Family – Page 2 – Blue Moment

Day 220: Bedtime

September 30, 2026September 30, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Family, TraditionsTagged 365 Project, Black&White, ChildrenLeave a comment

As said before, bedtime in our house is a long and complicated multi-step affair. But routines are good for kids, especially at bedtime. Right?

Ever since the girls were one, a bedtime story has been the best part of the routine (before that, it was the bath). For the last year or so, we have been listening to the Potter series. Regardless of anything else related to J.K. Rowling, she has an extraordinary ability to create a world that completely draws you in.

We are almost at the end. I need to find a new series.

Day 218: Comics and Animation

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, AlannaTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Black&White, Home, LearningLeave a comment

Alanna started a comic school this fall. She is beyond excited. Comics are her obsession. And more than just reading them, they are also her preferred way of expressing herself. Alanna has a very observant drawing style, and she tells a story with every image she draws.

The course also goes through the basics of animation. This has been a totally new discovery for Alanna, and it has been interesting to see how she has already learned to adjust her drawing style. Her animations are – by necessity – much simpler than her other drawings.

Where are the beginner comic book courses for adults?

Day 215: Super-Teddy

September 25, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Everyday objects, Family, HomeTagged 365 Project, Children, family, History, HomeLeave a comment

There are a few fluffy friends that have remained the girls’ favourites throughout the years. Eddie (the teddy) is one of them. He has been Alanna’s favourite since before she learned to walk and is still a main character in whatever adventure is happening. In fact, he has travelled the world more than most adults.

The girls are not even aware that Eddie is special to Stuart and me as well. Eddie joined our household in 2012, accompanied by my engagement ring.

Special in all ways.

Day 212: Soukka Day

September 22, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Espoo, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Children, Espoo, Fall, KiaraLeave a comment

Finns are not very good at building neighborhood communities. In general, Finns are not very good at casual socializing. Having lived in our current house for five years, only now – through Scouts – have I realized there is actually any community activity at all.

So today was a Soukka Neighborhood Day. The girls participated in a Scouts skill trail, which rewarded participants with a free crepe and jam.

Grassroots participation.

Day 205: Design for Kids

September 16, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Helsinki, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Children, Helsinki, Kiara, LearningLeave a comment

Somewhat by accident Alanna, Kiara and I ended up in Design Week’s kids’ workshop.

The girls got to design fashionable outfits, new houses and a – best of all – a mascot that they could then program to make sounds, flash lights, or show images.

An accident to repeat.

Day 199: Homework… Again…

September 9, 2026September 9, 2026Posted in 365 Project, AlannaTagged 365 Project, Alanna, Children, LearningLeave a comment

With the start of school, homework is back. The girls have been complaining about how much more there is this year. There can be homework from TWO subjects! The same day!

It’ll be a long road to graduation.

Day 197: The Bugs of Finland

September 7, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Alanna, Animals, Espoo, Makro, NatureTagged 365 Project, Animals, Espoo, Makro, NatureLeave a comment

I have always thought there are really no “cool” bugs in Finland. After a walk with Alanna in the sunny forest, I have to admit: there are. I am just really bad at spotting them.

Day 192: Taking the Bus

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Alanna, Espoo, Fall, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Alanna, Espoo, Kiara, Learning, TravelLeave a comment

Alanna and Kiara started extra lessons in English as a native language this year. The classes are held in another school, so we have been practicing taking the bus.

The have almost mastered it. Now they just need to remember to keep on eye on where they are going.