A little taste of Sweden

Here are pictures from our visit to "little Sweden" aka Lindsborg, KS. 

 

Dean covered the local hospital and ER from Sat AM to Sun AM, but thankfully the patient load was light so we were able to discover Lindsborg as a family.  We'd visited before but not since early May 2010 aka "pre-Gracie," so this time we experienced Lindsborg as a touring toddler...

Checking out the view from our room at the Swedish Country Inn

then off to explore...

After walking around for a while we found a nice park so stopped to play.

Climbing up "on my own"

Tunnel!

Trying out the merry-go-round

Sliding with Daddy

Then back to the inn for lunch and a nap -- a must for every toddler whether or not they agree -- then back outside for park number 2.

On our "adult" tours of Lindsborg we never noticed this really cool park, but for toddler touring it is a must see -- and of course a must play, too!

Climbed the tower with Daddy

Swinging with Mommy

and, of course, on my own too!

Can you find the lady bug?

Baby bumble bee

This was a cool set of chimes where kids can play various tunes (by number) or create a song of their own, which is what Gracie and Daddy decided to do.

(will try to add a video here soon)

Talking to the Dala horse, a traditional Swedish symbol, before...

going for a ride!

And what Nordic adventure would be complete without a boat ride?

Our little viking!

We had a wonderful weekend time exploring and discovered we really like this little town.  Hopefully, we can visit again soon.

Since returning home Sunday morning, we've had quite a beginning to our week...

+ Earthquake x 2: one Saturday night (which we didn't feel in Lindsborg) but repeated last night, both without significant damage noted but bizarre and unexpected

+ Power outages at Grace Med (where Dianna works) AND at Gracie's daycare, an entire sector of the city went out due to a storm yesterday, and it took most of the afternoon & early evening to repair

In all of this we continue to see God's love and grace abound -- beyond what we think to ask or even imagine.  How Great is our God!

With thankfulness,

DD&G

Halloween 2011

Well, we are a bit overdue on this post, but we didn't want anyone to miss out on these cute pictures of Gracie dressed up as a ...

                                                      

 pink poodle puppy!

October 31st was a day full of fun for little miss Gracie.  

The morning started with a costume parade at the CDC (Child Development Center), aka "daycare."

                                   

Gracie's classmates rode in the stroller wagon with Ms. Heather 

while Gracie and Ms. Lynn walked behind.

Various Via Christi Hospital employees came out to watch

 and to give treats to the kids.

Gracie quickly caught on to this idea!

Gracie and her bud Cooper "sharing" a hug from Ms. Lynn.

Gracie really enjoyed her costume and parading around the block with her friends.  

So, we decided to go for round two after dinner.

This time Gracie rode in the wagon with Eli & Hailey!

We drove to a nearby neighborhood that is well known for its decorations.  Let's just say it was no secret -- there were literally hundreds of trick-or-treaters filling the sidewalks and streets of College Hill.

Gracie enjoyed this yard full of pumpkins!

There were other neat decorations -- one yard had a cute Wizard of Oz theme but we didn't successfully capture it in a picture.  Some houses were a bit too scary for us, so we strolled on by.  

All in all it was a fun "All Hallowed Eve."

And we'll "leave" you with another fall favorite...

Singing & Dancing with Daddy!

Joyful in His Abundance,

DD&G