A Great Big Sled

"I want to roll around like a kid in the snow,
I want to re-learn what I already know,
Just let me take pride,
Just to rev through the night,
On a great big sled."
- The Killers


Our favorite place to run barefoot in the warm, summer grass is now a popular destination to engage in downhill sledding. What used to be a tranquil park with only whispers coming from the sunbathers is now filled with laughter, screams of delight, and an occasional cry from the many children enjoying the winter snow.


We spent over 2 hours there today. The repetitive course of walking up the hill with the boys, waiting for it to be your turn, and then finally racing to the bottom with as much speed as possible seemed to bring a smile to faces of all ages. Daddy and I even took a turn. Despite the below freezing temperatures, the day appeared warm with blue skies and bright sunshine.

So Tired

"Get up in the morning,
already yawning and I'm so tired.
I Ain't had a wink of sleep
seems like all week.
We're So tired..."
- Eric Clapton


jet lag; Function: noun
: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body


When we flew to Helsinki from Dallas in April '06 it took 4 nights for the boys to adjust to the 8 hour time difference (with the help of our friend Mr. Benadryl). Flying to Dallas from Helsinki in December '06 it took us about 6 nights, but we were playing musical beds between Grandmas' houses and also had the excitement of Santa's arrival. We are currently in the middle of night 4 and its 0030, the boys and I are awake and staring at each other, bright-eyed!


It is easier to adjust to the new time zone when travel is from east to west (approximately 1-3 days). It is harder to adjust when traveling west to east across two or more time zones (this can take up to 3 weeks). As a general rule of thumb, it will take a day per hour of time change to adjust to your new location...therefore we will be in sync by Monday?!? There is even a homeopathic remedy called No-Jet-Lag on the market. Maybe we should try this next time.


Strategies to aid in a smoother time zone adjustment for children include:

1. Putting your child to sleep at a time that is geared to the new time zone.
2. Serving meals at times that are appropriate for the new location.
3. Encouraging sunlight and daylight exposure in the new time zone to cause the body to make chemical changes that will facilitate your child's sleep/awake readjustment. - www.tinytravelers.net

Leaving On A Jet Plane

"...Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane.
Don't know when I'll be back again.
Oh babe I hate to go."
- John Denver




We arrived into a snow covered, blue sky Helsinki Saturday afternoon. Once again, the boys did great traveling back over the Atlantic. They did not sleep much (3 hours total) but their spirits were high throughout the trip...no meltdowns!

I do not consider myself an 'expert' but I would say I am rather 'experienced' when it comes to traveling with young children. Many families do not even fly with young children until they are at least school age. Big first flew at 4 weeks and Little at 8 months. With 2 trips now across the ocean and few within Europe, they would both be Gold AAdvantage Members if we did not always fly on Daddy's miles.


When traveling with young children, you ALWAYS need to be prepared. In a carry-on have a change of clothes for each child and one for you if traveling with an infant, enough diapers and wipes to last 24 hours (spare underwear & a zip-lock for those in training), snacks and a spill-proof cup that can be filled with juice or water (bottle and formula for non-breast fed infants), and a few medications on hand (Tylenol, Motrin, Benadrly, and Pepto for kids). I always have crayons/pencils and coloring books, a few puzzles, a book or 2, and matchbox cars too. A new toy is always nice to pull out once you are 8 hours into a flight...last but not least, don't forget their favorite stuffed animal or blanket!


If you have the money or miles, I highly suggest upgrading to business-class for any flight longer than 4 hours. Better seats, better food and service, and everyone has their own TV. The 3 feet of leg room also allows a huge space for the boys to get on the floor and play cars. If flying coach, request bulkhead and when traveling with an infant you may get to use the bassinet for him/her!


Finally, FAA recommends that young children should be restrained in an approved car seat if sitting in their own plane seat (rather than on your lap if <2 years). From our travels and having children with LONG legs, there is very limited leg room in coach once our car seat was installed and the person reclined in front of us. In business class, you cannot use the tray for eating or coloring while using the car seat and the kids cannot recline for some shut eye. Also, car seats cannot be placed in an isle seat. If flying with a car seat, the gogo Kidz Travelmate is a life saver (and eliminates the need of a stroller).


