Greece (with R, A & M)

This summer was filled with travel. It's quite typical for us that we enjoy our time off by trying to maximize our experience. Sometimes that turns into a bit of a tricky affair as we find ourselves going from place to place with little time to decompress. Greece was sort of like that this year. It was more of a stop-over than an actual destination, but we were able to manage some wonderful experiences none-the-less. Of course getting to see everyone was primary in our "to do" list for the summer - especially with this being Ralph's last year in the UAE and Maria graduating and off to college soon - and we were fortunate enough to get some time with them, even if it was short. 

So much of our experience has been linked to our relationships with Ralph, Anne and Maria. The girls consider Maria a sister and our chance to share experiences with them all over the world (we are, after all, literally following them around) have been a big part of our life's story, so it was important that we have a chance to see them before the chapter ends in its present form. From whatever part of the world we're in to whatever part of the world you're in, may our friendship be a bond that holds firm throughout the years. We love you!

Sunsets in Sweden!

A long, long time ago Pappou, in talking to mommy and daddy about the marvels of nature - and sunsets in particular - was explaining the urges that he gets as an artist when looking at such amazing natural phenomena. "You get two urges", he said. "To pick up the paint brush" and try to emulate it all, and "to put down the paint brush" because there is no way you can match it. This summer's trip to Sweden brought with it much of the latter. There were no paint brushes to be seen, but there was plenty to marvel as (late) night after night we were presented with a spectacular show of calm and natural splendor. 

It is hard to say what Sweden brings to us, as there is so much happening. But the one big thing - apart, of course, from reconnecting to our wonderful family - is the sense of calm and oneness with the natural surroundings. It's as if everyone here revolves around the natural world and, coming from the hustle and bustle of large, ever-growing cities, it sure is a welcomed respite from what humanity has gone and gotten itself involved in. Here it's about the trees. It's about the breeze. About the ripples in the water, the bend in the trunk of a tree. It's about bringing ones self to the same level as all that which comprises life has to offer. It's spectacular. 

This trip to Sweden, as is typically the case, was all about putting down what we were doing and just letting nature put on it's show, time and time again. 

Ah, Sweden!

When we get to Sweden we rent a car, and head strait for Moca's place!  We know Pappou and Moca will be waiting, but we never quite know who else will be around!  This time there was an 80th birthday celebration for Moca which, though suffering a setback by way of a virus spreading through the neighborhood/family, was still a wonderful success!  The place is a little slice of heaven and one can't help but be happy just by stepping out of the car here. Add the many friendly faces of family and friends and you've got yourself a very special place!

On this occasion we spent a few days there (the first few with Sammy around as well!) and then transferred - via Stockholm - to Gotland where Jovo and Kinna have a place!  The girls were not happy to move, stating that they really like the house by the lake. But it didn't take long for them to realize that Gotland had a whole lot on offer as well!  The town of Visby, and quaintness of the island and, perhaps the highlight, the wonderful multi-building home that Jovo and Kinna have set up for themselves!  Just one block from a western-facing stone beach and with that "small town" kind of feel that makes one feel welcomed and comfortable, it was the ideal location for reconnections and new experiences!

Our time was simply wonderful. As it always is. We are so very fortunate to have an ever expanding family that brings us to such beautiful places - in the world and in our hearts. Thank you to all our Swedish friends and family for that peaceful, easy feeling of being home. :-)

Growing Up.

As time ticks on one could get carried away in the day-to-dayness of life and it's doings. But every once in a while there are moments where, as a parent, you do a double take. You look at that little girl who you've been sharing a life with a realize that, somehow and without much effort on your part, she is growing up. Perhaps it's the light cast in a hallway. Perhaps it's the way she decided to put on lipstick. Perhaps it's the glasses she put on for that particular moment. Or maybe it's just the pose, the activity, the mannerism of the instance. Whatever it is, these photos were taken in just such moments. They are glimpses, perhaps, of what our girls might become. Or perhaps they are momentary snapshots of who they are. Somehow they have given us pause, time to reflect, and time to marvel at the wonderful people they have become and continue to be. There is so much pride and love inside - right here - that it's hard to contain. Too fast?  Not fast enough?  Time does it's thing, and we appreciate it all, one moment at a time. 

Sammy!

  

The visit to Sweden had been planned for a long while but this time there would be a somewhat last-minute twist!  As luck would have it we were arriving to Stockholm one day after Sammy!  Though we tried to keep his addition to the itinerary a surprise the girls were able to figure out that something was up. Sammy did his best to hide behind a column in the airport as we arrived but he was quickly flanked by his cousins and surrounded with hugs. 

His three days with us allowed us to reconnect and for our girls, in particular, to get some hugely missed cousin time!  Sammy is always a great person to have around. Calm, smiling and always patient he is the perfect role model for the little bundles of energy that we have in our family household!  Sammy did what he does best... went with the flow!  And flow there was. One thing flowed into another as we moved from walks in the forest to dinners on the porch.  

He informed us of wedding plans (we're VERY excited) and professional changes in his life, of his new home in London as well. Though it was only two full days it was, none-the-less, the kind of visit we wouldn't miss for the world. We love you Sammy!