Slight last minute detour... to Copenhagen!

A quick stopover in Vaxjo for Brendan to say hello to my cousins (and enjoy the much talked about Ysterband sausage and organic beer... oh and whisky too) and then off to Copenhagen and work for him. After a final night with my family, this time in Malmo, we joined him in the city of cyclists.

First a couple of photos of my uncles (mum's brothers).

While Brendan was busy at work we checked out the shops, cafes, and Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not & Guinness Book of Records museums. Great city, lots happening all around.

This shot is for Mormor... din favorit konditori!

Lunch in the pedestrian mall... watch those bikes!Walking around the city.NyhavnMore icecream!

On our last evening we entertained ourselves at Tivoli. No one was brave enough to join me on the loop-the-loop rollercoaster, but that didn't stop me!

Matilda seems to be following in my footsteps though,

as she just wanted to get back on that spinning octopus ride. Love you! What a great holiday!

Har kommer Pippi Langstrump!

13th August was a date with Pippi Langstrump, Emil in Lonneberga and all the other characters in the theme park named after their creator, Astrid Lindgrens World. They are such a HUGE part of Swedish culture today, and of course, Isabelle and Matilda have also grown up with the marvellous stories by this much-loved author. It was a really fun experience for the whole family; Brendan could sing-along too after six years dedicated listening! Pippi herself! Strolling through one of the storybook towns. Watching Madicken and Lisbeth. Only in Sweden can you get the world's biggest softserve! What a place! Pancakes for lunch! Isabelle's face says it all.

National treasures

On the 9th August we drove five hours across Sweden to Tived National Park, where we stayed at a quaint little bed & breakfast. As Brendan mentioned, it is difficult to tell the difference between normal forest and national park in Sweden, both are abundantly green and well-cared for.Our next adventure, arguably the pinnacle of the trip, was a two day 38 km cycle and boat tour along Gota Kanal. Isabelle was a champion rider and we honestly had to keep up with her speediness. Thank goodness for Matilda's pee-stops.

Here we go! (Yes, unfortunately it started raining,

but cleared up by the time we arrived at our destination. Hmpf.)Moo! Lady MuckWe did it, sore butts and all!The view along the way and... ... our destination! Ain't it a picture?

After a good night's sleep and an easy 10km bikeride in the morning, the ferry Bellevue took us through 16 locks in five hours along the canal. Kids thought it was fascinating, Brendan was pleased about the pork lunch served and I ran ahead of the boat to grab this picture...

On the road again...

6th August, and we're in the car again, this time driving to visit good friends from Doha. (True story: Anette recognised me in Doha supermarket from Singapore days, ie. 1984, and we have since become close friends!!) Their summer house in Hallstavik creates another panorama that takes your breath away. Isabelle is pleased to catch up with school and gym buddy Jessica and her brothers. We even got to watch the Olympic opening ceremony, perfect timing. This one is for Kong Kong... a vad gott, kantareller stekta i smor till middag!

Idyllic island in Stockholm's archipelago

Seven and a bit years ago, Brendan and I received a wedding gift from close family friends, Maryanne and Hans. It was to spend a few days on their island. Finally, we made it!

No electricity, no running water. Complete peacefulness and such beauty. Take a look for yourselves. (If the slideshow stalls, click on the X in top right hand corner.)

The Big Smoke

Brendan arrived in Stockholm on 1st August and we spent a couple of days there exploring the city. Little did we know another 50,000 people had also arrived to participate in the EuroPride Parade! We put the girls to bed and checked out the Absolut ice bar in our hotel. We filled the days with touristy explorations on boat and bus. Stockholm is very beautiful city, especially the Old Town.Isabelle is listening in English, Samantha in Swedish, and Matilda decides to follow the Russian tour. It's all good.

Next stop... Vaxjo

On the 18th July we drove north to Vaxjo to visit my cousin and her family. We were greeted with a warm welcome as always and the girls were ecstatic about the horses, dogs, cat, and second-cousins (Erik & Edvin) to play with. The rain didn't put us off one bit. Ahh, just to be outdoors in fresh air.Then we house/horse/cat-sat for a week in glorious sunshine. It was daylight from 5am to 9pm, so long summer days outdoors.

Licorice ice cream!!

Berry crazy! Yum!

Upon my cousin's return we spent a few more wonderful days on their beautiful property before driving up to Stockholm to pick Brendan up.

Svensk Sommar... underbart!

It all started on 13th July. The girls and I flew to Stockholm, and eventually (7 hours later... hot tip: always book train tickets in advance!) caught the train to Hassleholm. Stayed with my uncle and aunt in Hastveda, which is kind of like my second childhood home. The girls were like wild horses released in the forest. Lots of wild berry picking was involved.

A couple of visits to my mormor (grandmother).

Dancing with Agneta and cuddles with Johnny. It is lovely with family.

Isabelle and Matilda's favourite playmate... my cousin Anneli.

Birthday Brunch

Daddy and his girls. (Doha Corniche in the background.)
Birthday cake surprise thanks to the Four Seasons staff.

The powers of chocolate are truly wonderful!