Europe: The British Isles & Scandinavia

Studying Europe was so fascinating! It was so rich and full of variety even though it is relatively small compared to the other continents.

(You can click on the slide show to the upper right of the blog to enlarge the photos for a better look at all the interesting resources.)

(France to the left) (British Isles center) (Scandinavia upper right) (Germany on back poster)

We made a quick stop in the British Isles as we studied several missionaries who came from there or who served there. England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, The United Kingdom... it gets kind of confusing with all the names for such a small area.

Our trip to the Disney World Showcase led us to the United Kingdom:

The land of Kings & Queens....

.. where the Disney staff stamped the kid's passports and signed them

"Welcome to the home of football, cricket & Robin Hood, Cheers!!"

... aren't the kilts cute?! Besides, who could pass up holding the "BraveHeart" sword!
We look forward to studying the time period of the knights and fair maidens...

Medieval castles and tales of heroism!

Our next stop was Scandinavia... Norway, Swedan, Finland, Denmark, Iceland...

At Disney World last summer, we experienced Norway... Disney-style!

We learned about the Vikings through a Norwegian water ride!

The children had their passports stamped and signed in Norwegian!

Closer to home, we visited a museum where everyone could dress up in native costumes or stand behind fun cultural costume cut outs.....

During our study of Norway, we learned to speak Norwegian (not fluently.. :)) and tried some dishes... (mostly fish and eggs which the kiddos are not so keen on at this time.)

Later we had a dear friend, Beth, share her experience in Swedan with us. She gave us some Swedish money, brochures, and maps.

We ate at IKEA (a Swedish company) and had Swedish Meatballs along with other traditional foods after we toured the store looking at traditional Swedish furniture, toys, and decor. (I will add photos as soon as I figure out how to get them off of the phone... )

Wouldn't it be fun to ride the rails and visit all of the British Isles and Scandinavia? I just love the accents and traditions. Someday...... sigh....

We can't wait to learn more!