Loretta and Frances

This week, my mother-in-law, Loretta, and her sister, Frances came to visit us from Georgia. They arrived here on Thurs. Sept.17th. After missing one flight and hanging out in Amsterdam for a bit, they made it here safe and sound. Thursday was just a chill out and relax day around our Swedish apartment. Friday we decided to head out to lunch and to Galma Stan (Old Town). We introduced our Southern relatives to Turkish food! Luckily, everyone liked lunch...but not the bathrooms...
If you have been following my blog, you probably have already heard me talk about the fact that there are not many public restrooms. Most restrooms here require you to carry a 5kr coin with you at all times. The bathrooms at Kungshallen, where we ate lunch, are no exception. So we go in a group and pay once then hold the door. I was explaining this system to Loretta and Frances which was strange to them. Loretta did her thing and held the door open for Frances, saving us 5kr. She was getting the hang of it quickly when suddenly a man walked in. I will never forget the look on her face! Priceless! It is quite normal to service the bathrooms here at any time because the stalls are all individual, locked and require money to open them. There is nothing to see while changing the paper towels. It was just too funny! She does not like the idea of men in women's bathroom or unisex bathrooms to say the least!
After lunch, we headed out to Galma Stan. I was totally impressed with my mother-in-law as she made it from one end to the other on a bum knee and bad foot. We enjoyed all the little shops and even stopped for a few pictures along the way.
Loretta and Frances in front of the open air market

A quick stop to check out the palace guard on the way into Galma Stan...too funny that the guard smiled for my picture. I think Brenna had softened him up quite a bit before the shot

Outside the parliment building on the way into Galma Stan

Loretta in Galma Stan

Saturday was the last day Grona Lund was open for the season. We took the kiddos to the park for the last time. I am so sad to see it close because the kids love it so much. Brenna and Brady rode the mini ferris wheel for the first time. It was so darn cute! They got to ride on their own in a safe, closed cart and they thought they were hot stuff. After a little time together at the park, Craig headed out on his own with the ladies to the Vasa museum. I kept the kids behind for a little more fun at Grona Lund's last day. They got to play the "pull the string" game and the "bag fishing" game one last time and Brenna won a lime green dog (the top prize, bigger than the rest)and Brady won a pink poodle which we quickly asked for a second chance! He got a tiger that he loved. Afer Grona Lund, we headed out to the grass and had lunch and played then headed home to meet back up with the bunch.
Chillin' in the grass after our hot dog lunch

Sunday, Craig took them to Vaxholm on the boat. Sorry I don't have any pictures from their trip yet. I will steal their camera memory card soon. I got to hang out with the kiddos.
Today, Monday, Craig headed back to work. We all went to lunch at McDonalds...pretty exciting. Then I took Loretta, Frances and the kids on a boat tour. It was not at all crowded and was very beautiful. It was a great way to spend the day.
Off to bed to get ready for another day!
Brenna wearing Nanny's reading glasses