SKYNI

Midsummer is one of the most important holidays in Sweden as it marks the longest day in the year. We only get about 2-3 hours of darkness.

Midsummer is usually celebrated with family and friends, eating and just enjoying the sun.

This year, we dressed up the kids to attend the festivities. Linn is seen here wearing a traditional folk outfit and Jonathan is looking smart.

Summer is here and the kids just finished their school term. Swedish schools have a summer party to mark the end of the school term and parents are invited.

It just so happened that both kids have summer parties in their school on the same day. Jonathan’s party was between 2 to 3 pm and Linn’s party was 3 to 4 pm. I wasn’t sure of the agenda as the information was in Swedish. Apparently there was a Concert with the kids singing summer songs. I was 10 minutes late and when I got to Jon’s school, I saw that all other parents and family were there with their video cam recording the proud moment. I felt really bad that I missed the concert.

But what I was really really happy to see was how Jonathan’s face lighted up when he saw me and that I came to the concert. He kept smiling and was truly happy. He proudly showed me around his school and even asked me if I want coffee.

These are truly priceless moments with my son.

I was away for a week in Istanbul and was really looking forward to coming home to the family. On the way back from the airport, Nicke told me that there is a surprise waiting at home for me. I was intrigued.

When I got home, Linn just hopped on to her bike and cycled. We just removed the training wheels not too long ago and she was initially apprehensive about cycling. But Nicke said that she learnt how to cycle in that morning. I am really proud of her.

Very proud as I still don’t know how to cycle at my age and she is only 4 years old.

Linn has been taking horse riding lessons and she is really enjoying it. On one occasion, Nicke was too tired to bring her to class and he asked me to do it. Little did I know of the numerous tasks such as putting the saddle on the horse and also preparing the horse Before the class. Thank goodness there was alittle girl who taught me what to do. At one point, I caused some panic in the barn as the rope around the horse was loose and the panic is because if the horse trips over the rope and break a leg, the horse will have to be put down due to the age.

Soon it was the lesson and I walked round and round the training ground with Linn, holding on to the horse. The Singaporean in me was always looking out for horse shit and also, listening hard as the lesson was conducted in Swedish.

All in all, a great experience and I am happy that I got the chance to do it.