Brooklyn is FIVE!!!

Happy Birthday to my vivacious, out-going, always entertaining, still-in-training, fun-loving, energetic, witty, little Brooklyn!
We love you!!!

We're still here!

Here is a "Hello" to those of you who have faithfully and generously still thought well of us, even though I've have been so rudely out of touch!

I have a hard time having anything to say when I have no photos to go along with it!  But, thankfully, I have a few and promise of more in just a few days, so here is a taste of news...

Cady is keeping up with her school and had a fun sleepover last night.  We are thankful for girls her age in our town.

We had a great Thanksgiving celebration and were joined by Brooklyn's new friend and family.  Dasha has been a special addition to our life.

Madi has not gotten outside quite as much as she would like, but as that would require actually living in a hollowed out tree... we do what we can...  She did go ice-skating with her sisters and a great group of friends the other day.

Aubrie made some "armor" for Patches (her favorite bear) today out of cardboard.  Maybe we will have a picture of that in the future.

Roxy has tripled in size and is turning out to be a nice addition to our family.  We are so glad that she is so trainable.  I am thrilled that she puts up with Sam.  She is very gentle... at least with him!  He has discovered how much fun it is to lay on her and share her toys.

We have started an English Club at the University in the last few months and I will have pictures and stories of it next time.  Thanks for your patience!

Character learned the hard way...

Due to an unfortunate accident, Mr. No Name (who was unofficially becoming Chewbaca (can you see the resemblance?)) died this morning.

We are sad, but know that we can use difficult times like this to learn to value life, be compassionate, be careful, love while you can...

We loved you little Duncan Khachipuri Chewbaca!!!!

Meet Mr. No Name

This is our newest family member. The kids found him and his 4 siblings in a pipe under the road out in the country where our friends, the Brobergs, live.

He was named whimsically (Duncan, because he looked like someone had been "dunkin'" him in white paint) and quickly out of necessity, but now must receive the official name that we are willing to call outside our gate if need be. We are open to any and all suggestions!

This is Lemony Snicket, his brother. He lives with us until his family moves into their new home. He will also be receiving a new name.

He was a pretty cute puppy, too.

Girly Screams from a Baby Boy...

...it is enough to make you finally discipline, though you thought you could NEVER say "no" to that face. So this is what we see when he hears THAT word...

And it is followed by THIS face...

But Madi knows just how to make it all better. Spoiled? Maybe... Sweet? Oh my yes!!!

Welcome to our home in Krasnodar, Russia!We finally found a home and are spending every day unpacking boxes.I hope to give you a tour and some more regular updates, but one thing this house did not come with is a phone, so internet is difficult and expensive. But, I will see what I can do. Don't give up on me! Keep coming back to see if I managed to upload more. Become a "follower" of mine and I think you get updated when it happens. Thoughtful of the blogger people to come up with that one!

Not that he looks like he needs it, but...

First Cereal!

He really loved it...

The girls liked getting it on his face, more than in his mouth.
They thought it was cute.

I don't think he agreed.