Before taking a trip anywhere on an airplane, make sure you are aware of any changes in rules and regulations during travel. Good sites for travel...SeatGuru.com, FlyerTalk.com, FlyingRugrats.com, & FlyingWithKids.com

I Like Texas

"Yeah, I like Texas, Ain't it fine here.
Like to pick my guitar down in Luekenbach.
And drink that Shiner Bock beer.
Yeah, I like Texas, man there ain't no doubt.
Just listen to me 'cause I know what I'm talkin'about."
- Pat Green


The past 4 weeks passed way too fast with every meal, play date, gathering, activity, etc. planned before we even arrived home to Texas. Looking back though, I think we saw everyone, did everything, and ate all foods our hearts have been aching for.



Typical Texas, we played outside in 72 degree weather one day then engaged in a snowball fight in 27 degree weather the next. From flip-flops and sunglasses to bunny suits and mittens, we were prepared for the fluctuation.



Margaritas and Mexican, beef steaks and burgers, unlimited Pink Lady Apples...we have been eating like royalty. Unfortunately the scale shows too. Once we return to our car less, mini-market lifestyle in Helsinki we are hoping these extra pounds shed quickly.



We tried our best to balance family and friends, but you can never get too much love! We already miss everyone and appreciate all the miles, state lines, etc. you traveled to see us while we were here. Until next time...take care, stay healthy, and PLEASE keep in touch! It is now time to load our 10 suitcases packed to the maximum (50 lbs each) and head to the airport for another long day across the Atlantic.


"50 lbs of what?" I am sure is the next question. Some of our favorites and 'must haves' we cannot get in Finland or at least buy at a reasonable price...Peter Pan Peanut Butter, salad dressing, salad dressing, salad dressing, Vanilla Mint Listerine, power bars, flavored coffee creamer, dryer sheets, mini-muffin cups, and tons of books for me and the boys. Then a few suitcases are filled with loads of toys from Santa and the grandparents!

Great Indoors

"Scared of the world outside,
You should go explore.
Pull all the shades and
wander the great indoors."
- John Mayer







We had BIG plans this past weekend. Scheduled for Saturday, 13 January 2007 was my Dad's memorial in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Mass, the burial of his ashes, and dinner was planned and perfected by all of our family members. Forecast predicted ice, freezing rain, hazardous road conditions, and energy blackouts. The forecast was right. We decided at the last minute (Friday evening) to cancel everything. With my sister's family in town, 4 high energy kids were stuck at Grandma's house. Trying to keep them busy and happy we headed for the local skating rink. It was Big's first time on wheels. Even though the wheels were locked, he seemed to enjoy it.

We also spent a morning at Kidz Muze, an indoor learning/play center. The boys enjoyed playing in a child-size kitchen, grocery store, and animal clinic.



Forecast also predicts cold and gray days until our flight is due across the Atlantic. We were blessed with plenty of blue skies and sunshine our first weeks in Texas. Now we are slowly preparing to return to the short days, freezing temperatures, and hopefully snow that Finland offers.

Bad Boys

"Bad boys, bad boys
Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do
When they come for you...

Bad boys, bad boys
Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do
When they come for you"
- Inner Circle





While experiencing this unpredictable Texas weather, today's field trip lead us to the Coppell Police Department. Thanks to a wonderful Uncle, Big and Little were able to sit in a squad car and on a motorcycle while listening to the sirens and watching the flashing lights.


After a tour of the departmental offices and jail, we saw the 9-1-1 dispatchers and their computers. Before leaving, the boys were given a goodie bag filled with toys, stickers, and educational material on safety.

Feed Jake

"Now I lay me down to sleep.
And pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I die before I wake,feed Jake.
He's been a good dog.
My best friend right through it all.
If I die before I wake,feed Jake."
- Pirates Of The Mississippi




In memory of Roscoe P.
Feb 1995 - 05 January 2007

Colder Than Winter

"It's colder than winter
Right here in my heart...

