A vist from Jen and Julianna

The month of May came and went so quickly that my head is still spinning.  Last year, May had fantastic weather, but this year, we decided to break record low temperatures.  But, even though the weather didn't cooperate, it was still a very exciting month.  

For a few weeks each May, the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in Kunstragarden.  They always draw a large crowd.  I love to just walk down the path, as they sway in the breeze over my head.  It's one of the few times that I "stop to smell the roses".

School-work is also quite demanding this month as the teachers are wrapping up units and students are completing projects.  Jake's science fair project consumed most of his hours that he wasn't at soccer and school.  Smith's "cool country reports" have been super fun as well.  For each country in his class, the kids complete a sheet asking about top places to visit, big sports stars, common animals that will be found.  They have to create a travel brochure, design a postcard, and research interesting facts.  I can use this information when we travel.

I went on a field trip with 5th grade to a mine.  It was really cool to be down below the ground educated on those careers.

Jake making the girls laugh

Smith's new soccer team has been a perfect fit for him.  There are quite a few boys that understand English, and Smith has really connected with a few of them.  Steve and I have been amazed to watch our boys make so many friends in such a short amount of time.  It's a great life skill that this journey has allowed us to develop.  After a day of soccer, we decided to take the boys down to the water on Kungsholmen to enjoy the sunshine.

Our Out and About club planned an interesting day of observing the art in the tunnelbana.  We were able to see 10 of the 100 stations with art.  It was really interesting to see the various artists' work, in these very unique "galleries".  The stories behind the art were pretty cool too.  The tour guide was a bit monotone, but she did know her facts.

The ceiling in the station

This art is in a showcase in the wall of the subway station

Very cool soccer art.... appears as if it's moving as you move down the platform

Our group listening to the stories

art on the door way

We were able to squeeze in a dinner with some special friends before the "end of the year" craziness began.  Mara and Carlos had us over for dinner, and cooked an amazing Spanish meal.  Loved spending time with their adorable children.... baby Mia being their newest addition.

Chase, Smith, Carlos, Jake and Mara (baby Mia snoozing in other room)

Steve, me, Mara and Carlos

Mid May we found ourselves in Faulkenburg for Jake's soccer tournament.  The weather was chilly, but that area of Sweden was so beautiful.  We loved hanging out with our friends, the boys on the team, and of course watching Jake play soccer despite the 40mph winds that chilled us to the bone.  The team came in 2nd place for Jake's last tournament with these special boys.

The 2nd place trophy

I've been looking forward to the end of May for months, knowing that my cousins Jen and Julianna were coming to visit us in Stockholm.

 a selfie in the elevator

 The weather actually cooperated that week, and the sun shone it's pretty face all week for the girls.  They landed on Sunday and after meeting them at the airport, we walked to the park where Steve and the boys were playing.

ice cream after a day of play

Julianna joined the boys for some soccer in the park, while Jen and I headed to Kungstragården for drinks in the park.

 On Monday the boys went to school, and we met a few of my friends for the Segway tour of Sodermalm.  We had so much fun cruising around the city on Segways.

Notice our winter clothing for Memorial Day weekend

Tuesday I let the kids skip school so we could all go to Gröna Lund for some amusement park fun.  After a quick workout in the gym, Jen and I zoomed home, packed up our troops, and headed to Djurgården, only to discover that Gröna Lund was closed for a corporate function.  It took me a while to stop fuming, and then we all walked across the road to Skansen for some traditional Swedish fun.  

beautiful Swedish tulips can be found everywhere in the city

Day three the kiddos went back to school, and the three of us explored my favorite island on Stockholm, Kungsholmen.  The waterways are simply breathtaking in this neck of the woods.  We walked for many miles and then explored Gamla Stan as well.

Graduation "season" in Stockholm is always a good time.  The traditions the senior class have are so different from our American traditions... and I love to see them.  From Sailor hats instead of tassels to loud teenagers riding in flat bed trucks with extremely loud music, makes it fun for everyone to enjoy.   

The rest of the week we explored the waterways by taking ferries, ate at Stranvagen 1, enjoyed the city walking tour, watched the changing of the guards,  

 and spent amazing quality time together with my cousins.

 

We also went shopping on Drottninggaten and finally timed the famous candy rolling perfectly at  Polkagriskokeri.  

Thursday night, Steve watched the kids, and Jen and I had a night out to catch up and hit the city.  We went to Supper, one of my favorites in Stockholm.  

Lori was able to escape her house for a few hours and join us for a few drinks.

Friday we celebrated Julianna's 13th birthday with a barbecue and small gathering at our apartment.  We had the pleasure of spending our Friday night with Rebecca and her beautiful family. 

Rebecca and I had our annual get together going each year.  Unfortunately, I will not be there next May to continue the tradition.   

Friends since we were teenagers

Jewels couldn't leave Stockholm before experiencing the recycle "chore".  We walked a few blocks to the recycle bins and she was able to take part in Jake, Smith and Chase's favorite activity.  (hear my sarcasm?) 

the paper bin

Jewels sorting through the bag pulling out all the plastic

Saturday morning came to quickly, and it was time to say goodbye to our guests.  They headed to the soccer fields bright and early to catch Chase and his team play a few games.

 We sent them off experiencing the cold, windy June temperatures wearing wool hats and winter coats. 

That evening, was Jake's birthday party that we planned with his best buddy Liam.  Liam and Jake both have summer birthdays, and since we wouldn't be in Stockholm this summer, we planned Laser-tag with their soccer teammates.  

The first two weeks of June were just short of a tornado.  The days were packed full of activities, soccer, and school outings.  I had the pleasure of escorting the fifth grade to Kolmården and spending 10 hours with this crazy group of boys.  

The rest of the week consisted of school-end parties.  Jake's 5th grade party was outside enjoying the one warm, sunny day that May and June had to offer.  

Saying goodbye to Mrs. Evers.  One amazing teacher!!!  We were so lucky to have her this year.

Jake loved Mrs. Evers

Here is a group of 10 boys and girls that had a really special friendship.  I've never seen a group of 5th graders have the bond these kids had.  It breaks my heart to see them split up.

pizza on the grass

Chase's Pre-K party was that same day.  I loved this group of children also.  I spent a lot of time in their classroom this year, teaching them how to read.  I will miss these little cuties so much!

Two amazing teachers that have made a huge impact on Chase and his classmates.  They were not only Chase's teachers, but my friends as well.  So hard to say goodbye.

Lisa and Olivia with Chase

Smith's class had a farewell breakfast for their party, and saying goodbye to that group was just as hard.  

So here we are, we finished school, and we are moving back to the U.S.  My next blog will be my last blog as I say goodbye to Stockholm, and close the chapter on this part of our journey.