Tilt-a-Whirl

A carnival came to DC last week, and even though it was ridiculously hot, Orlando and I decided to take advantage of it on a weeknight, when it wouldn't be so busy. As soon as we walked in, Anastasia wanted to hit a roller coaster. The only had a small one, but that didn't stop her from having a ball with Daddy.



She's more than 42 inches tall, which means she can now go on most of the rides at the carnival. So, when she asked to go on the Tilt-a-Whirl, I breathed a sigh of relief when Orlando said he'd go with her. She squealed with joy while Orlando tried not to get sick!



While Orlando recovered, Anastasia moved to a dragon ride meant for the younger set.



Then it was on to the teacups (or Kraft macaroni and cheese cups) for Annie and me. 



Orlando got a picture of each of us as we got off the ride. Guess who liked it better?



We went in search of something that wouldn't turn stomachs, and found the bumper cars. Orlando and Anastasia shared a car, with Orlando serving as photographer. There was one other family on the ride, and because it was slow, the operator let us go twice. The whole ride was a ton of fun.



With only two tickets left, Anastasia got to go on one more ride before it was time to head home. She picked the race cars (even though the motorcycles drew Orlando's eye). She had a fun ride, and showed off her 10 and 2 hand position for the whole ride.



I can't imagine a better way to spend a couple hours (and more than a few dollars) on a hot summer evening.

Sweden in Photos

A few photos that I haven't shared yet and a couple repeats.

The twins, Frans and Ture:



Anastasia's tour of the playgrounds of Sweden:





Ice cream, the law (according to Frida) says you have to have it every day.



Family

Hej då Sverige

It was a long drive to Arlanda airport, but Anastasia was a trooper. She slept for the first 90 minutes of the drive, then woke up just as I was thinking it was about time to find a bathroom. Orlando called while we were at the gas station, so we both got to talk to him, then it was back on the road. I hoped to see an elk on the way, but they weren't out that morning. On the shuttle bus from the rental car lot, we saw the old airplane that has been converted into a youth hostel.



We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare, so we did a little shopping (Marabou chocolate of course), then grabbed breakfast at this super cool bar.



Our gate was right next to the most amazing airport play area ever. Unlike Seattle's, which has a travel theme, this one is based on the books of Elsa Beskow, author of Peter in Blueberry Land and many others.



Between the giant mouse and blueberry bush, the slide in the giant mushroom, and the play houses with all their fun things, Anastasia really enjoyed the hour or so until it was time to board.



When it was time to get on the plane, she settled in quickly and relaxed easily with the personal entertainment system. She and I really liked the cup holders in the tray table. Can't imagine why every airplane doesn't have them.



At the end of our long flight, we were met at the airport by Myney, who patiently waited for us to get through customs and passport control. We headed home. I kept Anastasia up late, but it didn't help her get adjusted to the time change any easier. For the next three nights, she put herself to bed at least an hour before her usual bedtime.

We had a wonderful visit to Sweden, thanks to our wonderful family there who made us feel at home. I think some time in the next 2 years we'll be heading back. Anastasia has talked of little else since we returned.