Finland

So I am finally getting around to posting some pics from our recent Finland trip. Hopefully there will be more to come.
The view from the outside toilet at the cottage. Sami was occupying it at the time.
The 60 year olds, Marjukka and Mani dancing to celebrate their big birthdays.
Marjukka's actual birthday. A typical "warm" summer day in Finland.
The fam outside at Vaari's house. (Sami's granddad)

More Finland

This round is from the cottage we stayed at on the lake.
Birch trees and ferns
Sami freezing in the water post sauna
Tommi making vihta. A Finnish ritual of beating oneself with birch branches while sweating it out in the sauna. I have tried it and it is more pleasant than it seems.
The sauna
Sami and I enjoying some cottage dinning of grilled fish, rye bread and cheese, and organic meatballs.

Tiny Egg in my Hand

The chickens started laying while we were in Finland. The first eggs are always so tiny and cute. I had to share them.

Too Cute...hehe

So, whilst in Finland, we had to indulge a bit on some extra cute Finnish baby clothes. It was so fun that Sami actually enjoyed it! Here are a few samples that were my favorites.

The pink cap is for an infant and the pants are a typical Finnish knitware for babies. There will fit a 9-12 month old. The little pink shirt and patterned pants are insanely cute and for a 6 month old.
The white embroidered top and white dress will come in handy in the summer and the sweater is for a 2 month old. It is super tiny and squeal worthy.

Whoa Belly

Is that huge or what! I am now 6 months (24 weeks) preggo and the belly already feels huge. I have gained about 11 pounds thus far and still have 3 1/2 months to go. Luckily, I think most of that weight is in the uterus, but I wouldn't mind it staying that way. This body doesn't need any more junk in the trunk.

Freezing in Finland

Unfortunately, even my careful 2 day pack job didn't mean that I would not forget something crucial on this international journey. I forgot my camera charger!!!!! So, I took about 3 pics before it decided to die. Hopefully, the family will supply us with some good shots and today I will be searching for a disposable.

Other than that, all is well is Finland. We are just south of the arctic circle, so it is very cold and there is 24/7 daylight. Thank god for the invention of the eye mask. I still have huge circles under my eyes though. Ahhhh, 30. We are off to a mokki, or a summer cabin on a lake with a sauna. I am told that we are lucky to have indoor plumbing. I think I may skip a dip in the lake since it is sooo cold. I am pretty sure Sami will be in and I hope to get evidence of that!

Things are a Bloomin'

Just a few garden shots to keep you updated on our veggie patch. We also have raspberries and strawberries in bloom.
Here are our carrot/beet/salad beds and our tomato beds.
We've got broccoli!
Potatoes galore!

Brewing Beer

So on Saturday, we finally got around to brewing another batch of beer. Sorry these pictures are not the best demonstration of the beer brewing steps, but the boys were drinking beer, making a mess, and throwing hot water on each other. I thought it best to keep a distance. But, it was fun and nice to make a batch from whole grains we ground ourselves instead of from a kit. I just need to make sure Sami saves some for me in October.
Cami, me, and Lala
Sami and Lance straining the grains.
Cami, Sami, Al, and Steve discussing the cold water bayj process.

Bell Tent

The Bell Tent finally arrived a couple of weeks ago and we had to wait out the rain before setting it up to see it in all of its glory. I must say it is a beauty and I can't wait till we can use it at a festival. We can easily fit 4 double air mattresses. But we will probably only have one, but plenty of room for all of the other stuff one needs when festival camping. We also have a room divider that divides the tent in half with a screen. Should come in handy when the kiddies get bigger.

Window Film

Long ago (really last summer when we moved in), I decided I hated having blinds in the bathroom. It was hard to keep them clean and our bathroom window faced the front yard/front porch. Therefore, we definitely needed some privacy. Enter Emma Jeffs window film. I have coveted this for a long time and finally went for it thanks to Mimi's contribution to my 30th b-day. The only problem is there is a small bubble toward the bottom of the window that will forever plague me.