It's colder than winter
Since you closed the door."
- Vince Gill









Another holiday attraction completed. Tonight we visited the Gaylord Texan for their Lone Star Christmas celebration. The already elaborate hotel was decorated in over 1 million sparkling lights, dozens of Christmas tress, 14 electric trains, Santa in his workshop, and holiday music.






We then proceeded to ICE! After being provided with over-sized parkas we entered a 14,000 square foot structure, kept at 9 degrees, filled with two million pounds of hand-carved ICE!


Fun Facts About ICE!

2,000,000 pounds: the amount of ice it takes to create ICE!

5,000: the number of ICE! blocks hand-carved and transformed into our winter wonderland

40: the number of artisans from the City of Harbin (China) Tourism and Development Commission, who sculpt the attraction by hand

34: the approximate number of days needed to hand-carve the ICE! display

14,000: the total square footage of the unique structure that houses ICE!

9 degrees: the temperature setting for the ICE! structure. A winter coat is provided to keep you warm!

1,400+: the number of LED lights frozen within ICE!

3: the number of types of ice used in the construction of ICE!
~ Clear “glass-like” crystal ice – so flawless that it is compared to Waterford Crystal – makes up 80 percent of the sculptures
~ “White ice” blocks, which are more like compacted snow, make up 15 percent of the sculptures
~ Colored ice, which is dyed brilliant colors, is used for highlighting and accenting the remaining 5 percent of the sculptures

52: the number of days you can visit this famous attraction before it melts away

2: the number of other destinations in the United States that are as cool as ICE! Sister properties Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida also host annual ICE! events.

Pump Up The Volume

"Pump up the volume.
Pump up the volume.
Pump up the volume.
Dance, Dance."
- M.A.R.R.S.








During our stay in Texas, we are trying to see all of our friends and family while we visit our favorite spots. Today we met a friend at Pump It Up in Grapevine. They offer a 'pop in and play' time each week for a small fee. As Big ran from bounce house to obstacle course, Little showed his timid side as the size of the castles intimidated him. The indoor play ground is definitely designed for older children ages 3 and up. There were still a few structures & walls Big found difficult climbing over. After 1 hour of jumping and climbing, they were both ready for a quiet lunch.


We headed east of DFW airport to picnic at Founder's Plaza. Located next to runways, the Plaza provides picnic benches and grassy areas to relax on while you watch dozens of planes take off and land right over your head. There is even an air traffic control tower radio which airs actual FAA communications that can be easily heard.


While picnicking, we found out it was the last day of Founder's Plaza. A photographer from the FW Star Telegram was taking pics for the article and informed us of the 04 January close date. They plan on extending and adding some runways. They hope to relocate the Plaza in another area in the near future. We hope the sight is just as good as this one.

Catch That Train

"I don’t mind the station.
I don’t mind going underground.
I kind of like the symphony
Of a thousand different sounds.
In another 20 minutes
We’ll all be country bound...

So catch that train.
Come on out and catch it,
Catch that train."
- Dan Zane


During the holidays, North Park in Dallas offers a variety of Christmas events for the entire family. Our favorite and one we visit annually is The Trains at North Park. I highly recommend this exhibit for any train lover, small child, or young at heart. Get there when the doors open at 10:00am and I would suggest going on a weekday only. The narrow walkway can get quite crowded with eager kids chasing the trains and their parents trying to follow.


With over 40 Lionel-type-O-Gauge trains chugging along 2,500 feet of track, the trains pass through famous landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, the Mississippi River, Dallas' Reunion Tower, a 20-foot high Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the White House. The trains also travel through a winter wonderland, desert, Indian Reservation, with views of a circus and Mississippi Paddle boat.


100% of the ticket proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families of hospitalized children. Because of the popularity of the Exhibit, it now provides approximately 1/2 of the annual operating budget for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.