First Day of School

The kids braved their first day of school today. They've been so excited, everyday asking how many more "zafthras" (sp?? tomorrows) until school. Last week we bought lunch boxes (Spiderman and Princesses) and school supplies, which they kept looking at every day. I think reality kicked in a bit this morning when they finally realized they really were going - it wasn't a theoretical thing. You'll notice in their "deer caught in headlights" photo, very top :)

But, when I came back to school this afternoon to pick them up, they both had huge smiles on their faces. They really enjoyed themselves. Logan's 3rd grade teacher even found a computer site (http://www.translation2.paralink.com/ - for those interested) in which she could type an English phrase, it would convert it to Russian, then actually say the phrase out loud. We'll start using that at home! She had asked the class last week who wanted to be Logan's buddies, and sit by his desk. Apparently there were lots of volunteers. Our neighbor's son Zane is in Daria's class, and he is looking out for her.

We have actually found a translator, who has been super, and we spent half an hour on the phone with her this evening asking the kids how things went today. They really did have a great day and said that school is much better here.

We had a fun weekend with the kids. My office mates threw them a wonderful party on Friday, and they enjoyed pizza and cupcakes, as well as many wonderful gifts. We took advantage of one of the gifts, and took the kids to the Denver Zoo on Saturday. We had taken them swimming for the first time at the local rec center in the morning, and between the two (swimming and zoo), they were (very happily!) worn out.

But not too worn out to go pick out their first bikes in the afternoon! They were so excited to get them. Sunday morning we took them out for their first lesson. It was a good reminder of how difficult it is to learn to ride. It was really hard to explain to them. I've been biking forever, but I've never had to explain it to anyone. They did good for their first outing (balance is the trickiest piece), and before we know it, they will be wheeling around on their own without our help.

The kids really seem settled in and very well adjusted. They told the translator that they're very happy here. Tomorrow when I take them to the dentist they may change their minds :)