Naantali, Finland – It’s been nearly a year since the twins discovered–and fell in love with–the Moomins. It’s been about nine months since we had to persuade them to be something else for Halloween. And it’s been about six months…
Finland Replay
Kirkkonummi, Finland – This year’s trip to Finland is basically a repeat of last year’s trip to Finland, without the diapers. That is a good thing. Daddio and I are busy working on our book. The twins are busy at…
The Goodnight Train
Helsinki, Finland – Regular readers will know that the twins are crazy about trains. We never met a kiddie train we didn’t ride. The time has come to test this love of riding the rails: what good is it unless…
42 Finnish Foods
Somerville, Mass – Let me preface this by saying that 42 is a pretty big number when it comes to Finnish foods. And “desperately need” are strong words, even if it is an attempt at funny by Buzz Feed. But…
Moomins & Monsters
Somerville, Mass – Ever since we got back from Finland, the twins have been crazy for the Moomins. These sweet but strange cartoon characters were created by Finnish author Tove Jansson back in the 1940s. She wrote endearing titles such…
Finnish Childcare
Kirkkonummi, Finland – This was one of the major stress factors leading up to our trip: what are we going to do with the twins in Finland? In the past, we have exercised various options for childcare while traveling. Our…
Quintessential Finland
Porkkala, Finland – We were looking for a mini-adventure with the twins – something close to home but still special. A neighbor had told us that this peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Finland is a beautiful place. We didn’t…
Busy Boats
Helsinki, Finland – From May to September, the Finns (my Finns) spend most of their time on the water, sailing from island to island in the Gulf of Finland and on the Archipelago Sea. Maybe that’s one reason why they were…
Nature Boys
Kirkkonummi, Finland – Have you been wondering what we have been up to? Daddio and I have been busy hanging out in archives, conducting interviews and treating people to expensive, tax-deductible meals. The twins have been attending an English-language daycare…
Finnish Baby Box
This article in BBC News Magazine made the rounds of the mommy forums a few months ago. Why do Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes? Because the Finnish government provides them, packed full with clothing, diapers and other necessities, free…