Older Boys Kidnapped, Anders as the Only Child

Just over a month ago the older boys were kidnapped and whisked away to Sweden, leaving Anders as an only child.  It was a neat experiment, to see how the neglected third child would react to having the attention of both parents.  Turns out the results were disappointing-- third child happy-to-entertain-myelf-for-hours personality was gone, first child I-need-stimulation-every-waking-second took its place.  I spent several weeks with Anders attached to my leg, so much that I learned a nifty sideways shuffle to get around without hurting him.

The boys really didn't have an opportunity to miss their parents.  Farmor & far far took them to their apartment in Örebro, central to the city park and mini children's amusement park.  

The weather was uncharacteristically warm, giving them plenty of opportunity to be outside to fight their jet lag.  With just 2 bikes, they rode around the city, taking breaks for ice cream, bullar, and rest.

Next stop was Koster Island, part of an archipelago in the westernmost part of the country, to visit uncle Björn.  Cars are not allowed on the island so they had to take a ferry over.

The hot weather continued giving the boys plenty of opportunities to swim and catch crabs.  

There are 3000 year old rock carvings on the island, depicting life in the Bronze Age.  Of course, the boys loved to point out all the penises.

Island life was followed by Småland life, to visit gammal farfar Sune.  According to the boys, his house was "Awesome!"  

The lekstugan (or playhouse) was a huge hit.  Seeing our kids play in the same little house that Mattias, his siblings, and all his cousins played in as kids really touched me.  The boys were lucky to  enjoy a Swedish summer with their grandparents, but sharing the same childhood experiences that Mattias had made the trip much more meaningful.