Off to Copenhagen!

It was a early morning with all of us ready to get moving.  Packing needing finishing and laundry needed doing! It was a happy surprise that the morning went smoothly and quickly everything was accomplished. Odd even got in touch with the airline and travel company that had printed his name wrong on the tickets!!  (Could be a big problem since the horrible happenings in Norway.)  Hopefully all that is sorted out.

We managed to get in a last jog and a walk through town, when we stopped at Lennart's Bakery for treats.

"the green stuff is the best"

Running free in Eksjö

Travel fever, as we wait for Farfar to pick us up

  After a dozen "final" walk throughs of the Östberg home to make sure we haven't forgotten anything, it was finally truly time to go.  Jan got us to Nässjö train station, but not before he past on some parting gifts.

Jan we love ya!  

The gifts are a hit, Elliot is using his currently to read in his cozy nook at the hotel. (Sofia is already asleep.)

Before we got on the train the number one question was when could they "explore the train".  Elliot later explained this is code for when could we get stuff from the dining car!


Needless to say the trip from Nässjö to Copenhagen is relatively fast, about 2.5 hours.  "We're already in another country!!", said Elliot

the drop off

Elliot gets settled on the train (X2000, rules!)

Happy to be in Copenhagen!

 We have stayed in the same hotel in Copenhagen a few times now, Scandic Copenhagen.  It is in easy hiking distance to the train station and not too far from other sights. Plus, normally it has been a good deal price wise. (Denmark is stupid expensive, for Americans!)  Scandic is not winning many stars this trip.  Our room was not well cleaned. (Sofia found a tobacco container in the bed. Yuck!) But they are in the middle of a full renovation, so I will give the place another try once renovated.  If we are not priced out by said renovation!?

Odd enjoys a glass of vino overlooking Copenhagen

 We only really had this afternoon to explore since we leave at noon for the airport. We decided to do what we could do on Østergade, Strøget before we all collapsed.  My goal was the statue of the Little Mermaid.  It didn't happen...but we got a shot with the maker instead!

Hanging out with Hans! (Christian Andersson, that is..)

 I will admit it readily...we pushed it to far.  I felt faint and kids wanted to stop at every street performer just to rest. We finally made it to your dinner option for the evening, Hard Rock Cafe (we thought good old American food would get us back in the mood for home) and they told us that it was a one hour wait.  Elliot almost lost his cookies!?

Elliot is really to eat the silverware!

Fortunately we managed to adverted cannibalism and/or danger to the cutlery.  The wait was only 1/2 an hour and the food was great.  Hamburgers for all! (But pasta for Sofia, of course!)

Happy/fed kids

For our little cousin, Ludvig, wish you were here!

 Plan to sleep in tomorrow and enjoy a nice Danish breakfast.  Then back to the States!  Are they ready for us??  We'll soon find out!  Peace!

Tivoli Gardens view

 

Day 24: Goodbyes and Travel Fever

Sunday was a bit sad and slow. I think we tried to drag the day out as long as possible.  The real packing didn't start until after 8pm.

Jan and Gunilla with Odd and Joakim

Karin and Odd; one more hug

 
When we were not saying goodbyes and taking stock of the last month we got familiar with a few machines that needed a workout.

the Dam-sucker!!  ;-)

While the rest of us got creative with cool travel gifts.  We are going to miss Sweden and our family here in Eksjö.
 
Elliot: I will miss handball and Saturday Candy from Chann's and going to my cousin's house to play with them.

Sofia: I will miss playing with my family, especially my cousin Lovisa and her cool nail polish that cracks and quiet times at Farmor's apartment.

the creative one

If I can find the time and the WiFi in Copenhagen (our last stop before the airplane home) I will make one more trip blog entry but if that doesn't happen....this has been a great month with our great family!  Thanks for sharing.

Days 21 and 22: Visitors, Gränna, and Pie

Always fun to meet people from the past.  We had the pleasure of meeting former neighbors of Odd's yesterday.  Nice few hours of sharing pictures and stories. 

We relaxed most of the day, not making any plans.  Maybe it's not good, we are getting use to this life style....oh but I wish......

Friends from Kungsbacka visit for fika

Rune stone at Eksjö Church

After our visitors left we took a long walk through Eksjö.  We stopped at the sports shop where Elliot got a terrific new backpack for school.  (Fall is approaching!!) 

On Friday, we packed the car and caravaned with lots of family to the candy making town: Gränna. 

This is the place were the candy cane was invented.  We actually had it confirmed today at the store that just won the Candy Cane making championship.  (You know their has to be a contest!!)

In front of the candy story.  They are actually MANY candy stores, but this one had a bench!

Enjoying the spoils of the candy wars!! (no one was seriously injured)

After all that candy we need a little exercise. We decided to climb the nearest mountain.  No problem!  It was just behind the stores.  Good planning.  Very interesting topography! (Harbor/ town/ mountain)

Great climb, 232 steps

Once at the top, it should come as no surprise, we ATE!!   It was a lot of steps...... ;-)

Shrimp AND Lax, deluxe!

Once back to Eksjö, the boys went to the bar.....(brother bonding) and I made a pie! Using all the cherries we had collected earlier this week.  Delicious and nutritious.  (if it wasn't for all the butter...)

Cherry, peach and strawberries baked in a pie

After the pie we had some interesting anticts from the younger Stalebrink's.  I think the sugar has gone to their heads....or maybe their feet?!

Sofia and Lovisa's balancing act

Boys turn to balance

Day 13: Blueberries and Bruises

Drama and blueberries today.
After a good sleep-in (kids slept until nearly 9), kids and I took the bikes and headed to the blueberry forest.  Jan (Odd's dad) had recommended a few good hunting spots. We had success.

