Anastasia has always loved splashing in the water, and always hated getting her head wet. So, this summer, after we returned from Sweden, Orlando and I took on the challenge of helping her to feel comfortable in the water. DC public pools are great. They're free, big and you can choose between indoor or outdoor fun. So, at least two times a week for the last month, we've taken little girl to a pool for a lesson with Mom or Dad. She's made great strides, too.
Initially, she was afraid to let go of the side of the pool, even when I was holding her. She would cling to my neck on the verge of choking me. Now, after a few weeks of constant exposure, she's able to kick herself across the pool using a kick board without any additional assistance, and she's happy to jump off the side of the pool into my arms. Next step, we'll start working on getting her to put her head under the water.
Sadly, DC public pools do not allow photos to be taken in the pool area, so there are no images of her swimming skills. The next time we're in a pool that let's us take pictures, I'll be super excited to be the family photographer and document our little girl's progress.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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
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
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Lotta's Wedding Day
On our last day in Sweden, we had an easy morning. We visited a playground, then went to the neighborhood yard sale to see what was for sale. I was heartbroken to have to leave this gem (only $4) behind.
I spent a lot of time thinking up schemes for shipping it home, but no matter what I came up with, better sense won out and it stayed behind for someone in Töreboda to love.
There was just enough time left for a game of Kubb before getting ready for the wedding.
Anastasia was very happy to show off her pretty dress.
Then we went outside to mingle with guests as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Farmor and Farfar (Christer's parents) were very excited to be there and made a very photogenic couple.
The wedding ceremony took place on a boat cruising on lake Vännern. Before we boarded, Kalle took a photo of each guest in a frame for the wedding album.
Lotta and Janne arrived together, but all eyes were on her. She wore a simple dress that accentuated her natural beauty, and she was stunning.
The wedding began with a love song performed by Lotta's youngest brother Viktor (who was 6 when I lived with them) and his music partner, Ulrika. It was exactly the kind of gentle beginning that I love.
After the short, civil ceremony, champagne corks were popped and the celebration began. The siblings posed for a few photos, and then came around to visit with all of the guests.
Back on land, it was time for the dinner (and the toasts) to begin. Christer spoke first, talking about how fortunate he was to have Lotta as a daughter. Throughout the dinner, guests gave wonderful, touching, and funny speeches about Lotta and Janne.
During the dinner, when Janne left the table for a minute, every man in the room jumped up and formed a queue to kiss the bride. When Lotta left the table, the ladies all kissed Janne. I loved this.
Anastasia fell asleep before the end of dinner so we left the wedding just before the dancing began. It was the right timing, since we had only about 6 hours to sleep before it was time for us to drive to the airport. There were lots of tears as we said goodbye to all of the family, and I decided that we'll be back for a visit within 2 years. Thank you once again to my wonderful second family for welcoming us into your homes and loving us as you would a daughter.
I spent a lot of time thinking up schemes for shipping it home, but no matter what I came up with, better sense won out and it stayed behind for someone in Töreboda to love.
There was just enough time left for a game of Kubb before getting ready for the wedding.
Anastasia was very happy to show off her pretty dress.
Then we went outside to mingle with guests as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Farmor and Farfar (Christer's parents) were very excited to be there and made a very photogenic couple.
The wedding ceremony took place on a boat cruising on lake Vännern. Before we boarded, Kalle took a photo of each guest in a frame for the wedding album.
Lotta and Janne arrived together, but all eyes were on her. She wore a simple dress that accentuated her natural beauty, and she was stunning.
The wedding began with a love song performed by Lotta's youngest brother Viktor (who was 6 when I lived with them) and his music partner, Ulrika. It was exactly the kind of gentle beginning that I love.
After the short, civil ceremony, champagne corks were popped and the celebration began. The siblings posed for a few photos, and then came around to visit with all of the guests.
Back on land, it was time for the dinner (and the toasts) to begin. Christer spoke first, talking about how fortunate he was to have Lotta as a daughter. Throughout the dinner, guests gave wonderful, touching, and funny speeches about Lotta and Janne.
During the dinner, when Janne left the table for a minute, every man in the room jumped up and formed a queue to kiss the bride. When Lotta left the table, the ladies all kissed Janne. I loved this.
Anastasia fell asleep before the end of dinner so we left the wedding just before the dancing began. It was the right timing, since we had only about 6 hours to sleep before it was time for us to drive to the airport. There were lots of tears as we said goodbye to all of the family, and I decided that we'll be back for a visit within 2 years. Thank you once again to my wonderful second family for welcoming us into your homes and loving us as you would a daughter.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wedding Preparations
Lotta and Janne's wedding was quickly approaching, and on Friday evening, Anastasia and I went with them and our friend Frida to decorate the restaurant where the reception was to be held on Saturday.
Anastasia's first job was filling all of the vases with water. Then she became our official photographer as the grown ups took on the task of putting flowers in all the vases and candles in the glass candlesticks.
Once everything was put together, we started assembling the tables. Each place setting included a small personalized bud vase filled with very pretty purple clover flowers showing each guest's name written in Lotta's beautiful handwriting.
When it was all done, the tables were beautifully laid for dinner.
Before we left, all the ladies who decorated for the wedding (including the chef, Johanna) posed for a photo, taken by Janne, whose help was also quite valuable, to document our evening.
The next day would be our last day in Sweden, a day for packing, visiting Töreboda's neighborhood fleamarket, a day of celebration and joy for the whole family.
Anastasia's first job was filling all of the vases with water. Then she became our official photographer as the grown ups took on the task of putting flowers in all the vases and candles in the glass candlesticks.
Once everything was put together, we started assembling the tables. Each place setting included a small personalized bud vase filled with very pretty purple clover flowers showing each guest's name written in Lotta's beautiful handwriting.
When it was all done, the tables were beautifully laid for dinner.
Before we left, all the ladies who decorated for the wedding (including the chef, Johanna) posed for a photo, taken by Janne, whose help was also quite valuable, to document our evening.
The next day would be our last day in Sweden, a day for packing, visiting Töreboda's neighborhood fleamarket, a day of celebration and joy for the whole family.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Playtime
Anastasia was thrilled by all the playgrounds that we found during our visit. It seemed that everywhere we went there was a sandbox, which pleased our little girl to no end.
She made lots of sandcastles, decorated with twig flags and stones. She also loved the slides and swings.
We also spent some time playing Kub, an old Swedish lawn game which involves throwing sticks to knock down blocks of wood on the side opposite you. Anastasia wasn't half bad!
The rest of our playtime was spent largely on the floor with the baby boys and Janne. There were a lot of very interesting foods prepared in that "restaurant." My personal favorite was "Shoe Soup with Cat".
She made lots of sandcastles, decorated with twig flags and stones. She also loved the slides and swings.
We also spent some time playing Kub, an old Swedish lawn game which involves throwing sticks to knock down blocks of wood on the side opposite you. Anastasia wasn't half bad!
The rest of our playtime was spent largely on the floor with the baby boys and Janne. There were a lot of very interesting foods prepared in that "restaurant." My personal favorite was "Shoe Soup with Cat".
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