The Harrison-Helins: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31

A nice surprise

An impromptu family photo shoot at a good friends house today. Thanks guys. We really appreciate this!

Sunday, July 29

Boys will be boys - fun at Högalidsparken

Two and a half months in on our extended summer with one more month to go and we've had so much fun on our adventures and outings, both near and far! August is just around the corner and it looks like we'll have another busy month. Both Grandpa Stefan and Grandpa Keith are visiting, we are throwing a belated birthday for the boys, the boys are starting their new dagis, Shaena is back in Swedish class full time and we've also squeezed in another cruise! We figured it was time for Grandpa Keith to try out his sea legs so we booked us all on a cruise to Estonia!

Here's a few (more) photos from our random summer fun:

Sam

Ethan and Sam had a hoot and a half
at the Akalla city farm

Ethan is serious about his ice cream.
A Piggelin is no laughing matter!

One day we'll have a driveway like this

Bro Hof Slott

The 18th hole is going to get wet. Really wet.

Crap weather to the left, nice weather to the right.
We decided to go storm chasing!

In the eye of the storm

Just cruisin'

Wednesday, July 25

I've got a new way to walk

Summer lovin', had me a blast!

Tuesday, July 24

Speaking of modes of transportation...

A few weeks back, on our way home from a lovely dinner out in Vallentuna, we stopped by this local airfield that we spotted from the road. A bunch of cool, colorful old airplanes were parked out in the open so we figured we'd stop and check them out. Amazing what you can find by the side of the road!

Choo Choo!

Yesterday was gloomy so a beach day was out of the question. So instead we decided to go on another road trip. This time we headed southwest to Mariefred to check out the Gripsholm Castle and to go for a ride on the historic steam train. Train enthusiast Ethan was in heaven of course!

The Castle was beautiful and we had a nice walk around but antsy-pantsy Ethan obviously already knew we were going on a choo choo so he kept reminding us that we had to get going. Once we got to the old train station, Ethan made sure we bought tickets and once he had his in his hand, he would not let go. He then proceeded to show off his ticket until the train was ready for departure... and then some more on the train! After 3 years of watching Thomas The Tank Engine and Chuggington; I am sure you can imagine that it was a mighty excited three year old that boarded the 3rd class coach yesterday!

All in all a fab day out with the kids and it is so nice that we are able to do these little outings; especially now that Ethan is getting a bit older and can appreciate it more.

"Ethan, show me your ticket!"

Choo Choo!

...says the old chugger

We traveled cheap and cheerful in 3rd class

"Ticket!"

"Daddy, ticket!"

Backing up after turning the engine around

Ethan 2 years ago?

Priceless

Needless to say, Ethan was pretty excited!

Monday, July 23

Happy Birthday GG!

Sunday, July 22

H2brO's

Friday, July 20

Coolio in da poolio

Wednesday, July 18

Livin' la vida loca in Axmar

Last weekend’s adventure consisted of another road trip and a weekend stay in a really cool log cabin with some really cool people. Our friends Karen and Erik invited us to come spend the weekend with them and their kids in their cabin 2 hours north of Stockholm in Axmar. “Um, awesome idea!” – we said and packed the Harrison Ford full of gear, as per usual. Twas a weekend of food, drink, play, laugh, card games, 'Kubb', outdoorsy stuff, mosquito bites, more food… but the best of all was that both Ethan and Hudson had playmates all weekend and they had a blast to say the least!

...and before we've even had a chance to bat an eye, it's the weekend again! This weekend's fun: Dinner and sleepover at ours and chill/play by/in the newly purchased kiddie pool!