Finland : Around the house

The weather was just great for the first half of our stay. Warm enough to eat outside for most meals and for the kids to be able to play in the lake for long stretches of time. Henry loved moving sand and water and tossing rocks into the lake. Nora did some floating and kicking with the inner tube.

We fed any ducks that came by. Nora named these two "Garlic" and "Handsome."The neighboring farmer cut and baled his first hay so we walked down for a closer look.We took the big kids out in the row boat.

Finland 09 : Early Days

We crossed off a lot of our "to-do-on-vacation" list on day one. We ate breakfast on the dock, cooked sausages and lettut over the fire for dinner, had a sauna, and the kids played in the lake. We saw long-time friends and met a few new ones. The kids were up early (about 3.30) because of the time change so we were able to fit in a second breakfast.The next few days brought more fun. We went on an afternoon jaunt to Pulkkilanharju and then had our afternoon coffee at the harbor.Enjoying their first Finnish ice cream novelty.

Yogurt

I started thinking about making my own yogurt a few years ago. There wasn't a pressing need at the time; I was the only one in the family who ate it regularly. Then Mystie tried making some and we shared the batches this winter. When she needed a break I tried my hand at it. I've turned 5 gallons of perfectly good milk into yogurt now and I am so pleased. It is much cheaper than buying it by the quart and tastes better too. I found this website very helpful. I have modified the process slightly, I incubate in my oven with the light on rather than in a cooler. The kids love it and it is a wonderful summer breakfast when paired with our own granola.

Helena plays the kazoo

Ballet recital 09

Nora did very well. Each dancer got a free snow cone after their performance which was a lovely surprise. We had a pre-recital celebratory dinner and then made our way to the park. We arrived just before Nora was called backstage to dress and then stayed a while afterward to watch some of the other classes.

Cherry season

Recital Rehearsal

Dress rehearsal this morning at the park. Nora is so excited for the performance. We have been counting down for at least 10 days. She convinced me to stop for an iced chai on the way home because "today is her special day."
Watching another performance and waiting for their turn.And a video clip:



Remember last year?

At the park

She is close to walking, but not there yet. She cruises along furniture and can get where she wants to go very quickly. She can safely go up and down stairs so our baby gates are open again.

A modest dream come true

I've wanted a herb garden for years and finally have a small one! I grew this basil from seed and the rosemary was a gift from a friend that I divided. It has been so fun to have them and I hope they continue to live.

Happy music

There was a band organ rally in the park Saturday. We went in the afternoon and enjoyed some music. We saw small hand-crank organs, a big one with percussion that sounded like a brass band, several older organs that had been used on steamboats or in movie theaters, and one calliope.

Henry was admiring the old car that holds this organ and was offered a chance to sit in it and honk the horn. Here is the calliope.


After we had visited all the instruments we bought a bag of popcorn and checked out the carousel horses that were on display.