July 4th Celebration 2009

July4th Celebration at Fageloudde Park

Wrights and Lewises at July 4th Celebration

David Jacobsen (1st counselor in our Bishopric) and Rex

Some of the ward members: Katarina Karlsson and several of her children, Laura and Ryan Koch, etc.

Swimming in the bay on July 4th

Our group on the way to Birka Island: Lewis, Dahl, Ensign, Peterson

One of the big bridges we go under on our way through the archipelago to Birka Island.

Our archaeologist guide on Birka Island

Rex overlooking the Lake Maleran from one of the rocks on Birka Island

Nathan McCluskey of Wellington, New Zealand as horses are trying to get some food, during our Birka Island tour

Our archaeologist guide on the boat to Birka Islan

Some islands in the archipelago - absolutely beautiful scenery!

This week we were able to visit Birka Island where over 3000 graves from the Viking period have been discovered. Over 1000 have been excavated by archaeologists. Our 2 hour boat ride through the archipelago was breathtakingly beautiful and then we had an hour tour of the island by one of the archaeologists. It was an interesting day. They believe the graves are from 800 to 1070 AD. While the archaeologist was talking, 2 horses came right up into our group and tried to bite people's purses and backpacks. Also 3 sheep did the same thing. It is obvious they are used to people feeding them.

When we returned home we had an exciting email from Gabi that the Area Presidency wants us to put together some information and pictures in their report to the Quorum of the Twelve this month. Our BYU tour was truly a blessing to everyone.

It was fun to celebrate the 4th of July holiday with other Americans at a bay by the ocean. The US Embassy had a tent set up with games for the children. Our ward was also there to celebrate the day with a picnic. How grateful we are to be Americans!