Sunday, August 17, 2008

Zoe conections



Kelty is 22 months now and absolutely loves Zoe from Sesame Street. She is scared of Elmo but loves Zoe. It's so fun when I get a phone call from Megan and she says "Is Zoe there? Kelty would like to talk to her!" That's when I turn on the Zoe voice and try to get Kelty to sing and say fun words. Too Cute!!I know Meg may be viewed as the favorite aunt right now because she is able to call Zoe any time Kelty wants to talk to her. That will have to change.

The Firger Sweep Really Works



So yet again, another most embarrassing moment for me! I went to dinner with a friend at Tucanos. It was my first time and I was just figuring out how the whole concept there works. Then somewhere between BBQ meat coming to the table, eating as fast as it was placed on the plate and trying to keep up with our conversation, It happened. There it was, an obstruction in my airway. I was sitting there trying to stay calm, although Tyler told me he could start to see me panic. I first tried to swallow the piece of meat that was lodged in my throat. When I felt that wasn't working I tried coughing the piece out. At this point Tyler is asking over and over "Do you need me to do the Heimlich?" He was on the edge of his seat ready to jump up as soon as I gave the signal! I kept fighting it trying to cough the piece out. ( I just in envisioned a even more embarrassing moment as he is doing abdominal thrusts and a piece of meat shooting out of my mouth across the restaurant). There was no way I was going to draw any more attention to the situation. Time was quickly running out for me and the last option available was the finger sweep! The piece of meat was lodged pretty good in my pharynx. It looked so gross as I pulled the half chewed up piece and placed it on my plate. My favorite comment was when Tyler said "You really should have let me do the Heimlich!" I just tried to continue like nothing ever happened.I cant believe that happened to me, I was so embarrassed! At lest it keeps me laughing when I think of it. Love Tucanos and the next time I'll just have to cut my meat into baby bits!

VOLVO















Made it to the Volvo Factory! Took a 2 hour train ride from Copenhagen to Gotenburg Sweden. Volvo made arrangements to pick us up. Once we arrived they gave us a warm welcome and showed us to the food. Swedish meat balls! They had a nice lunch for us waiting and time to relax. It was now the moment I have been waiting for. They took me over to the delivery room and ta da! There was my brand new XC90. I was given a little tutorial before I hit the road with it. Best part I get to keep the Swedish licence plates!

Denmark



Copenhagen!!
Alright I almost cancelled my flight home, I never wanted to leave. This was the greatest city of them all. So fun to walk/ bike around.










Saturday, August 16, 2008

Germany



Warnemunde and Rostock!
This was the perfect little beach resort. We found a Mormon church a short train ride away. We ran into some other Mormons who were visiting from Utah the day before and wanted to go to church with us. That was a lot of fun, most of the service was in German but was just like any other small brach/ward. After church we made little stops off the train and walked around store fronts.It's the law to keep stores closed on Sundays. Then we headed to the beach!

Poland


Gdansk!
We had fun here, we took a half hour train ride to Gdansk. It's this cute little place by the water. They were celebrating St Dominic Day and got caught in a huge street parade.

Estonia


Tallinn!
This was the cutest place ever. Such a hidden treasure. One of the last mid evil towns still in existence. It is still a working and functional village that is brought into modern times.







Russia


St. Petersburg!

So amazing to visit. In order to go anywhere in Russia we needed a tourist visa for both days, we signed up for 4 tours. We were busy! We went all over the city, traffic was insane and never want to have to drive through it. Experienced the metro train ride which was fun to see people on there way to work, food market, went to the few beautiful cathedrals and Palaces, Russian folk dancing, Russian tea house, and shopping (that was just a big tourist trap).


Sweden



Loved Stockholm!! This the only cold and rainy day we had the hole trip. This city was so easy to get around. 1st we went to the Royal Palace and saw the changing of the guards. Walked through The Great Square (where the blood bath in 1520 when Denmark invaded Sweden) it's a beautiful park now with outdoor shopping and reasturants. Took a bus to the Vasa ship Maritime Museum where the only viking ship is that is fully recovered from the ocean. Made our way back Walking in and out of shops and at the same time hoping to find the Ice Bar, with no luck. Sad the Ice Hotel is closed/ melted too for the summer. They rebuild one every winter.

Findland



Helsinki!
We had a delightful walk down in to town, passed really pretty parks aligned with park benches and huge statues. Ran into a cute farmers market, which we loved! Passed by the President's Palace, Lutheran Cathedral aka (The Wedding Cake and went to a prayer meeting. Went to The Rock Church, then spent the rest of the time shopping through the cutest shopping area and mall.