Super Sommarlov Part 2: Småland

We chose to visit in June because we wanted the kids to experience the summer solstice and Midsommar holiday the Swedish way.  But ourbiggest motivation was to connect with family, and make the boys more familiar with places special to Mattias.  One of those places is Morfar Sune's house.

Kerstin again managed to gather our extended family at Pallarp, where we've celebrated together in years past.

With the sun shining, we set up the trampoline and let the kids rip. Uncle Jan was the star, showing off his trick moves.

No matter how warm the air is, the lake water is always frigid. It was a great excuse to fire up the stove and introduce the boys to the fine art of the bastu (sauna.)

Our "itinerary" was simple: lunch, then fika (coffee break), then a light afternoon snack of traditional shrimp sandwiches. We talked, caught up, and took naps.  It was a much smaller gathering and tame by comparison to years past, but the elements of family, nature, and love remained the same.

Again the Class vs. Fun dilemma came up, when we had to choose between famed author Astrid Lindgren's World and High Chaparal, a wild West theme park.  Mattias and his cousin had vivid memories of visiting High Chaparral, and it was half the price, so the decision was made. I normally don't use clichés, but coming from the West and exploring a wild West park was so meta.

As soon as you enter there is a shop where every kid gets outfitted with a cap gun, plus or minus a holster, cowboy hat, vest, or bandana. From then on, the boys brandished their pistols all over the park along with all the other Swedish kids. This glorified weaponry is only possible in a place where people are not actually afraid of being shot.

The entire park was well done, there were stage coaches and live theater including stunts, horses, and pyrotechnics.

I laughed while exploring the Indian village, which had authentic hand built shelters and open fires.  Did you read that correctly?  Open fires.  In a children's park!  Another thing you don't normally find in children's parks? Axe throwing as a family activity.  I'm pretty sure Sweden doesn't have the same liability issues we have in the US.

There's a train ride that goes around the park, but you have to bring your guns in case the train gets robbed.  And it always gets robbed.

We ended our visit with a short musical performance in the main town square. Pants off but guns loaded, we drove off into the sunset.