spring break in sweden 2013

A lot of people head to the beach for spring break.  This year, we headed to Sweden.  It has been our habit to get to Sweden about every other year and with John starting a new career this year in counseling, we thought it best to get to Sweden a little early and before summer airfare prices kicked in.  While it took us a step or two back toward winter, we got to see some friends and family we might not normally see during the summer when most people are gone on vacation.  These pictures are a highlight reel from the four devices we took photographs with.  They're not exhaustive, but do give the gist of what our trip was like.

Sure am glad we decided to pack our snow gear.  Typically during our summer trip we pack shorts and long pants.

 The boys out on the frozen bay where they usually swim in the summer time.

 We have a photo from our Swedish blog back when Sam was about two where we were making our way up this path with bikes.  The boys are now self propelled but tend to still find the icy spots first.

 This is a neighbor's bike complete with a pair of cross country skis.

 Nacka strand while renewing Swedish passports.

 Nothing says welcome to Sweden like little blue shoe booties.  In people's homes you usually take your shoes off to keep floors clean.  In select public places shoe booties are worn.

 Our old family group from church was so happy to see us they pulled together a Friday night gathering. It was also my (John) birthday which made it even more special.

 Photos from one of the many hikes we got to take on the island where mormor  lives.  This family photo was from Easter night.  We propped the camera up on a tree stump and hit the timer.

 Moose poop.

 Stavsnäsby bakery.

 Lots of cool old Swedish summer houses around where mormor lives.  We hope to incorporate some of the architectural features in future renovations to our house.

 Part of Swedish culture is a lot of pride in design.  You'll see some classic old houses next to more modern houses in a spin on traditional styles.

 And of course, lots of rock in all shapes and sizes.

 We spent time with lots of family and friends.  This is brother Joel's family.

 While in Stockholm, we went to the Kaknäs tower.  The boys were always afraid to go up in it when they were younger.

 Good views, but not the best pictures because of the glare.

 I like to call this picture, "This is lunch, Jake."  He is usually a picky eater but has come a long way.

 Shopping district near Högtorget in Stockholm.  Always bustling.  

 There were also several street performers.  This one was the coolest we saw.  The guy made himself look like a bronze statue.  When you put a coin in his cup he would acknowledge you in a statuey kind of way.  Kind of creepy, but cool too.

 Stockholm City Hall.  The next series of pictures are from our guided tour.

 Cincinnatians might recognize this statue of Romulus and Remus, like the one in Eden Park.  I did not read the plaque but assume it was a gift from the city of Rome.

 City counsel chambers.

 Gold room.

 The building over our right shoulder is the Swedish government's equivalent to the US Capitol building.

 More pictures from around mormors.

 These pictures belong earlier.  Tobias, Ulf & Karin from church.  

 We paid a visit to the Trollstigen, aka, troll woods.  We found some new faces.

A ceremonial trip to the "pdut banken" (fart bench).

 The hardest part of going to Sweden is saying good-byes. 

 Sam is joking being mad.

 Fredrik "Freddie Jones."

 Arlanda Express to the airport.  20 miles at 126 mph.  Impressive.  

 Because our flight was so early (6:30 a.m. Stockholm time) we decided to get a hotel room near the airport.  The hotel really was a great way to cap off a great trip.

 Not the best picture, but I figure we paid a lot for it, might as well take it.

 Charles De Gaulle Airport.  Very cool design.

We concluded that this was one of our most enjoyable trips to Sweden.  It was the perfect combination of rest, activities, family, and being able to see friends who were around.  We would definitely consider coming this time of year again.