We had a surprise birthday party at our house for Tobias with about 40 friends and family from all over Sweden. He was genuinely shocked. Maria did a great job with the planning and keeping it a secret. This picture was taken in our living room sometime around 4am. These Swedish people are serious about their birthday celebrations!

The kids had a pretty lively soccer match with cousins Ella and Philip on Sunday.

We had a picnic with Tilde’s and Stella’s kindergarten class at a local park. When they took this class picture, the room parent said “say skit! (shit)”. Everyone seemed to think that was normal.

I had an offsite with some colleagues in the archipelago outside of Stockholm. The day ended with a trip on a Swedish military boat called a CB 90. It was pretty amazing, hitting speeds of up to 40 knots, making sharp turns through the islands, and stopping on a dime.

We stopped at an island far out in the archipelago and cooked dinner on some propane grills. I wonder if these guys cook the books as well as they cooked the steaks?

If you look closely, you can see Maja’s new earrings. This has been the topic of conversation. In the house for the last couple of weeks…

It’s kind of amazing how quiet this city can be, like this morning in Vasastan. Just dropped the twins off for their theater class and am looking for a good cup of coffee.

Tilde thinks she has the biggest muscles in the family. Stella and Maja don’t think so.

Maja was on the way to a 50s party with her 3rd grade class. Stella was a little jealous.

Stella decided to pass on an opportunity for a swim in the sea on the way to dinner. Cousin Philip (on the right) jumped right in. Brrrr.

We went to a new playground near Ella and Philip where all the play structures are giant insects!