Bryant’s move-in date is set for March 10. We have a great location not far from the train station, with lots of essentials and interesting places near by. It should be a very easy commute to IKEA in Malmö. Plus we have an address in Lund to satisfy school requirements! 
International School of Lund
After our visit in November, the girls agreed that ISLK was the best choice for them. Today we submitted applications to this public school in Lund, Sweden that offers instruction in English, using the International Baccalaureate curriculum. They will also take Swedish classes. It seems like a great fit. Lily is looking forward to the Common Room and other Hogwartian aspects of the 1871 building, while Hilary anticipates enjoying the modern updates and nearby botanic gardens!
What is up with the banner up there?
Well, I (Bryant) have accepted a job in Sweden, and we will be moving there in 2020. I will probably move in March, and the rest of the family will move after school is out and some summer camps are wrapped up.
We’re really excited to make this move, as Jen and I have been looking for international opportunities for years. This one came through with a nice country (Sverige är bra!) and a good-paying job for me.
So, there’s more to come on this topic as we get ready to move, actually move, and share our adventures working, studying, and traveling in Sweden and the rest of Europe!
Adventure Trailer
I recently picked up a Space Trailer and tricked it out with side rails, cross-bars, spare tire, and stabilizer jacks. I put some bike racks on it and the Yakima Skybox that I usually put on the car. Tons of space, rides nice, and no cross-bar noise on the roof of the car!
I wasn’t done, however. I was inspired to build a chuck box to go inside, with a propane grill, a 2-burner propane stove, a 20lb propane tank, lots of storage, and a pivoting cover that turns into a prep-counter! Altogether, a very sweet adventure trailer. You can throw a roof-top tent on it, or just clip some bug net around the open lid with a plush pad inside.
BWCA 2019
Took the kids and myself to the BWCA for a long weekend. It was a great trip, with good weather, quiet camp site, and Lily catching a bass!
Back to School 2019
Off they go to Middle and HS. This year both kids have friends and neighbors attending the same schools so the bus should be a better experience. They both seemed excited and not overly nervous! And the busses stop near our house for once!
Steamer trunk, part 2
After some cleaning, rust removal, wood wax, metal paint, and a few extra rivets, which Bryant used to fix some sharp edges, the trunk was ready to decorate. It would even be good for storage. I might have to keep it!
Hogwarts Trunk
And here is the project I’ve been working on- Lupin’s trunk. It had an old sticker on it with 1899 in the corner, maybe a travel date. Here are some “before” photos. It was made by Duluth Trunk Co. which opened in 1890.
Dragon eggs!
We’re having fun preparing for Lily’s Harry Potter birthday. Here is a preview of her favorite craft so far.
Garden Show
This had lots of potential but the reality was, sadly, quite frustrating. It was insanely crowded. We arrived exhausted from the long, hot train ride, then battled the crowds to purchase sun hats and find our picnic basket. We recovered a bit after our riverside feast and decided to explore Hampton Court Palace rather than continue w the garden show. CJ and David enjoyed some educational talks and demos while we admired then Tudor kitchens and learned more about the dark history of the palace.
