Our trip to Finland was coming to an end.
We had had such a great three weeks, and now, all of a sudden the three weeks were gone.
It was time to pack up and drive back to Helsinki,
where were spending the last night at Kirsti's, since our flight was leaving so early.
Packing is always a challenge when we are leaving Finland.
This time I had purchased an old school desk, for Jason's joy (or more likely horror), and a large canvas print of birch trees.
I thought that it would go perfectly in our sauna bathroom....and it was only 3 Euros, so I just could not resist...
My dad had to pack the print, and a desk to card board boxes, since there was no way they would fit into our suitcases.
The other purchase we made on our way back to Helsinki was a 40 lb. box of sauna rocks. We divided the rocks between three suitcases, managing to make them all little overweight. Fortunately the person doing our check-in let the bags go through.
The other huge problem was that we could not fit all the luggage, and all the people, into our rental car.
My dad came to our rescue and offered t drive to Helsinki with us, which is about a three hour ride.
We also called the airport and they said that we could come and do the check-in a night before, so we went to the airport with two cars, checked-in all our bags, and then returned to Kirsti's place with just our back bags for one last night.
Maija having a one last massage in my dad's chair.
My mom sells dollhouses and anything to do with doll houses. My dad makes the packages and ships them to the customers.
You can visit their store at:
We took some pictures before we left. My parents have such a beautiful yard.
It is easy to find a perfect back drop for picture taking.
Niko and Maija love munching the red currant berries.
It is so funny to me that at home Niko hates vegetables and fruits, but when we are in Finland he has no problem picking his food from the bushes and trees.
On our way to Helsinki we stopped to do some chocolate shopping.
We love the Finnish chocolate, Fazer.
We usually bring several bars back with us, so we can give it to our neighbors and friends.
Kids had been collecting bottles, and they took them all back to the store to earn some money for candy shopping.
Kirsti made us this cake on our last night at her place. It was so good! I am sure I have been eating more cake the past three weeks than rest of the year combined!
But it is so tasty!
Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and Fazer chocolate.
The best ingredients ever!
The view from the front of Kirsti's apartment at 5:45 am, when we left to go to the airport.
So pretty!
Sitting in Chicago airport, waiting for our connecting flight...watching the Zimmerman trial.
Niko having a snack, chicken tortilla soup, on a check out counter at the gate.
We did make it back safely, after many many hours.
Our flight left from Finland at 7:45 am, and after a plane change in Stockholm, Sweden and Chicago, USA, we made it to Las Vegas around 5 pm Vegas time.
So, about 19-20 hours of flying and waiting connection.
We also had to go through the customs in Chicago. When we were asked if we brought any food with us, Jason and I were quick to reply "NO!". Maija felt a need to correct us and tell the homeland security person about all the candy we had in our bags!
Fortunately we still got to keep it.
Kids!
You teach them to be honest...and occasionally they actually do what they have been taught to do!
