celebration. In my next blog I'll tell you all about it.
