Larsen's European Vacation - Day 11 - Helsinki & Lohja

Monday morning came early and we would have only a few more days in Finland and we still had to make the days count, so we said good-bye to Kauppila and headed back to Jyväskylä so we can get on the train and ride the train to Helsinki in the afternoon.


Kauppila. So sad to leave.


What a fun weekend we had. Thank you Kalle and Kimmo! Until next time...


When we got to Jyväskylä, we were hungry, so we went to McDonalds for lunch before our train left. I ordered my hamburger with a rye bun and of course it was so delicious.

Alex and Rod enjoying their train ride with movies and snacks.

Jake brought a book to read.

We finally got to Päivi and Jyrki's house. Päivi is my BFF (Best Friend Forever) and we had so much fun with her. I was so bummed that our time at her house was so short. Only ONE night!! Thank you for that delicious dinner. Alex and Jake were so happy that it wasn't fish.

Beautiful Jasmi. She started high school this year.

Jyrki and Rod looking at motorcycles online...and dreaming.

Larsen's European Vacation - Day 10 - Kauppila

Second day of the Olympics: Ping Pong and Run & Swim


The morning walk was so lovely and peaceful.


Alex joined us with the motorbike.


Ping Pong games started. Everyone played against each other.

Alex is full swing.

The olympics judge is giving her congratulatory speech to the winners.

PING PONG - Winners: Jake and Rod. Jake didn't lose one game. He played left-handed against me and still won.

Next sport was Run & Swim. Rod is running 100 m to the lake, then jumps in the water and swims 25 meters and then runs back.

The teams gathering for the winners' announcement.

RUN & SWIM - Winners: Kalle and Kimmo. They beat Jake and Rod by 4 seconds. The official Olympics clock is behind them.

We all voted for the MVP and Jake won the MVP trophy (yes the yard mushroom) and 31 euros. Congrats Jake. Great athlete.

The olympic teams for a final picture.

On Sunday night we went next door to Uotila to see Maritta and Antero.

My cousin Pauli came to Kauppila to visit us. So great to see him.

Then it was time for Jake to go drink some ant pee. Lick a stick and put it in the ant hill.

Then shake off the ants.

Then drink the ant pee off the stick. Repeat.

Alex going for seconds.

Larsen's European Vacation - Day 9 - Kauppila

We woke up on Saturday morning to a beautiful and warm day. Because the boys wanted to sleep in, Kalle, Rod and I left to go get some smoked fish for lunch. Yes, fish. Again.


On the way back, my cousin told us about this scenic place where he built this tall tower for tourists.


So we climbed it.


My cousin, Kalle and I.

An old milk stand where the farmers would bring their milk to be picked up.

Teikku continued baking Alex's favorite desserts.

Then it was time for the OLYMPICS. This time we would be competing in four teams of two (Rod and Jake, Kalle and Kimmo, Helena and Teikku, Alex and I. Yes, I apologized to Alex beforehand) in four sports: Darts, Fishing, Ping Pong and Run & Swim. At the end of the Olympics we would vote for the MVP.

Rod trying to hit the dart board.

I scored high but no medal.

My mother, the Olympics Judge calculated the points.

Jake and Rod won by landslide the first sport and were given the gold medals.

DARTS - Winners, Jake and Rod

The others are just losers. No second or third place winners.

Next sport: Fishing

Alex is rowing to a quiet spot after we dug out our own worms. Let's hope the fish will bite.

I'm trying to catch fish. I actually caught one. And Alex caught one.

Total of two fish for the team Alex and Marja


Let's pause for a commercial break and look at these handsome pictures.

Alright. The break's over.

The Olympics Judge is timing the fishermen and that they won't call the neighbor to bring them fish.

Next team to leave on their 45-minute fishing trip was team Rod and Jake.

They came back with 7 fish. They thought they had won the competition.

Helena and Teikku were next. I think Helena knew all the good fishing spots.

Sure enough. 24 fish in 45 minutes is quite impressive.

Did they have fish food with them? Next time I'm going to bring some.

Last team to fish was team Kalle and Kimmo. I don't think they can beat 24 fish.

2 fish later, not the winners.

The gold medal recipients: Helena and Teikku

FISHING - Winners: Helena and Teikku, 24 fish