Grandpa's Farm

"We're on our way,
We're on our way,
We're on our way to Grandpa's farm...

Down on Grandpa's farm there is a big brown cow
The cow, it goes a lot like this... (moo)"
- Childrens Song



While this amazing spring weather is surrounding us, outside adventures top our "to do" list. Today we visited Fallkulla Domestic Animal Zoo. Still within the city limits of Helsinki but surrounded by white picket fences, you would never realize home is so close. The farm was virtually our own, sharing it with just a handful of other visitors. The barn provided up close and hands on experience with ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, chickens, and rabbits. With spring in the air, many newborns were snuggled closed to their mommy.



Since the farm is ran by the City of Helsinki Youth Department the animals are constantly around petting hands, making them friendly and kid loving. On weekends the farm also provides hayrides and other activities for guests. We were happy enough viewing the animals eye-to-eye and exploring the grounds. Outside there are rope swings from trees, picnic tables, a sand box, and nature trails. There is also a small village allowing imaginations to run wild. The houses are no taller than 5 feet, perfect for the young minds.





After some PB&J in the sunshine we painted some die cuts in the shape of animals and had a bubble fiesta with bubble makers. After 4 unforgettable hours, we were all ready to go home and rest.

Once In A Lifetime

"Just once in a lifetime
A man knows a moment
One wonderful moment
When fate takes his hand
And this is my moment
My once in a lifetime
When I can explore a new and exciting land."
- Sammy Davis Jr.




Every guide book published warns about the "tourist trap" of the Lappish Safaris, but we did it anyway. Who can resist a reindeer sled ride through the snowy forest and when will I ever get the chance to do it again? There are several companies who provide these excursions that range from 1 to 72 hours. You can choose your means of transportation...snowshoe, snowmobile, huskies, reindeer, or cross-country skis. We decided on the 3 hour tour that began with a tour of the reindeer farm. We then boarded our 2 person sled and were guided by a team of reindeer through a forest. 45 minutes later we arrived at a husky farm.




At the farm, the adults were able to ride solo on a dog-pulled sled around a small course. Then Little sat on a sled with Daddy as a guide steered the dogs. We went into a small cabin and were served cookies and warm juice around an open fire. The tour continued around the husky farm that houses over 300 dogs. The boys enjoyed feeding the puppies snowballs and receiving puppy kisses in return. We all boarded the reindeer sleds for another ride back to the reindeer farm.

Down Santa Clause Lane

"Elves were standing in the street,
snowmen and reindeer came out to greet.
Silver bells chimed from far away
and Santa rode by on an open sleigh.
And he told me "Have no fear, you're not lost you're here."

Walking this Christmas
Down Santa Clause Lane
No need to wonder,
No need to explain
Just have some faith in what you see
You're right here where you wanna be
Walking this Christmas,
Down Santa Clause Lane"
- Hilary Duff



Directly on the Arctic Circle, rests Santa Claus' Village. Filled with restaurants, gift shops, and cafes, the village is home to Santa's office and official Post Office. You can find the jolly man himself here 364 days out of the year. It definitely felt odd visiting him in the middle of March, but you can never ask for your wishes too early. I was most impressed with his multi-lingual conversations. The family in front of us spoke German, us English, and the group behind us Spanish. The man in red never missed a beat as he was able to speak to all of us in detail.






After a nice lunch the boys played in the park...luckily still covered in snow...while I roamed the village. We overloaded on souvenir must haves, sent a few post cards from the Post Office (check your postal stamp and seal), walked the Arctic Circle line, and simply enjoyed the +7 degree weather (45 F)! We made it back to our awesome cabin just in time to enjoy dinner and a hot sauna.

The Polar Express

"All aboard," the conductor cried out. I ran up to him.
"Well," he said, "are you coming?"
"Where?" I asked.
"Why, to the North Pole of course," was his answer. "This is the Polar Express." I took his outstretched hand and he pulled me aboard.
- Chris Van Allsburg





What a trip! What began with both my boys coming down with croup and a fever 4 hours before our train was due to depart and ending 450 miles north of Helsinki, was a success. I was hesitant at first but I packed a weeks supply of Tylenol and Motrin, a thermometer, and my stethoscope. Not much else you can do for croup without going to the hospital. Knowing we were in a private cabin equipped with a shower also had my mind at ease...in case I needed to put someone in a humid environment. Thank goodness I did not have too.





Despite their diagnosis, the boys were so excited for this trip we have been talking about for weeks. We watched the train pull up to the Central Railway Station in Helsinki and both busted out in the happy dance! We found our cabins, each with 2 beds, shower, sink, and toilet. Before bed we read "The Polar Express." The boys easily drifted off to dreamland...until their fever spiked again at 0300. We arrived into Rovaniemi a little after 0800 ready to explore the Arctic Circle, home of Santa Claus and the midnight sun.

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…"
- Dan Zanes









To get the boys geared up for our train ride this weekend to the Arctic Circle...we took a train 40 minutes north of Helsinki to the Finnish Railway Museum. Wow, Wow, Wow...this place is amazing for any visitor, but especially for boys who love trains!





The extensive collection consists of a historical passenger coach of the Russian Czar dating back to 1870 (the only one remaining in the world today), 25 steam locomotives (14 are on display)with the oldest from 1868, 8 coaches and wagons, and a few rail cars. Each has been restored to perfect condition. With ramps leading to decks at the window of each car, you can view their interior. Upholstery is worn, a few curtains are torn...if only these walls could talk!






For the young at heart, there was one car open to the explorer, dreamer, and pretender. They could drive, ride, deliver, push buttons, make calls, etc. In other rooms, stairs guided you to pathways under the locomotives, a switchboard was present to play on, and other stations allowed imaginations to soar. The small 3 hour window the museum was open today did not allow us to discover the exhibits outside or the Engine Station, Roadhouse, or Worker Building...only leaving us a reason to return.