Västervik

 

Another day in paradise! Today was the first day with that real Summer feeling. Finally! It was warm already from early morning until late night, the little breeze from the sea was warm and the sun was out all day!
After breakfast we did some workout, showered and gave the kids early lunch before heading out to sea with the coolest boat I know. Went between the islands out to open water to a seal colony where we saw several curious seals. But because we were not meant to be by the colony at this time of the year we had to leave within after 10 min as we were told that the coast guard was on their way.
Stopped at a silent spot by some rocky island for s coffee and homemade cinnamon buns. Tested the speed on our way back which Kevin couldn't get enough of. Powerful thing this boat was!
Visited the local candy store in the afternoon.
Had a fantastic evening with lots of play with the kids including water balloons!

Västervik

While Daniel had to work I took the kids to Västervik together with family Ericssons. Our first day was as perfect as a perfect day can be. Clear blue sky, in the surroundings only this place in the forest can offer, is like getting the best of the best!
We didn't get up to much, but still the kids made sure something was happening all the time. Fishing, taking care of a baby snake, jumping on a trampoline, rose wine, fishing again, working on our suntan, BBQ and red wine....

Our garage has changed

Thanks to Kevin who wanted to spend the evening with grandma and Klasen we took the opportunity to start installing our new floor in our slightly changed garage. And ones we got started it was hard to stop. So just before midnight we put the last plank down and started cleaning. Now it'll be very interesting to see how long it takes for the wall bases to be installed. We might also continue with the floor up on the wall around the glass doors and might put spotlights there. We'll see. But we're pleased there wasn't more divorces so far during this little project. And if I can get Daniel to stay out of the interior, I'm sure we'll live happily ever after.

Midsummer weekend

After a rainy Midsummer came a sunny day after. Life as a camper becomes much easier in nice weather so we enjoyed it fully. After breakfast outdoor and letting the kids play at the playground we walked to Simrishamn harbour for ice-cream. Most of afternoon was spent on a sunbed taking turns checking on the kids who had found several new friends to play with. Had leftovers for lunch and then back to our sunbeds again.
To get a little environmental change we decided to bbq on the beach for dinner. Good choice because the beach that is normally very windy was calm and warm tonight. The bbq was a success. Except that the clouds out of nowhere turned black and cold wind came in. We expected the worse and rushed to get out tents down to avoid having to take wet tents down tomorrow morning when going home. But the weather treat was empty and the rest of the evening was spent outdoor playing garden yatzy.

Midsummer

A slow started Midsummer because of a few hangovers. But a very nice but rainy one. Manage to go fishing with the kids and walk all they way to town for lunch before it started to rain. Did some grocery shopping before heading back to the camp site. Everyone except the oldest kids took a very needed afternoon snooze. Then we prepared a very typical Midsummer dinner with all traditional ingredients. Only thing which wasn't according to tradition was eating inside. But the rain just wouldn't stop so it wasn't ever an option to eat outdoor. But after dinner, strawberries, coffee and one (or five) schnapps the sky opened up and we got a clear evening.
Thanks for another wonderful Midsummer!

Pre Midsummer

Got to Simrishamn late last night, but with great help from Lena and Håkan we manage to get the tent up. Went fishing which Kevin had been talking about since 5am this morning. Finally we got around to it, an he enjoyed it truly.
After bbq for lunch Oliver stayed for an afternoon snooze with Håkan while I biked to town with Lena and Kevin. First we stopped for ice-cream at the harbour before checking out what the town square had to offer. Got 6 litre of Swedish strawberries.
When we'd just finished dinner when Daniel, Chrille and Rosa joined. As usual the day before Midsummer became the toughest one in more then one perspective ;-)
Wishing everyone out there a Happy Midsummer!!

Pee master

Big brother is teaching little brother techniques of peeing outdoor.

Monday at home

Picked up the kids from day-care, went home and prepared dinner while the boys played with the girl next door. I ate dinner with all three kids. Interesting to see the neighbour girl who has serious problems eating at home eating a full portion tonight. Could of course be my cooking, but I doubt it. I'm so happy that we've never had any problems getting our kids to eat.
Daniel is helping a family with their walkway to their house. Guess we won't see him until late.

Vättern Rundan, 300km biking - Completed!

The silliest physical challenge I've ever done, but I made it!! 300km biking in pouring rain in 14hours. I've never cared this little about a result. The only thing that was important and on my mind from the start was how the hell I would make my body bike all these km... But with a very strong will and a stubbornness it was possible.
I'm so proud of all the support I got from everybody. Thank you so much!!

Crazy race

Time is 00.40 and we are waiting for start to bike 300 km. Not really sure why we do this. See you on the other side!!

Summer holidays

Even if we still have a couple of weeks before we go on holiday we celebrated that the summer is near with day-care today. Picnic, singing and playing games with playful kids, nice parents and teachers to talk to made this evening a very nice one.
Tonight we also looked at the details of the suggested travel plan (NZ/Bangkok) from our travel agency. Getting very close to confirming the booking now.

Sleeping together

Sometimes is almost looks like they enjoy each others company!

Taco dinner

Was invited to taco dinner at grandma and Klasen's place.
Kevin helped Klasen to oils his wooden deck.
Thanks for serving and having us tonight!

Earrings

Daniel and the boys went to watch speedway with granddad in Malmö while mum painted the first layer on two of our outer doors.
The afternoon was spent with family Persson designing and creating my new collection of earrings (my hairdresser said that short hair needs big earrings!!) while Daniel helped Håkan with planning the stone wall he want where the camper van is parked. Time flew and all of a sudden our very pregnant friend Maria with family came for BBQ at our place. A nice evening with nice people is a very pleasant way of rounding of this week.

Roskilde, Denmark

We didn't get a chance to unpack before it was time to pack a smaller bag for a day trip arranged by the company Daniel works for. It went to Roskilde in Denmark for the huge fair Dyrskue. Nice day with many big machines, plenty of animals and nice food and drinks!
Thanks Jönssons Syd Gräv for this family day!
Tonight Daniel is of for a night with the floor ball Boys while the rest of the family will take it very easy. Take a long warm bath, eat dinner in normal time and then go to bed very early.

Final day

Since we're not flying back until late tonight we had another full day in the sun. This was spent with Kevin's favourite hobby; looking for insects/fish. They found a sea star, crabs and fish so he was a happy camper. During mid day we cooled down by the pool at the hotel, with a glass of wine and sucking in the last hours of strong sun!