Syttende mai (17th of May) is Norwegian Constitution Day. While Kyle was at the world's largest celebration in Bergen, Norway, Annika and I participated in the largest celebration outside of Norway. We're happy to have that be in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. I have marched in the parade several times with other St. Olaf alums. Last year St. Olaf didn't have a group and I was a spectator. It was fun this year to be walking it again, this time with Annika. I was prepared to have to cut our participation short if Annika wasn't handling the crowds and noise well but she did great. The parade started at 6 pm, which is about the time we're usually starting our bedtime routine and I thought that might make her fussy or worse. Instead, Annika happily relaxed while rolling along the parade route. Our group was in the middle of the parade, so after we finished, I circled back and we found Joel and Jessica and watched most of the rest of the parade.
We stopped to watch some folk dancing that was taking place in the town square. Many people were dressed in the traditional folk costumes called bunads. Each region of Norway has a different design.
The St. Olaf clothes we have for Annika are too big for her right now. This gnome onesie was purchased for her in Jackson Hole, WY last summer and my step-mom JoAnn stitched her name on it.
Our friend Heather stopped by to say hello on her way to join the UW Norwegian Club students. She made this traditional bunad herself, which is very impressive.
Some Um Yah Yah action!
Flag adorned stroller
I think Joel was excited to see us :)
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