This Week: Last Week of School.

Good morning!

I hope all is good with you guys this Tuesday morning.
I am about to leave for Sweden in less than two weeks, and that feels both strange and good.
I am almost never ready to go when the time comes. I, sort of, always wish I “had two more weeks”.
I haven’t bought that many things either, not presents, not anything.
Yes, my sister is going to get her beloved Jelly Belly’s that she LOVES!!
My mom loves spanx.
My Dad loves the GAP. My aunt will get something from “Chiccos”, where I can never go wrong. That store is my mom and aunt’s favorite place. Chiccos to them is what Anthropology is to me.

Yesterday, we had our last Swedish breakfast for the season. We were talking about what presents to bring home with us, what to get parents, siblings and friends. We all agreed that it is hard to know what to buy since everything you’ll find here is available in Sweden as well.
Susanna’s mom is here right now visiting from Sweden for two weeks. She has a full schedule, shopping like crazy. She buys the most beautiful fabrics that she makes quilts out of. It is so cheap to get quilting material here in the US.
Matilda from Sweden was there, too. Matilda has been an exchange student outside Little Rock, Arkansas during the past school year. What an experience! She has had a good school year, even though she sure has had her share of cultural shocks’. She said that life in DC and life in Arkansas are miles, miles apart. I believe in that! Big time!
Matilda is heading back to Sweden soon. She is staying with Lotta and Magnus until it is time to head east again.
We were able to sit outside on Susanna’s deck and have our breakfast yesterday, for the first time this year!!! It was almost too hot, but we enjoyed ourselves regardless.


Monica and Susanna

Lotta and Matilda.


Simon and Susanna's mom Marie-Louise, both are visiting from Sweden.


Today, I am going to an award ceremony at 9:30 over at the Middle School. Karolina is receiving an award, and of course I’ll be there when she receives it. Proud mom as I am!
I have to say that this school year has been great! Karolina has embraced middle school, even though it has been very challenging. She’s been on the honor roll since she started in the fall (yes, I am bragging a bit, but I don’t give a rip ;-) ).
Karolina has made so many new friends; she has grown as a person this year. I love to see it!
But, Peter and I both feel like we are losing our “little” girl so to speak as she gains more and more independence, but that is the way it is supposed to be, I guess.
Summer vacation starts on Friday! Freedom!!
Next week, she has numerous plans with the girl gang. They are planning on going to the pool, to the movies, they are planning sleepovers. I did tell her that it would be nice if we could do something together as well, and she agreed. I guess that means next Wednesday. I just have to get in line .

AND, today I am going to get my hair cut and highlighted! I thought my appointment was last Tuesday, but I was wrong then.
SO, I am thinking shorter and lighter…
I might show you pics later on…

Have a good Tuesday!!!!