We’re in double digits!

Major event of the day: Bonding Day 10 & Picking pictures for court!

Another quiet morning. At least until someone pounded on the door a little after 8… A quick call to Masha confirmed that we were not expecting anyone, so we didn’t open the door. The weather has been really nice these past few days. According to Sasha, unusually warm, so we had better enjoy it while we can. According to weather sources, the first real snowfall comes around Nov 1st, so we’re only a few weeks away. It is very probable that we’ll see some snow before we leave.

Today’s visit was another whirlwind affair. We still don’t know how we pack so much into such a short time! LG met us at the gate and ran alongside the car. LB was inside getting ready to show us his weekly sport training class where they are learning Greco-Roman Wrestling combined with a little Judo. It was a very brisk half hour session followed by Bill showing off a couple of his moves. LB was pretty good, but the law of gross tonnage applied and he had no chance. Bill also knew a thing or two about keeping a low center of gravity (the big cheat!). Both of the kids together couldn't bring him down.

Three out of the four of us were pretty hot and sweaty when the caretaker we had not met yet came into the sports room and talked with us for a few minutes. Her first comments were that she knew us immediately because both children had been anxious to display all of the pictures in their albums. She also said that she was very happy for us all because the children had not had much happiness in their lives up to now. Despite sweaty conditions, we trekked up to the third floor family spaces again for another quick tour. The caretakers really do a good job in creating as much normalcy as possible for the children.

Back downstairs we had a quick tour of the library and opportunity to ask both kids what they like to read. They have both read some of the first Harry Potter book (in Russian). LB really enjoys books about Nature, Animals and Natural History. LG likes books about Poems, animals, fairy tales, and fantasy books. We have quite a library at home which will be right up their alley.

Next door to the Library the Chess Club was meeting. LB had to introduce Bill to the resident chess master and get a few photos. LB will really like the chess set Bill has in the family room… LG was getting bored, and letting us know in her pouty way, that it was time to go to the classroom that we have been using for our bonding sessions. Little did she know that it was going to be school time again! 8-)

Back in the classroom with more than an hour left (wow we did a lot in the first hour!) it was time for ABC and basic words review. LB REALLY wanted to play on the computer, but we were firm that they needed at least 20 minutes practice with English. Masha and Bill reminded both the children that it is very important for them to study because in 3 weeks or so we will be on our own… That’ll be fun at first! Any pointers from the old hands?

Practice time finished with both doing very well, the computer and a puzzle came out of our bag of tricks. LB was first at the computer and was very pleased when Bill clicked on Media Player and it started playing songs from his favorite group (thanks Masha!). He really likes to use Word and PowerPoint to practice typing his name, his sister’s name and the names of all the other family members, especially Bob (our golden retriever).

When it was LG’s turn, she was also surprised to hear her favorite group playing. It’s really nice to have someone helping us who picks up and shares the little things which make a big difference for the children.

While the kids were enjoying themselves, we were busily gathering pointers from Masha regarding photos to submit to the Dept of Ed Wednesday morning for our court application. With all the great photos, the biggest problem will be limiting ourselves. (We promise to share more of those photos with our readers right after court.)

We were having such a great time this afternoon that 5 o’clock snuck up on us. Amazingly, we all forgot about our ritual snacks as we packed up and departed for the day. If this is Groundhog Day, it’s one we would like to have over and over (but just the 14 times required by law).

This evening we met up with Hilton and Suzanne for dinner at a new Italian place on Constitution Ave, The Venezia. We ordered penne pasta and spaghetti Bolognese. Who needs Russian when you can order in Italian! The four of us had dinner, water, cokes and dessert for less than 4000 kzt. Jim M: This is one to add to your great map! In addition to the great food, we also had some live entertainment: A 12-string guitar and accordion player. They did play one Italian song, Ave Maria. The rest were an eclectic collection of classical, pop and rock songs ranging from Beethoven to the Beatles to Celene Dion. The topper was: Stairway to Heaven on the accordion. Despite this being Oktoberfest weekend, they didn't try "Roll out the barrel" or "The Chicken Dance." Maybe next year... 8-D The sign is actually for the clothing galleria, so you'll need to look for the boat.

Another great day for all.