Although I know it’s hard to tell from my married name, we are very Swedish here in the Parks house. I even grew up speaking it! So when my daughter started 1st grade, we knew it was time for svenska skolan (Swedish school) at the American Swedish Institute in south Minneapolis. We head down there Saturday mornings for class, which includes games, songs and even fika (snack time + social hour observed daily in Sweden).

The American Swedish Institute was originally the turn of the century home of newspaper magnate Swan Turnblad. It has a stunning interior and that is open to the public and just last year a cool new modern addition was put on. It’s old meets new- an homage to the old country and new Scandinavian design all in one and it’s so much fun spending our Saturdays there. There is even a huge playroom on the 3rd floor that was the actual playroom (and theater, a dress up room) of Turnblad’s only daughter.

Anyone ever in Minneapolis and looking for an awesome way to spend your afternoon, I highly recommend ASI!

Now head on over to another Rebecca’s site and see what she’s up to Chicago! Click HERE for her blog.