Dad's birthday (June 18th), Scandinavian Festival in Astoria

We have a lot to celebrate in June, The following week-end was Dad's  85th birthday!!!  We celebrated by going to the Scandinavian festival in Astoria.  Mom, Dad , Sherry and Jared were supposed to meet us the day before at Worldmark in LongBeach.  Well........they did, but they didn't make it up until around 9:30 PM because they went to the festival and had a blast (good for them).  Well........we had a birthday cake waiting for dad, and yes, you wouldn't believe it (or maybe you would) but we decided it was time for cake so we took a picture of the cake before they got there, and went ahead with cake.  Hey.......I was way ready for bed.  It was really fun..  Dad just shook his head and laughed when they got there, and they had theirs.

Here's the picture:



You're just going to have to wonder about what it says.  It is a private joke............laugh on.



The next day was a delight at the festival.  Nancy and her four children, along with Katie Martin (their other grandma) were staying in Seaside and came up for the day with us!!  Here are some great pictures of the day!!



Dale started the day by meeting Miss Scandinavia (who happens to be from Denmark!)




Presentation of the Finnish flag (by Miss Finland)




Danish and Finnish Flags (Petersen and Williams heritage)




Presentation of Danish Flag (Miss Scandinavia from Denmark standing by with her crown)



Scandinavian Princesses getting ready for raising of Maypole



Raising the Maypole (Dale is in the front with the blue cap, I am in the orange cap)

Emily and Blake join us, Katie Martin made the hat, I love it!



Grandma and Natalie right after the raising of the Maypole







The Danish Band has arrived from Copenhagen!




Oldemore and Oldefar (the birthday boy) watch the dancing with Hailey





The dancing begins: Sherry, Natalie and Blake hit the floor running! They kept dancing and dancing.  I didn't think they would stop!

Emily has her scandinavian flowers in place



A real shoemaker shows Natalie and Emily "how to"

Natalie gets kissed by this troll about 30 seconds later

Natalie and Emily "Sisters..........the new generation"

Kirsten and Sherry  "Sisters!!" Oldies but goodies

The hardest part of the day was when a Polka Dance came up, which Sherry and I have always danced to.  We jumped up and took off..............I lasted about 2 minutes and felt like I was going to pass out.  That is when I realized, once again, Oh....... I really am a cancer patient, and I just can't do it.  I had to stop.  When I get myself back into the proper perspective it is O.K. I just have to frequently stop and rest, and be grateful to be able to have the experiences I am having. 

The Viking sword fighters was Blakes favorite, he was so excited to watch them, and he and Natalie were amazed that they were "real" Viking sword fighters, with REAL swords.



Viking swordfighter



Ouch someone has to lose

getting ready for the fight!!



Blake and Grandpa Dale.........Viking Warriors!

Emily gets a real German doll!





Jared, dad and Mom at the end of the day..........and what a marvelous day indeed.
There is so much to be said for our heritages, how wonderful it is to be able to go and experience a scandinavian day........especially with such perfect scandinavian parents!  Thanks mom and dad!