Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Baltic Seascape

Overnight, Stockholm turned from a dead, brown, soggy mess (after the snow melted) into a beautiful coastal town (like all of its inhabitants as well).  Now that spring is here, trees are in bloom, tulips are sprouting, and color is once again an option when it comes to wardrobe.  Out with the black and in with the new and colorful.

It is incredible how a few 65 degree days and sun can turn a city around.  Every cafe and restaurant has opened its outdoor seating, people are smiling again, and slowly more skin is starting to show on everybody's pale, white bodies.

Spring clothes come out, boats begin their test runs, and most importantly, it no longer takes the kids and I an extra 20 minutes to leave the house each morning (throw on a light jacket, and you're good- no hats, no gloves, no scarves, no layers upon layers, and no snow boots).

Last weekend my family decided to take their boat out for the first ride of the season!
Ella and Elsa ready for the ride.





Captain MÃ¥rten and co-captain Andreas
Nina and Johanna enjoying the ride from the back. 




Gabriel, Alfred, Elsa, and Ella

A teasing taste of London




I recently visited a place where the tea is high, fries are chips, left is right, fanny is a bad word, and most importantly, where I could eavesdrop! 

 Walking near our hotel, Westminster area.


 Daily trips to Hamleys, London's version of FAO Schwarz and five floors of over-stimulated kids.

 Some enjoyed the taxi ride...

 ...while others were a little apprehensive.



Beautiful weather with blooming gardens enabled us to really enjoy the trip.

 Johanna, Ella and Gabriel taking in the view on the London Eye.


 View from the top!







Buckingham palace. 








 Of course we had to ride a double decker bus.







 St. Paul's Cathedral

 London Bridge


 boys will be boys.

 Enjoying an evening walk around the city.




 Playing in the gorgeous parks and found the most perfect climbing tree.



 Can't forget a Harrods trip while in London.


 Picnic in the park with sandwiches from the Harrods food hall.

The Princess Diana playground complete with a pirate ship.










Ay Ay Captain!


Westminster Abbey


 Evening walk by Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.


Just a bite of London in 4 days, and I absolutely fell in love. I could definitely live there!