Easter in Sweden

There are a few things that I have learned about Easter in Sweden.

Here are a few photos to help me illustrate!

These 3 little witches came to my door wishing me a happy easter. 

They gave me this picture they drew in hopes for some treats in exchange.

We did not have many groups of children come to our door but we did have a few groups. 

I was not prepared to have any candies in the house so I gave them 

chocolate chip quaker chewy granola bars! Aaron brought them from the states so these 

kids probably never had them before.

The easter bunny does not exist in Sweden.
However, the kids receive easter candy inside big eggs like these.

  (these 2 photos courtesy of internet)

One last thing to mention... You will see feathers everywhere!
I have seen these twigs with feathers on the end as center pieces in living rooms, as
decorations in shops and also outside.

Glad Påsk!

Let's talk about Ashtyn....

This past January Ashtyn moved from the Young Women's program into the Relief Society at church. In the Täby Ward they have a tradition of honoring the girl that is leaving by making a flower wreath for them to wear that day and then presenting the girl in Relief Society.

Did you know that the Relief Society is one of the oldest and one of the largest organizations of women in the entire world? It is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church). It was founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois and has well over 6 million members in over 170 countries. 

Their Motto is...Charity Never Faileth

Ashtyn was involved in an Art Exhibit. 

Every year the senior class displays most of their art work from the last 2 years at school.

Ashtyn displayed her 4 projects that she worked on this past year.

Ashtyn sold the rain picture to a teacher at SIS. I guess that makes her a professional!

We officially survived a winter in Sweden!

Well, we made it! Our first winter in Sweden and no one lost any fingers or toes....though I have to say I think I came close with our Kiruna trip :)

Honestly, I think I was expecting it to be a lot worse than it was but either way, I am looking forward to warmer weather and more sunshine!

Here are some photos of the kids during the winter season. These first set of pictures are taken of the kids ice skating. A nice thing about Sweden is that ice skating is free. You just bring your skates and get on! There are several places around to skate. I prefer the places that are NOT on the baltic.

This is Melynn and her friend Devon, who is from Chicago and another Abbott kid. 

(different division though)

This is Darby and her friend Halee who also moved here from Chicago.

This is Jaxon with his buddy Brian, from Canada.

Melynn and Jaxon have become Snowboarding Pro's. Aaron tried to take them almost every other week when the snow was good. They found a place about 20 minutes from the house that is decent but the really good places are at least a few hours away. The 3 of them were able to make one trip up to Romme for a weekend in December. 

Here is Melynn again with Devon. 

Ashtyn went along on one of their outings.

Jaxon started off a little rusty but quickly got used to things.

This last picture is the kids on the Baltic, right next to our house, walking home from school. You get home a lot faster if you can cut through the OCEAN!!!

They are standing next to a buoy :)

Princess Darby!

Darby was asked by a friend to help out at her daughter's birthday party. Maggie was turning 4 years old and wanted a "Princess Party". So Darby got dressed up in Ashtyn's old Homecoming Dress and with a Tiara, BAM! Princess Darby was born. Darby arrived at the house and the girls were very excited! Darby taught them a dance, showed them how to wave and curtsy, and helped serve Lunch.

Darby has always had a good way with kids!