K's First Soccer Game

K played her first soccer game today. She actually missed the first game her team played because we were in the States, but she made it to this one. I missed watching her since I was at church practicing with the worship team for the morning service. However, Timo, being both coach and parent, was there to cheer her on.

From Timo's report, K not only scored the first goal of the game, but she played hard the whole game. Last night, K was telling me that she was discouraged because she never gets a goal. (She also doesn't put her whole heart into the practices.) I told her to just focus on playing hard and trying her best. I didn't want her to think that what is in the past should dictate what is in her future. Well, she listened, and it payed off. I am proud of her hard work and improved attitude. Good job, Sweetheart!

K's First Race



K before the race



Yesterday, K ran in her first race. She was running with girls who were born in 2003 and 2004, so it wasn't really fair to her. The oldest girls were almost two years older than she was, and I think the girl who won was eight.




At the starting line

 I am proud of how well she did. Even though she was one of the youngest girls, she was in the middle of the pack, and she ran the whole way. I told her to pace herself so she would be able to run further, and she took my advice. She ran the whole kilometer without walking. She even sped up at the end, when she knew she was almost there. Her final time was 6:55.

K running

 Right before the race, we had a parent/teacher meeting for AJ, so I was focused on getting the kids out of the house for that. I forgot the camera bag and a water bottle for K. This wouldn't have been a problem for my boys since they will drink almost anything, but my picky girl will only drink milk and water, and neither were available there. Poor K had to wait until we got home to get a drink. As far as photos go, Timo got some decent shots on his phone, so we have some pictures for posterity.

Dirty Jobs

Kids love to get dirty. Well, at least mine do. I remember being the same way, so I guess it is payback time when it comes to laundry. This afternoon was beautiful, and the kids decided to play in the sandbox -- with water. This created a huge mess, but that is just stating the obvious.

K showing me her messy feet. She was the cleanest of them all.



H in all his glorious sandiness. Those pants are gray. Were gray.



AJ and his mess.

 Of course, all this is reminiscent of about three years ago.

Why does the youngest always get the dirtiest? I think it's because the older siblings are more than willing to help.

The good news is that we still have the shirt AJ is wearing in the last picture, and it looks clean now. There is hope for their other clothes.

Spring Outing

K's class went on an outing to a park near the water this week. The parents were invited to come along, so I pulled AJ out of preschool, and we made it a family event (minus Timo, of course).



The three munchkins in front of the sign. They kept falling off the log, and this is the best picture I got of the three of them.

Entering the park



K's teacher, Danielle, telling everyone the plans for the day.



Morning snack



K with the sun in her face. It's kind of a strange expression she is wearing.



Danielle



H munching on an apple



After the snack, the kids gathered together to play some outdoor games.



K and her friend, Ines



K's classmate giving her strategical advice in the game.



A classmate and a mom playing a game.



Danielle telling everyone to be quiet so she could explain the rules for the Tips Promenade



My sweet AJ

While the kids were playing, I noticed a couple of swans on the water.



Sleeping swan



It finally woke up.

After the games, it was lunch-time. We sat down with our yogurt, sandwiches, apples, and (for the kids) chips. One of the kids had brought more food than he needed, and he offered some to others. Danielle got some and offered me a taste. It was kind of a couscous pancake/tortilla on either side of some ground beef with onions and some subtle spices. I thought it was really good and definitely different than what I am used to. Of course, at this point, I was wondering what kind of food it was. When I learned their family is from Iraq, I was pleased since I have never eaten food from that country.

After lunch, the kids enjoyed some free-play time.



K's classmates crowded together on a rocking boat

Danielle again.



K and her friend, Ines

The girls enjoyed sliding down this railing.

It was a fun day out, and I am thankful that the weather cooperated for us. We experienced snow earlier in the week, and I was dreading spending the day outside in bad weather. The boys fell asleep in the car, and K took a nap when we got home. I could have slept, too. All that fresh air wore me out. :)

Valborg Celebration

Yesterday was the Swedish holiday of Valborg, or Walpurgis. As we have done in the past, this year, we attended the local celebration in our neighborhood.

The kids headed to the jumping castle immediately upon arrival, and this time H could also join in on the fun.



The kids looking out the back of the castle. This was a rare moment when they were all actually still.



A couple of times, the motor quit, and the castle collapsed. Fortunately, I recognized what was happening early on, and I got my kids out of there quickly. They were unfazed and went right back in when the air turned back on.



 

H stopping by to say hi.



K being silly


I wanted to get a picture of AJ in the castle, too, but he wouldn't stay still long enough. I took plenty of pictures, but they are all blurry bits of my active boy.

After the castle, K was cold, so I walked her home to get a warmer jacket. When we came back, the boys were in between two soccer goals that were chained together. She joined them, and the kids made their own fun with this "jail" of sorts.

At 9pm, they lit the bonfire. AJ was really interested in seeing it up close, so we meandered through the crowd and took a closer look once it was going.



Starting the fire



Getting bigger



Full blaze



When the sky was dark enough, they started the fireworks. It was cold outside, and I think we were all ready to go home, but we really wanted to see the fireworks.

The expressions on the kids' faces made the wait worthwhile.



An enraptured H



A happy K



An enthusiastic AJ

 I was tired before we walked over there, and part of me didn't want to go, but I am glad that we did. I think we need to make the most of experiencing the traditions and holidays while we live here.