We have been enjoying our time with Olga and Vova so far. Last week we celebrated Olga turning 14 on the same day Jim and John turned...45. Two days later Vova turned 9. Tatum made them each a custom birthday cake, and they loved opening presents. Jim demonstrated tearing into the paper and throwing it around so they wouldn't be shy about it. We spent the weekend in Nebraska visiting dyedushka and babushka (grandpa and grandma). The kids loved driving the golf cart (Olga put it in the ditch once), swimming in the lake and catching fireflies. Jim's parents were great with the kids. Tonight they are with my parents having a fun time at Boondocks. 
Olga tried school for a day and then showed me in the Russian dictionary that it was "not interesting." I'm sure it isn't when you can't understand the language, but I am proud of her for trying it out. Vova loves to say no, but we are working on that. Even when he wants to do something, he says no. I often wonder what his life has been like so far to have created such an independent little guy. He puts up a tough persona, but we have seen his soft side also. Hopefully before he leaves he will say da more than nyet.
It feels like we have been on a three week mission trip with two more to go. Having these kids here for the summer has been amazing. It brings up a lot of emotions and hard questions. At the same time, their appreciation for even the smallest of things makes us realize how blessed we are.
5 comments:
Kari,
Nice to hear that you have seen a softer side of Vova. I am sure he has had a tough life up to this point, all his defenses are on high alert.
I hope things continue to go smoothly for all.
Aimee
Dear Volf's,
We are so happy that you are having fun - I want to go catch fireflies and drive a golf cart!!!! Mari said "no" a bunch in the beginning, it meant "no", "me", "are you sure?", "right now?", "in a minute" and "I don't understand". So Vova's "nos", may not be real.
Looking forward to meeting the kids, The Barretts
Thats a great photo of Vova pouting! That is exactly how Nastia looks when she does it. Fortunately, less and less!
Hi Kari!
It was so nice to meet you in Colorado! It is great to get to know and meet others that are adopting as well. We are really excited for you guys!
We had such a great time with the girls, and I know Kyle just loves them! We couldn't be more grateful for Felix and Heidi's kindness as well as the kindness of the crew in Colorado!
Please keep in touch!
Ken and Joy
Hi Kari,
Just wanted to say hello! I hope the rest of your hosting trio was wonderful. I know it was so hard say goodbye. But it is nice to have a few days to recover and catch up for us!! It was whirlwind the last six weeks. We had the pouting too - I guess it is universal :) But we saw great improvement in the time the girls were here. Have you heard from Alla or anyone since they left?
Post a Comment