Swedish Midsummer Festival Smorgasbord

Midsummer is celebrated in many parts of the world as the longest day of the year. In northern parts of Sweden, the sun actually never sets at all!  And so, it is time for what everyone has been waiting for - the midsummer buffet!  Nothing captures the essence of Swedish summer like a midsummer buffet table.  Assorted herrings alongside boiled potatoes with chopped chives is the spread's centrepiece. But there has to be something for those who don't fancy herrings. Like salmon, pies or meatballs. Bread and cheese on the side.  As full as all may be after the buffet, there is always room for some desserts, biscuits or sweets which is what make the spread and celebration complete. Fresh strawberries with whipped cream is inevitable!   In Sweden, its very common to grow rhubarb in the garden. But enjoying rhubarb more or less requires sugar to balance the intense tartness of the plant. That’s why it wasn’t until the 17th century, as sugar became available to common people, that rhubarb got a foothold in Europe. Its popularity grew and today the fresh taste of rhubarb is always appreciated in Sweden.  A rhubarb crumble pie is one of the true classic Swedish summer desserts, and it is preferably enjoyed with some vanilla whip.  And so to enjoy all this, we went to IKEA for a special Midsummer dinner.  What a treat! 

Brenley expresses all of our sentiments!

Father's Day 2013

Sydney made special crowns for the dads for Father's Day. Here she is with Don,
Grandpa, and Tyler. What a thoughtful and fun girl.

Time To Move Some Things To The New House

Dad asked for some help for moving a bunch of boxes and some of
the furniture to the new house.  Here's the great crew that helped us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!  And how could I forget- Carole
watched the 3 Nay girls so mom & dad were free to help.  She spoiled
them with special "octopus soup" and other such goodies as only
Carole can.

The garage was filled with boxes! 

Which meant that the house became filled with boxes!

AND the kitchen was filled with boxes!!!

It's a good thing we still have the bubblegum machine.

And of course, there is always time for a little fun.  Right, Don and Tyler???
(They knew I would post this picture.  Just for you, Adrianne)