Boats, Trains, and More

Our modes of transportation in Finland were widely different from our SUV at home.  It was boy heaven--we rode trains, ferry boats, sailboats, buses, and planes.  It was all fun for us--but I did have a big smile on my face when I hopped in my own car the first day back to go to Wal-Mart.

Traffic Park in Finland----super duper fun--and one of the only free activities we found.  We went back several times!

Sailing with Spencer's colleague Hekke

Ferry boat to Vikinsaari--An island 20 minutes away by boat with beaches, mini golf and  nature trails in the forest.

I love this train!

We flagged down buses like this almost daily.  Here, we are on our way home from church.

Helsinki Temple

We visited some very beautiful and interesting churches in Finland.  For us, the highlight was the LDS temple in Espoo--just outside of Helsinki.  On the outside, the landscaping compliments the dense forests and lush greenery of Finland.  On the inside, it was beautiful (of course!).  The temple also had a nice guest house where families can stay during a temple trip.  They also let you use the guest house facilities for day trips.  It worked out great for us--so that our whole family could spend time at the temple.  This was Leah's first time to go to the temple.  She and Anna did baptisms for the dead and Spencer was able to baptize them.  Anna brought some names of our ancestors for the baptisms.   It was a wonderful day--and thanks to the Golds and others that made the day possible!

Churches

In Tampere, we lived almost next door to the most famous Lutheran cathedral in Finland.  It was a safe haven during their  civil war and it is home to artwork from one of the most renowned Finnish artists.  We enjoyed visiting it several times--and we often walked through the property on our way to shopping areas.  I made a point of visiting just about every church possible--mostly Lutheran. 

I don't know the significance of young boys helping an angel--but I  know some  mighty fine  cub scouts that  showed considerable kindness yesterday at day camp.

The guide explained that the garland represents the burdens that we carry in this world--and each boy chooses to carry  his responsibilities in a unique way.  There were twelve boys around the room--but she did not know why they were all naked.

We enjoyed a couple of organ concerts--WOW!  The sound was incredible. Unfortunately, we will always remember the organ concert which ended with a sprained ankle.

Greek Orthodox church

Inside the Greek Orthodox church--the whole place glittered in gold.

Helsinki Lutheran church

O Finlandia!

Our family recently returned from a wonderful trip and work experience (Spencer) in Finland.  I never ever ever thought we'd take our family overseas...but we did it!  I'm not the most faithful blogger (e.g. my last post was Thanksgiving time of last year), but readers, if you are still out there, Finland is worth blogging about!  So, here's my first installment.

Two excited boys at the airport!

We left for Finland two days after school ended.  It was a hectic last week of school!  Spencer had already been there for  3 1/2 weeks, but he returned for a few days to help get us all over there.  He told us to pack shorts and a light jacket.  Well, when we got there, we admired the beautiful tulips and lilacs.  It was definitely tulip and lilac weather--and we quickly found a thrift shop so we could purchase pants and coats.  Brrr!  I don't think that we ever got to see a 70 degree day.  However, we did have some very lovely days that came close.  And, we caught on to the European style of scarf wearing--they come in handy year round over there.