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.