In early June Jonathan finished his second year of studies at Jönköping International Business School . It was a hectic year with difficult classes, yet Jonathan also managed a part-time job as an economic assistant with HSB Service as well as the position of treasurer with the local chapter of Kristdemokratarna, the Christian Democrats. After finishing classes, Jonathan had one week before starting his summer job at FöreningsSparbanken . Jonathan purchased a new fishing pole and is enjoying fishing (he lets Amy come along even though she is rather noisy and wiggly and always wanting to splash in the water.)

Amy completed her time as an au pair in Eksjö in mid-June. It was difficult to say good-bye to the family she had spent a year with. She misses the kids much, Simon and Frida and little Hilda, who was welcomed into the family two weeks after Amy. Hilda had just started to say her first words and was walking with just a little help before Amy left. Amy is now enjoying lots of free-time. One of her summer goals is to read the C.S.Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia in Swedish.

Amy and Jonathan's summer activities have included some rollerblading and some time on the beaches of Vättern (though due to weather there has not been as much of that as the couple would like). Amy and Jonathan enjoy walks to the city park to look at the veiw over Jönköping, to see the animals, or to play some games. The couple has visited the exhibit of the late artist John Bauer at Jönköping's county museum. Amy and Jonathan also had their own little Fourth of July celebration. Amy prepared a yummy American menu with hotwings, potato salad, and Caesar sallad, and S'mores ice cream sundaes with hot fudge for dessert. The couple watched the movie 'Independence Day' and, last but not least, watched virtual fireworks that were sent in an e-card from Amy's best friend Jen.

Amy and Jonathan celebrated Midsummer in Hovslätt, a village on the edge of Jönköping. We helped decorate and raise the pole and came back later to watch the children dance and the folk dancers, listen to music, and play some games. Jonathan made Amy a rather, hmm, wild crown of wildflowers to wear on her head to make her first experience of Midsummer celebration complete. That evening was spent grilling out with David.

Recently, Amy and Jonathan traveled northwards to Alfta in Hälsingland to attend the wedding of Helena, long time friend of Jonathan, and Fredrik, both also InterConnect alumni. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding. Jonathan and Amy took the opportunity to do a little sightseeing in Hälsingland. They took a private tour of Löka farm, a typical Halsingland farm and even tried a special local type of hard bread and svagdricka, or 'weak drink.'

Amy and Joanthan spent a fun Saturday visiting Gränna and Visingsö . They, of course, bought polkagrisar, or 'polka-pigs' in Gränna. On Visings Island the couple visited the Brahe church and admired the castle ruins as well as taking long walks to enjoy the nature. Amy and Jonathan are still planning to visit Taberg, the second highgest point in Småland, and visit. Time is flying and Amy and Jonathan soon will be flying to the U.S! They are looking forward to the wedding of their dear friends Amy and Pat in Minnesota!