Our 'Holiday'

In the beginning of July we took an 8-day trip...our first big family vacation. We knew it would be an adventure, and we were right. :) It was definitely not the kind of relaxing and lounging around kind of holiday like most people think of when they hear the word 'vacation'. It was fun though. Fun to have a change of scenery, fun to be able to take the girls out in public without worrying (too much) about illnesses, fun to watch Matias's face when we saw new and exciting places, fun to just be together as a family. Olivia learned to crawl during the trip, Sofia learned how to wave, and Matias learned how to tell really long (and funny) stories to total strangers. (I'm totally sure the guy sitting next to us in the restaurant wanted to hear about how we pump up Matias's Thomas the Train bed every night before he sleeps and how drive into the boat so that we can go to Leppävaara. The poor guy didn't have a clue was Matias was talking about. :))

And the tough part: lugging 3 baby beds and various suitcases in and out of the car every night and morning (and 3 small kids!); trying to deal with 3 grumpy and tired babies in a restaurant every evening; having to stop every half an hour because someone had a poopy diaper; losing hats, shoes, etc., and having to retrace our steps to find missing items (we're only down one hat after the trip!); washing bottles, porridge bowls and baby spoons in the hotel sink every night. Having fun is hard work! Tero and I had a motto for our 'vacation' about 2 days into it: 'Being at home is hard work, but it's a whole lot easier than this.' Totally true, but we're also really glad that we went. I don't think you can appreciate the ease of daily life at home until you get a taste of something else. And really, the kids were actually very well behaved. I think the girls had a few difficulties just because they aren't used to so much change every day after being basically only at home. And sometimes Matias was just a bit tired. But there were no major embarrassing meltdowns or anything. It could've been a whole lot worse. :)

We saw some really great (and beautiful) places on the trip and would love to go back again someday...but maybe when the kids are older. ;)

An overview of our trip:

Day 1- Drove to Naantali, Finland to visit Muumimaailma (Moominworld). Great fun! Matias was a bit shy when he met the Muumi characters, but talked about it afterwards like it was the best thing EVER. I definitely recommend this place to anyone in Finland who has small children.

Muumi Mama saying hi to Matias

Matias concentrating on a game in the Muumi house

Matias and Mommy

The next day we had to leave the hotel at 7 a.m. to go catch the ferry that would take us to Stockholm, Sweden.

Daddy and Olivia cuddling after naptime

Peek-a-boo, Sofia!

3rd day- drove to Kolmården Zoo and spent the day there. Stayed the night in a hotel in Nörkkoping and had the nice surprise of finding out that the hotel room was as big as our home. :) The kids had lots fun there...and Olivia learned how to crawl on her knees!

Matias trying to feed a rock to the goat :)

That's better!

The cutest little monkey put on quite a show for us

Matias enjoying the zoo

Always need an ice cream break!

A HUGE playpark at the zoo

Mother bear nursing her cubs...so sweet!


Olivia crawls!

4th day- drove to the island of Öland and arrived at our LOVELY hotel.

5th day- a day at the beach in northern Öland

Loving the sand




Sofia the princess refusing to let her feet touch the ground. :)


At the northernmost tip of Öland


A quick stop to see some castle ruins

6th day- a day hanging out near the hotel, checking out the shopping mall, etc.

Sofia waves to Matias


7th day- drive back to Stockholm to catch the evening ferry


Matias loved watching the elevator go up and down outside our cabin window



8th day- arrived in Helsinki in the morning and then home sweet home!

As you can see from the pictures, we did have a lot of fun. Just wondering where next years's summer holiday will take us!