H Turns Five

Yesterday, we celebrated H's fifth birthday. Life has been crazy, and I was a little worried that he would not feel special and celebrated. The morning after arriving home from Boston, I baked a cake for his party. H had requested a castle cake, which I had never attempted before. Honestly, I was a little intimidated by the whole thing. When I was done, though, I was satisfied with the results, and, more importantly, so was he.

When I had asked H what he wanted to do to celebrate his birthday, he mentioned some neighbor boys he wanted to invite over to swim. I therefore planned on a relaxed swimming party where the time would be filled in the pool. Unfortunately, H could not swim because of his chin. The glue was supposed to remain dry for another week. This left me mentally scrambling to figure out how to entertain the kids. Fortunately, H is a good sport, and, after a couple of races and a water balloon fight, he said that they could still swim. He came inside with me, and I let him watch some Animaniacs. Then, he went back outside and got in the pool. He was good and stayed on the steps to keep his chin dry, though it did get splashed a couple of times.

After the kids got out of the pool, we got out a veggie tray to snack on and the cake. The party was about over, so after cake and ice cream, H opened the present from his friends, and we said goodbye. When they were gone, he opened his presents from us, and the kids played superheroes for the rest of the day (he received four superhero costumes).

I think he had a good time. He told me today that he likes birthdays. I take that as a sign that all went well in his eyes. I love my sweet H, and I am glad he feels like we took time to make him happy.

A Weekend Away

Last weekend, we went on a short trip to visit some friends who just moved to Lidköping. Our kids are best friends, and their boy was turning three, so we decided this was the perfect weekend for this adventure.

When we arrived, our kids made themselves at home in their friends' room, and K even took her own little suitcase up the stairs to the room where she would sleep. H got in on the action, too, and they all had a fun time.

The following morning, we decided to visit the town square, where an open market is held every Saturday. Meanwhile, the kids played with each other, and H found a ukulele to play.



H and his ukulele

 About mid-morning, we drove to the town square and did a little shopping.



The open market




An old hunting lodge that was used by the nobles and royalty. They moved it across the ice to the town of Lidköping.




K and her friend at the side of the old hunting lodge. We were going to a bakery/cafe located right inside those windows




The cafe inside the lodge.

 After we left the bakery, we looked around the square some more. I saw some lovely lilies.


Lilies for sale in the town square



Statue of the town founder: Magnus something-or-other.

 The boys found some toys at one place, and, when we were done, we walked around the rest of the downtown area.



Garstroms -- a cafe/restaurant



Garstroms sign



Typical Lidköping jewelry



An old building used as a Baptist church now.



H lugging around his purchase. He insisted.


After a little fika in the cafe located in the Pingskyrkan, we headed back to get ready for the birthday party. My friend, Elisabet, was expecting 21 guests, so there was a lot of work do be done. Timo helped with the kids, and I made a huge salad. No, really. It was so big that there was a huge bowl left after everyone had eaten.

After a delicious dinner of taco pie and salad, we sang to the birthday boy. The adults had two cakes to choose from, but the birthday boy wanted ice cream.



The birthday boy blowing out his three candles.

 In Sweden, there is a tradition at kids' birthday parties to go "fishing" for candy. This is a fun way to hand out party favors, and I think I will adopt this tradition for my family's parties as well.

Pulling up the candy



AJ's turn




The girls got a little silly.



Even K

 The following morning, we opted to visit a local castle where my friends were married (I know! How cool is that?).

Timo and the kids approaching Läckö Slott



The clock tower from inside the first gate



Inside the first gate, looking over the water.



A cannon used for the defense of the castle




Timo and the kids walking the other way around the castle.



The girls on top of the cannon



The boys on top of the cannon



AJ standing on top of the cannon.



The "indoor" toilet -- from the outside.




Looking out from the castle across the water. I am guessing this is a lot more beautiful in the summer.




Timo and Johan at the back of the castle



The chapel (on the left) where my friends were married



Ducks swimming in the water and standing on the ice. I wouldn't want to swim there.




Läckö Slott

  I am (obviously) addicted to taking pictures, and I couldn't leave without pictures of my kids in front of the castle. I tried all three, but that didn't work. Individual shots are more realistic.



K



AJ



H

H again

After the castle, we visited some fishing docks, and then we proceeded to Johan's parents' house for fika. Then, we drove back to Elisabet and Johan's house for a quick lunch/dinner before driving home.

It was a fun trip, and we have already decided we need to return in the late spring or early summer. I know my kids won't object.