On American Traditions

July 4 came and went without much fanfare in our family. We spent a relaxing couple of days with our friends, Klara and Diego, at their family's summer house near Kämpinge, a beachside community along Sweden's southern coast.

Neither of the words "fourth" or "independence" came up, but Ruby wore her nationalistic garb and we barbecued and enjoyed the company of good friends and beautiful summer weather. 

Those are traditions worth holding onto.

Fun things to explore at Klara's.

Digging in the sandbox ...

... and at Kämpinge beach.

There were these nostalgic, little wooden cabanas along the beach. Klara
said they were family-owned and passed on through the generations.

Ruby couldn't see the point in them - if no one was going to open them up.

But she and Diego managed to entertain themselves otherwise...

Happiness is a child on summer vacation ...

and motherhood.

Klara and Diego

Ruby and me