Midsommar

Hi from Sweden!
Well we have made it to beautiful Sweden at last! It has been very nice weather the past two days. We have been out on the town popping into all the cute little shops here and there. The main walking street is so quaint and nice without any cars. We had coffee and pastries at a little cafe while Isabelle wandered about with all the other little blonde headed babies. Trampsing into a petshop, wondering into a clothing store. She is having a ball, as are we! It took some time getting used to the time as there wasnt much sleeping on the flight. But now we are all set as far as we can be.

Yesterday we went up to Ales Stenär. Its a beautiful place out on the country side of Skåne! There are these huge stones placed ever so perfectly in a shape of a viking ship. Legend has it, that a thousand years ago a huge viking ship was buried below and for the memory they placed the stones above. Now you can hike up along a trail to see them and the gorgeous view of the cliff. It goes straight down to the rocky coastline. Dont worry I help Isabelle tight! After the hike we had some herring and some really nice fresh beer at the fishing village. It was so warm and a nice breeze to cool you off. We even had a little swan visit our table.

Its Midsommar today and is it ever raining. Its very usual to have rain on this special day. Its a curse! no, no... thats one thing about these Swedes... even though its pouring down rain they wont let it stop them from their traditions. On midsommar its the longest day of light which is something to really celebrate! You have a lot of varieties of herring... potatoes, radishes, etc etc... and for dessert some 'Swedish' strawberries (they are special tiny ones that are only available this month) you have them with cream on top! delicious!
So today I went into the market with Lotta (Mattias' Mother) to get some berries and some midsommar flowers. It was really something to see all the families with their rain gear on and rubber boots pointing to each and every little flower to purchase. There were so many strawberry farmers selling their finest! All the little children were splashing in the puddles and dancing about in the cold rain. Sticking their tounges out to catch a little drink from the drops. To be a child agin! Now the guys will go into the forest to pick things to decorate the Maypole with greenery. My mom and Lotta and I will make Isabelle a pretty flower wreath for her head. We will get dressed in our summer clothes and head to a castle nearby for a little festival. Then later on we will come home to some great food and lots of Schnapps and singing! Skål!