So, here I am in Stockholm, Sweden. Here are a few of our more memorable moments (so far): (By the way, I am using a Swedish keyboard and stuff just isn't where it ought to be. So pardon any ö or ä!)
Poland-- We drove through on Corpus Christi Day, which is a Catholic holiday (which is the same as a huge national holiday in Poland.) There were parades being set up in all of the small towns, with banners and pennants and saints' pictures with candles and tree boughs. We felt like the whole parade when we would whizz through a small town in our 12 passenger behemoth.
Lithuania-- On the way to Vilnius, we saw several old farmers working their fields with horse-drawn wagons. We wandered around the old town and saw a couple of knights (actually military guys, but ACTUALLY wearing shining armor.) The young ladies posed for a picture, of course.
Latvia-- We camped by the Baltic Sea. The kids lost no time getting in swimsuits and jumping in the water. They were frozen by the time we pried them out, but ready for more. Also, the most powdery sand I've ever felt. I ran on the sand and felt awesome. For about 100 yards.
Estonia-- We wandered around Old Town Tallin until late at night. The nights were getting longer the farther north we went. A group of breakdancers on the town square fascinated Brigham so much that he had to go join them. He broke out some of his sweet moves and got a huge round of applause. (I'll post video when I have a chance. It was hilarious!)
Finland-- We camped in Finland for a couple of nights, and stayed at a cabin at the Arctic Circle for another few. Favorite quotes:
Briellen (at the lake by where we were camping. Incidentally, and not related, we couldn't drink the water there.) "Daddy said I could just tinkle in the lake. So I did. Five times!"
Late at night at the Arctic Circle, Vilate put her arms around my neck, and said in the saddest, weariest voice, "The sun is broken."
Sweden (the first time) Lovely, etc. Delicious cookies.
Norway-- beautiful scenery. Gnats. Biting gnats. We looked like we had the measles. Especially Vilate, who had an especially bad reaction to the gnat bites. No benadryl, either. Norway is also outrageously expensive. We're talking $20 Happy Meals and $40 pizzas. Ouch.
Sweden (the second time)-- still lovely. Still here!
We have a few more days before Denmark and the last part of our trip. So far we have only lost or worn through four pairs of shoes and collectively outgrown three dresses. Not bad!
