He WALKS in Stockholm, Sweden--August 6th 2010

Love that smile

Sleeping with Savannah's doll

That is one tired boy

Swedish Beer

Rainy Old Town

Rainy Old Town

In the BEST coffee shop in Stockholm

Sleepy girl and Daddy in Stockholm

Overlooking beautiful Stockholm

Very early in the morning in Stockholm

Watching the Changing of the Guards in Stockholm Sweden as the heavens above open up and rain on us.

Savannah has the best view of the Changing of the Guards

Seth pointing out the horses for the changing of the guards

Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden

First Steps--25 steps in this beautiful park by our hotel in Stockholm, Sweden.  Look how happy and proud.

Swinging with my sister

See-saw fun

Old Town Stockholm

We don't usually eat food like this, but we had to try Swedish Meatballs, potatoes and lingonberries.

Daddy and Seth at JT Restaurang in Gamlastan (Old Town) Stockholm

Mommy and sweet girl in Sweden at a sidewalk cafe in Old Town

Notice no strap on the highchair.  I guess babies in Sweden don't stand up in high chairs, but this one does.

After a very smooth and peaceful flight (being the red eye, Seth slept the entire time) we arrived in one of my now top 10 favorite cities--Stockholm, Sweden.  The weather was gorgeous upon arrival and even though we were delayed an hour and a half at JFK due to luggage being on the plane and passengers not present.  They searched for the luggage, but found the passengers before the luggage was located and then we could depart.  We were at our hotel by noon and so excited to walk around.  We immediately went to the famous Old Town.  We had lunch at a great restaurant and even sampled some local faire.  We got coffee on board so we could enjoy this beautiful and special city.  Everyone was out and about and enjoying the outdoors.

We had a truly marvelous time in Stockholm, Sweden.  It was my favorite city of all that we visited.  It was so charming, so safe, so clean--everything you would want in a city.  It was so picturesque too.  Everything I imagined with the canals and the bridges and the brightly colored buildings.  The Old Town was really special with many nooks and crannies and the cobblestone streets.  The people were extremely friendly, all spoke English and so polite.  It is a very child/family oriented city.  Our hotel was very modern and in the center of the action and a block from Old Town.  The downtown was very upscale and had fantastic shopping.  We ate delicious food from traditional Swedish cuisine, some of the best sushi ever, Thai food, and Italian.  We went to a brunch with caviar and the best pastries.  We walked all over and saw the Changing of the Guards and went up on the Gondola and overlooked the city.  Our second day was a wash out, but the rain doesn't stop anyone.  When  you have 9 months of winter rain keeps you outdoors under canapies to eat and walking down city streets with umbrellas. 

Another thing to make Stockholm extra special is that this is the place Seth took his first multiple independent steps.  We went to a park with a marvelous playground and with encouragement from Daddy Seth took 25 steps to get to Savannah.  He was so proud of himself.  August 6, 2010 will be infamous for us.  At 16 months, 3 weeks, Seth is a walker.  He walked here and there on vacation, but has been really perfecting his skills at home.  He is so proud of himself and so are we!  Yeah!  In no time he will be running. 

After 2 wonderful days in Stockholm, we left by ship to sail to the Scandanavian Capitals.