sweden: ostersund

waiting for our first flight

ready to go

we first flew to iceland

then stockholm

and finally ostersund

it was a long day but the flight views were unreal

ostersund

after we checked into our hotel

we went on a walk

and out to dinner

breakfast with family the next morning

walking around looking at special places to their family

laif and his cousin agneta

michael and his second cousins 

cheesecake with cloud berries

this was amazing

laif and siv

more second cousins

the next day we went to michael's great grandma's summer house 

that some of laif's cousins live in now

and it was michael's birthday

they took us to hackas church

legend has it

that michael's ancestor brought christianity here in the like the 1400s

and is buried underneath

parts of the church age back as far as the 1200s

it is beautiful

and many of michael's relatives have been married here and many are buried here in the cemetary as well

we got to go inside

and hear an audio guide in english

family crest, sword and spur

michael's 3rd great grandpa's grave

michael's grandpa's cousins spoiled us with treats and coffee and lunch and a birthday cake for him

happy birthday

39 big ones

we love buying candy for the kids in other countries

lunch with relatives and a pretty view

more cards while we wait for our flight to stockholm

last ones on the plane

ostersund is where michael's dad was born and it was so special to visit

and see so many important family landmarks and meet so many kind relatives