Boy in the blueberries

Trapping through the troll woods

Who has more? Who cares?

We made it a contest to collect the most berries.  Winner could choose the afternoon snack. They did one better..the started working together and jointly made plans.  COOL, team work!  Plus, we got a lot of blueberries!
Then the unexpected happen as we traveled home.
The road jumped up and bit Elliot!  REALLY.....

You should see the other guy!

Tomorrow...women's soccer... Go, USA.....Go, Sweden!

Rising with the sun...

It was a good night.  It was a quiet night.  But it was now 5:30 in the morning.
We did get a few more minutes of sleep...

 We had a few more firsts today including trying a yummy danish sausage for lunch, red polsor.  They are thin and the skin is red and they are delicious! They are a hit!  Hard to not love a good hot dog. 

Later we hopped back on the bikes made our way into town.  After wondering around we had fika at Krusagard (the old court yard).  They were the best waffles...ever.

Pulse for coffee and waffles

Odd and the lake

E takes the long stroll through town

S enjoys her ice cream

Day 6:Rainy, Lazy Day

Any day is better with a Popsicle!

Well...not completely lazy...
Odd and I did get in an after-breakfast run in between the rain drops but all other plans were put on hold. (Thank you, Joakim for making sure the kids didn't flood the house.  Linda and Magnus would thank you too!)

At first Elliot and Sofia were bummed, because the delays the mini-golfing they were looking forward to doing.  Only when we told them they could watch more Star Wars movies!  Hurray!  Thanks again to Mr. Lucas! 

When we aren't watching Star Wars we are creating our own Star Wars movies.  Check out our latest JibJab, starting Elliot, Sofia, Ludvig, Odd, Darth Vader and various storm troopers.


Click here to see our Star War JibJab

After computer animated fun, the rain slowed down and we make it to Adventure Golf  Eksjö, at  Eksjö Camping.

Our Mini golf spot

I will add more pictures of the golfing on my Facebook page.  Hope everyone had a great July 4th!

Day 4: Bikes and Baking

I woke up this morning only wanting to sleep...not a good start!  Elliot was already on the Wii. (Which had woken me.) While Odd and Sofia continued to snore contentedly.  "Not fair" was all my tired brain could muster.  I decided this was the moment to start Odd on the running routine he wanted to begin. (Really, he did want too!)
I was not going to let him get extra ZZZZ's.  Maybe sometimes, I am an evil wife?  I was able to lure him to consciousness with murmers of yummy breakfast treats at the food store.  So, out the door we ran to the store...it's Sunday...it was closed....silly American! Only you would assume stores are open on Sunday!?

Post run with baked goods

Luckily, we discovered we just needed patience. (also not an American trait.)  The food store opened at 10.  Success and Sweets!

The brothers enjoy morning

After a bit of relaxing with coffee and computers, our little gang decided to try a bike trip around town.  This is more of an adventure then intended.  Biking is much more important to the average Swede then to an average American.  We just don't have the opportunities to bike as much as Swedes. (good excuse)

I think Elliot and Sofia are great little bicyclers, they just need to get comfortable with the rules of the road/ bike lane.  There could be heard in the streets of Eksjo a constant nagging "...say on the right, stop, slow down, watch for cars, stop, the right, the right...."

After the first ride. Great rides!

It went fine...I was a nervous Mamma! But practice makes perfect... we shall continue.  

Our next events of the day split Odd and I up.  He and Joakim went to hit some golf balls while the kids and I attempted to make traditional chocolate chip cookies to share with the family in celebration of the 4th of July.

Maybe we'll have fireworks of the taste buds instead of in the sky this year?

Travels and other tribulations

When all is said and done, for my kids travel is mostly about two things: food and games!
That would normally be totally cool with me but we are actually talking about airport/airline food and unlimited access to handheld game player and/or onboard games. 

As a former frequent traveler, I am completely perplexed but I can hardly gripe with these little innocent happiness's.  (I mean look hope happy Sofia is to get a Dunkin Donuts at Dulles or how needlessly guilty Elliot looks to be "caught" playing his DSi. (HeeeHeee, must keep him on his guard!)

All in all is was an easy trip.  I really think we have managed to find the least painful travel plan for going to Sweden with young ones.  Basically, get there as fast as possible, bring low expectations, snacks and (age appropriate) activities.     A good pair of headphones was magic this trip.  And as expected SAS Airlines is totally and completely awesome.  They still gives good freebies for the kids, plus great kids meals and MAJOR bonus they didn't charge for the gin and tonic or wine with dinner! 

This may have also helped make the trip a breeze!

Once we hit the ground in Copenhagen it was the battle to keep the eye open and the attitudes light.  It is so nice to say to everyone..."now lets just hoop on the train and will be with the Stalebrink clan before you know it!"  That train is directly (really) under the airport.  A short cat nap starting as we traveled from Denmark to Sweden and magic.... we are there!  (I love the X2000.)

OK.  Made it to Nassjo.  Meet my fabulous sister in law at the train station and in 25 short minutes we are being welcomed at our new Eksjo address for the next few weeks.  My (also fabulous) mother in law is there to welcome us with lunch in the oven and midsummer napkins on the table!  LOVE IT!

Now if we can just stay awake and avoid the jet lag that it quickly consuming my children. 

Quick...LETS GO TO THE LAKE! 
Phew....my computer is telling me it is 2:22 back in Hershey!  It is 8:22 here and I think I am the only one still awake! 
They better not wake me up at 3am wanting breakfast!?