Sweden {Bork, Bork, Bork}

Stockholm was an adventure!

New country, new relatives, 18 hour Ferry, and a whole lot of meatballs:)

I was a little nervous about the ferry, but with Dramamine around the clock, luckily I didn't feel motion sickness at all.  The ship was really cool.  It had rooms overlooking the main hallway with restaurants, shops, and even a night club with live music!

When we went to find our room, we soon realized...the entry level of the ship was floor 7 and our room was floor 2...under the cars...and under the water--yikes!  

Thank goodness we were able to upgrade!  Level 9, with an ocean view--much better!  Sleeping in one room was interesting...with a choir of snorers haha.  Showering was also interesting.  I was sure I was going to flood the bathroom with all the water spilling out while we swayed.

Dinner was delicious...4 meatball dinners please;)

The view off the front of the ship was beautiful, we couldn't stop watching (well except Mike who's eyes were burning from the brightness)

The views the next morning as we entered Sweden were just as beautiful as we passed all the small islands.  Just breathtaking.  Pictures don't do it justice, as always.

Our first day in Sweden, we thought we'd go to "old town".  I was surprised, after coming from Finland, how touristy and crowded it was.  So many cute shops and restaurants, with the beautiful buildings lining the cobblestone streets.  It felt like Harry Potter world haha.

We toured the royal palace (until Mike's knee gave out and we were all pooped)!

Ikea! Just a block or so away from our hotel (The Hobo)

So pretty (reminded me a little of Paris)

The first night was the BIG event--meeting our new Jewish relatives, The Borensteins!

Ariel had us over to his apartment, along with his wife Elizabeth, Rita, and Peter.  He made us a beautiful Swedish meal complete with sauerkraut and herrings:)

Meeting Rita, Ariel and Peter was better than we could have hoped for.  They were all so kind and genuinely interested in getting to know us and our families.  We had a wonderful visit.  

Walking back to our hotel after taking the subway home from Ariel's apartment.  This was a more modern party of Sweden with lots of shopping and restaurants.  We didn't get any time to explore, but I would love to go back and spend more time.  I loved the vibe of Stockholm.  And look at that blue sky!

The nexy day we spend exploring with our new relatives.  We went to the Vaasa museum, out to lunch and then strolled through the old town.  We had quite a bit of rain, but pushed through and had a great day exploring and getting to know each other better.

This was definitely a trip of a lifetime!  I am so glad we added Sweden to our trip.  I am grateful to these newly discovered relatives who have embraced us so lovingly.  They are such wonderful people.  I wish they could have known Dad and he them. 

And just like that, the trip was over.  It was the perfect length.  I think we were all ready to be home to snuggle our kids and sleep in our own beds!