Back to school!

Caelia and Valeria were less than excited. They were happier once they saw their Miss Camilla. All summer I heard about KWI. They really love her. She is the girls' favorite para. We are very blessed by all of the staff at Fraser Academy. Everyone on staff is amazing and they adore the girls.

The pictures were not taken on the same day because the big girls started back August 1st. Masha went back on the 31st and finally, today, Michael went back to school. Sorry, no pictures of the boy. Masha is smilier in the morning anyway.
She was delighted to be going back to school. She really missed her friends from school.

A busy time of year

Masha has completed her first year of school! Actually, she had her graduation party in June, she has not graduated from preschool yet (she still has one more year) but she shined and was so proud! Unfortunately she was so excited we had a hard time keeping her in focus!

We also discovered that she is quite the star in the making. Caelia and Lera had their spring concert. Randy, Masha and I went to watch them. Lera really enjoys this but Caelia gets really shy standing up on stage. Her helper at school suggested that maybe Caelia would like to take Masha with her up on stage. Caelia liked this and anything Caelia wants is good with Masha. She made herself quite at home with the rest of the 2nd grade class and was charming to all. She even danced (though she hadn't practiced). Since that day, anytime Masha has visited or I have visited without her, all of the children ask where she is or come running up to say hi! The big girls are equally proud to show off their little sister. I wish I could get the video to load. Perhaps another time. Masha did not go to the Science Museum with the big girls. Randy got to go as a chaperone with them to school. They had lots of fun!

Spring Fever

Yes, it is spring in Minnesota. Randy and I long for it. It has been a very long winter here. I've forgotten what number we are in the record books but let's just say it was one of the snowiest ones on record. We finally have a 70 degree day and then, well, it snowed last night. The snow doesn't stay but we are still wearing our winter coats. We still are not wearing sandals and today, gloves are required for being outside. I tell you this not so that you feel sorry for us but so that you understand the reality of our springtime. We are tired of playing in the cold and wet snow. Now, a new ottoman in the living room means a new sport for the kids. How many can fit and then STAY on the ottoman? Can you eat ice cream and not end up with brain freeze in 20 degree weather? Trips to the Mall of America just for some exercise -- yes, I let the girls run like crazy there. Yes, we are tired of winter and some of us more so than others! Our reality is not Caelia's reality and Lera and Masha are her willing subjects. So this is Caelia's "it's spring already - let's party!" dance. Maybe it will bring us some sunshine and warm weather. Maybe summer dresses and bubbles are just what we all need.