THE FAREWELL

from Lieksa was not easy, but we find comfort in the many, many wonderful memories we are taking with us. Here are only some examples.

Lieksa beaches

 Playgrounds

 All the things Samu learned, like riding a rocking horse.

 Hanging out with good friends.

 Goddaughter!!

 Chores that are really games.

 Marko's first and still favorite car

 Samu's daily habit of wanting all the pictures on the shelf explained.

 Samu's first and favorite car. (Thank you Jenni + family!)

 Time for parents only at their favorite beach Löpö.

 Bathing fun.

Thank you for all those beautiful memories!

Our trip to Austria went really smoothly. Samu liked the train, but even more the airport with endless space to run around.

SAVONLINNA

While Lieksa is wonderful, it's also great to see a bit more of Finland. The area around Savonlinna is especially pretty and rewarding around the Opera Festivals. 

Punkaharju - a small strip of land, just about as wide as the road, surrounded by water. It feels like driving on a lake. Beautiful! This is what we saw from the car to our left and right:

 At first, the rain just wouldn't stop, so we needed to take breaks in the car to find dry shelter.

 But Samu got a waterproof suit and was happy as long as ge could push his stroller.

 The Olavinlinna castle in the rain.

 When the sun finally came out, we spent all day outside.

The castle in the sun.

As it got warmer and warmer, the harbor and the beach had to be explored.

On the way back we stopped and the world's largest wooden church in Kerimäki. Samu was more impressed with the rocks he collected in front of it.

FAMILY

When the children come to visit and bring their children, a house easily gets full and loud. That's the way it's supposed to be - at least a few times a year. 

As a grandparent, you might find yourself building a house in your own house, which is then inhibited by overexcited children and a dog. 

Thank God for playgrounds! And thank the city of Lieksa for the one right opposite Marko's parents' house.

Helmi and Samuel.

All swings taken by one family: Samu, Helmi, Vilho, Antero (=Ukki)

Story time. 

And more story time. 

Cousins. Easy to imagine those three roaming the woods in the years to come.