Poolside in Sweden!

The weather is finally just beautiful now! It was in the mid 80's this weekend, and supposed to stay warm hopefully for the next few weeks. Rain is always a possibility, but the Holm's think the summer is already looking good, which is a good sign for the rest of July and August. Here are some pictures from this past weekend with the family at the pool. Feels like CA weather, I'm loving it!
I'm so excited right now, I can hardly breathe! My mom, sister Katie, and aunts Karen and Emily arrive in Sweden this Saturday, July 4th. Funny they are coming on America's bday, awesome. Not sure if I want to welcome them with red, white and blue, or my new countries blue and yellow? It is the perfect time to see family, especially these women. After they leave, I'll will be at my half way point for my time here in Sweden already. Crazy huh! As you all know, I'm absolutely loving this whole experience here! BUT, I am in need of some family and friends love, so as you can imagine, I will be beaming with excitment this whole week! Sure there will be many, many stories and memories coming out of that trip.
Tomorrow, I am going to Gothenberg with the family for two nights. This is the second largest city in Sweden, and it's on the west coast. I am also taking my family there for a night, when they are here. It is really known for it's seafood, yummo!
So, lots to come and be thankful for. Summer is here, shining, and I'm loving every minute of it! Miss you all so much!

Midsummer with the Relatives!

Midsummer is the biggest holiday next to Christmas. It's a day where the Swedes celebrate the great weather of summer. It's basically their 4th of July. This trip was even more special than last time, I met the whole family! The weather was absolutely beautiful for this long weekend in the country with my new found relatives. Like Gunnel and Agnes, everyone was so nice and welcoming and very interested in who I was and that I've come all this way from CA. Friday the 19th, we all met at Gunnel's, and the party began around noon. Everyone came from all over Sweden, about 25 people, and we ate a lot, drank a lot, and got to know each other. Yes, we drank a lot! Well, not me too much...lightweight these days. Gunnel's nephew Calei (spelling wrong probably), is a chef and prepared everything with lots of fish, potatoes, sauces, meats, etc. I got his email address so we can exchange recipes. I met more relatives that remember Grandma Mary, and had stories to share, very nice. Everyone had shot glasses filled with Vodka through the whole meal pretty much. It was as if they were coffee cups and they just kept topping you off. Nothing too crazy, but pretty funny. Found more information about the family, made some Facebook buddies, received email addresses, and basically all the contact information from everyone here. Too cool! I was thinking, I hope these cousins remember me in 30 years (like they did Grandma), and tell stories about my visit. If you want more pictures of the family, and this trip, let me know and I'd be happy to send them! Btw, the picture of me in front of the red house, is with Gunnel's brother and his family who still live in Emma's previous house before she moved to America! (My g-gma)