a swedish midsummer

midsummer was so incredibly fine in every way.  it begins with taking a walk in the forest to show laurie and graeme the view; across the water is our destination, nyckelviken herrgård.  continuing with our forest walk, we reach the festivities.  we join the dancing around the maypole which is a hoot... the songs are so silly - jumping around like a frog! - yet you cannot help but smile big at the joy around you.  

the rest of the afternoon and evening is spent at ximena and petter's home which has the best garden ever.  it's easy to forget we are just half hour from the city with so much greenery surrounding us.  we prepare a swedish midsummer meal with herring, salmon and potatoes; the kids love the cheese pie made with västerbotten; and a delish strawberry cake too.  for drinks?  there's gin & tonic, wine, and snaps too - the latter a swedish tradition accompanied by song... thanks petter for the serenade :) 

few things are dreamier on a midsummer's eve than sitting outdoors with a fire to keep you warm with a nice glass of wine in hand, conversation and laughs with good friends while the kiddos play.  so grateful.

thank you ximena and petter for such a lovely midsummer eve's day.  and thank you laurie for sharing some of your photos with me!

reunited with his papa, who just landed in stockholm from his work trip to montreal

 

  

love this one of the three boys... they were good sports for the minute laurie took the photo :)

happy midsummer everyone!