So this is Finland

No running of the bulls this year but this is what probably would have happened.

Stockholm was exhausting

Parliament building in Stockholm. Very fascinating tour.
Beautiful Stockholm

Getting together for tea and coffee with Niina, Anna-Karin, Helena, Maria and Anna-Kaisa

Mountain view of Finland with Arto and Anna-Kaisa

Stradling the Arctic Circle. It was a bit chilly up there.

Saw our first wild reindeer. This one is very big for this area.

We finally made it to the homeland. Finland is absolutely beautiful. Lars brought us from Sweden to Finland yesterday and showed us several sights along the way. We got to Arto and Anna-Kaisa's house just after noon. We talked for a bit, more about the family lines, then headed to the Arctic Circle. It isn't very far from where they live in Ylitornio, maybe 10-15 minutes. We had another wonderful home-cooked meal when we got back. We are definitely getting spoiled. Anna-Kaisa's other sister, Helena, and 3 of her 4 daughters came over later in the evening for tea and to visit. Very nice family. There is even more light in the evenings here than we experienced in Sweden. It did not even think about getting dark last night. Was a little hard to get tired with daylight. Finally went to bed around 1:00 and was very weird. Had to pretend we were taking a nap to fall asleep. Today we went to the cemetery to see where Anna-Kaisa's parents are buried. We then drove up to a nearby mountain to get a 360 view of the area. There is forest everywhere with small towns scattered here and there. We will go to Helena's (just on the other side of the border in Sweden) later today for tea and then back here for dinner with one of Arto and Anna-Kaisa's three sons. We are having an excellent time meeting everyone and seeing Finland. We hope that all the family will be able to see it someday. From here we head south through Finland with possible stops in Halsua or Veteli to find out more history on the family, then on to Helsinki. We hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the nice weather we are hearing about at home. Take care.