stockholm weekend pics, part one, valborg and tantolundenparken

the swedes sure know how to bring in a long weekend... with a bonfire!  valborg is a swedish celebration of spring and light.  we were happy to take part with our lovely friends ximena and family.  in their neighbourhood, on the ski hill, an impressive gigantic bonfire loomed.  people drank alcohol openly, pouring from flasks and drinking from mason jars but it was primarily a family affair. petter made blueberry tea which was lovely and warm.  the kiddos ran freely up the ski hill and into the woods having a most happy time.  there was music and fire dancers too.  it was a good night.

the lake we skated on

not the prettiest tower but i am told that from up top you get amazing views while dining and drinking,

 

we visited tantolundenparken for kai's second fotboll match.  and this time we didn't miss it!  stefan and i explored a teeny bit of this huge park.  the garden sheds pictured are made available (since 1915) for those who live in apartments without a garden to call their own.  i would love one of my own but the waiting list to rent is outrageously long. back on the soccer field, it was nice to see that kai hasn't lost his ability to maneuver around the field, he played well, which called for some traditional cake eating afterwards!

this pic was taken from a different day and from the bottom of the park hill.

trevlig hund - the owner of this lovely dog told us she was a 'nice dog'

princess cake, prinsesstårta in swedish, is called as such because the swedish princess is fond of it :)

there was all sorts of goodness that stefan prepared at home... flank steak (my body has been craving iron these days), salad with blue cheese walnuts, apples and mustard dressing, and apple pie with the flakiest crust was shared with friends. and on another day, our go to these days, sausages!  

weekend pics part 2 coming up tomorrow.