July 3, 2007 day 11 SWEDEN Arvika

Robby, Carina, and Johanne in action!

Today was a day of drizzling rain on and off, on and off. It seemed like a good day to sleep in, but Robby and I were up early and left the stuga (our little cabin) to go down for breakfast. Johanne had already been for some time drawing and playing and finding one thing after another to role play. She loves to play "mamma och pappa" or hide and seek with Robby, and he is so patient with her. I don't know if she really understands that he speaks mainly English. He is so good with just going along with whatever she wants to do. She is so advanced for her age, especially when I compare what she knows and what she can do by herself with the 3 year olds I am used to coaching at TAGS. Robby and Johanne played a Pippi Longstocking computer game together, which I know helped Robby practice his Swedish, too. Carina and Johanne did a drawing program together. Patrick was so interested in Eden Prairie High School, so we went to the EPHS website, and I showed him pictures of my classroom, the school, my students. He was particularly shocked to find out that you can get a driver's license in the U.S. at age 16 and drive, like Carina does now, with an adult to practice at age 15. In Sweden, you can start practice driving at 16, but you must be at least 18 to take the test and get a license. Moreover, the lessons, etc., that Carina has and will finish taking can cost as much, depending on the province, as $25,000 kronor (or over $3,000)! The laws are very strict.

Around 3:00, Arne, Carina, Johanne, and I drove to Karlstad. We went to Burger King, and Johanne loved playing in the play area with the colorful balls. We decided to shop a little and meet Camilla (finally!) after work. The boys decided to stay home. Carina, Johanne, and I had fun in many stores--especially with Johanne, who liked to try rings and necklaces on, put on sample make-up, and try perfumes. We had some great ice cream cones and Wayne's Coffee (sort of like Starbucks). Finally, Camilla arrived; how great it was to see her!
Finally, she was more than ready to start her 4 1/2 week summer vacation. The girls drove back in one car and Arne in the other. Camilla and I sat in the front seat catching up on our lives over the past year while Carina and Johanne colored and chatted in the back seat. Carina was trying to teach Johanne American slang! It was hilarious! Not only can she count to 10 in English, but now Carina has taught Johanne to say, "Hang Loose, Brah!" complete with hand gestures. They have also liked playing hairdresser to one another.

We had a great dinner and opened the package we had sent the family in advance. Johanne did not want to go to bed at all. She had coloring books and Dora toys to explore from our package, but it'll have to wait until Wednesday.