Surprise Guest Appearance

Our friends, Elvira and Keith, were coming to visit. Only, they were having trouble with their tickets. That in an of itself is a long, complicated story. Not gonna tell it here. Not now. But they finally arrived here, and they brought someone with them (for a day, at least.)

Jessie! I used to babysit Jessie. I've known her since she was Lilli's age. Jessie was only going to be able to spend the day in Sweden, she had a job that she had to get back to. So while she was here we tried to show her as much as possible.

Jessie playing Pokemon with Tipton.

Lilli makes herself at home in Jessie's lap.

I must point out (for those of you who care) that I think Jessie looks exactly like her mom in the picture above. And also, that when I first babysat Jessie she was about the same age that Lilli is. How strange and wonderful it was to see Jessie playing with my children!

After everyone had freshened up, we headed downtown. We parked at Stortorg and walked along the pedestrian mall.

Jessie and Tipton pose with "the band."

Jessie poses alone with "the band."

I pose with Jessie in front of a bookstore. I don't think this bookstore sells books in English, though.

Tipton and Jessie pose with the big, giant ball in Gustov Adolf's Torg

Dave and Lilli walking around one of the fountains in Gustov Adolf Torg. Fun fact: In the winter the water in the fountain is turned off and the top is lit like a torch.

A manhole cover. Funny, everyone one who's come to visit us takes a picture of the manhole covers.

Jessie "wearing Tipton like a backpack."

We all thought this was really funny - "Slut Rea" means final sale. And yet the manequins are naked. Just what exactly were they selling?

This was the menu from where we ate lunch. Dave ordered what we thought was a pork cutlet. It turned out to be...

Bacon! With a salad and some potatoes and gravy.

After lunch we came back home so that Jessie, Elvira and Keith could take a nap. (Lilli napped while we were eating lunch.)

We took everyone to Ikea for dinner. We really know how to show our friends a good time. Jessie said she wanted "typical Swedish food." Typical Swedish Food = meatballs, lingonberries, potatoes and gravy. And Ikea has the best meatballs.

After dinner we took everyone down to Vaestra Hamnen (Western Harbour.)

Lilli and Tipton played on/around these steps for a good 15 minutes.

Taking a little break from walking. Sitting on the steps looking out at the waves.

Me and Elvira! The Turning Torso is behind us. Elvira took the picture (with some assistance from her husband, Keith.)

I love this picture. Lilli sees me across the square and starts running towards me - happy as can be!

Lilli made a new friend. She and this little boy were chasing each other around. He kept trying to pick her up. Litterally.

Young love is so hard. It was a tearful goodbye. Seconds after this picture was taken they kissed each other on the lips. I think they may be engaged...

Tipton and Jessie pose with the Oresund Bridge behind them.

Not to be outdone, Dave and Lilli also pose.

And then we went home, exhausted. Everyone took showers and changed into jammies. Then we stood around the kitchen eating popcorn and talking. Until Dave realized that he would have to get up at 5:30 AM to get Jessie to the airport in time to make her flight.

It was such a nice surprise to get to see Jessie. I am SO glad she was able to spend the day with us!