A Great Thursday!

We both brighten up when we see new comments from you all. Just knowing that you are all (commentators and observers) able to get a glimpse into this "dream world" means a lot to us.

We went to an antique shop tonight after supper and I saw some things that would really be neat to own. One of the items was an old Church bell, but that might pose a problem when I check it in at the airport. The other things they had were military pins from the Soviet Union. We looked a long time at the pins but couldn’t pull the trigger to buy one. Andi and another mother (other American) went shopping in the kids clothing store while another father and I stayed out on the side walk and tried to look cool with a big empty pink stroller parked beside us. We pulled it off, of course.

One of Lilia’s favorite games is the “no” game. We say “no” when she tries to put her hands in her diapers, she giggles and continues to do that exact thing, giggling harder and harder. We say “no” when she starts to crawl toward the stairs in the lobby. She crawls faster and faster, giggling the whole time, while our footsteps get closer and closer. Then she is so overcome with excitement, she sprawls out on her belly, squealing with delight. Today, she has on a dress. Every time she tries to crawl, the dress gets caught under her knees, and crying begins. She is full of all the regular toddler traits. Here we go! Tomorrow another couple will have Gotcha Day, and we are looking forward to the two kids playing together in the hotel lobby. We often joke about the way we, after only an introduction, become “best friends” with fellow Americans going through the same trials.

Well another day has come and gone. Still another hour before bedtime, and we are going to walk to the Peter the Great Square. We do it all again tomorrow and soon we will…..