Vicki's Review (belated)

[Susan here: We didn't have internet all day on Sunday--and lost electricity for part of the day too--so we're behind on giving our weekly, Sunday overview. Mom was willing to write it this time, since I'm running out of things to say! Ok, here's mom.]


Just to give a feeling for what it is like here: it has a kind of "soviet" look/feel. This particular area is is a bit rural (though large) and not so modern. Kind of beat-up, old-type looking buildings on the outside BUT then inside they are nice. It is 100% foreign. Susan has been teaching me a bunch of typical things to say in Russian (which is fun) since there is almost NO English anywhere! (Not that there should be!)
There are lots of old trucks and equipment, but totally functional. You do see quite a few nice cars on the road too (like Mercedes and Audi) along with old, old type buses. Many many people walking to wherever they would be going. It is like Germany in regard to lots of walking: to shop, to eat (etc.), but in this particular part of the country there are no trains/trams. Most everyone is slim! The ladies especially dress beautifully - even a little formally, with dressy high-heeled shoes. Each girl/lady walks just perfectly--like a high fashion model. Very nice! In fact, tonight we are going to “watch” the high school graduation and the comment from the interpreter was “all the girls will be dressed so nicely, it will be fun to see!”

We are eating really fun, interesting stuff. Everyone (in restaurants, markets, etc.) is nice, and kind, although not immediately outgoing. They can tell we aren't "locals" (to say the least) but are good natured about it! We, of course, are making an effort to be low key and blend in etc. (for some of you that know me – you know that might a bit of a challenge! HA)

We went to a Soccer game last night with some of the “group” here! That was fun/interesting! Kind of like a high school football game with a small group (in this case adults) playing a big drum, trombone, trumpet type stuff that sounded just like what we do at outdoor games.

On to the kids....

Thursday, Jesse was a little more upbeat and seemed to feel some better. Evelyn is just blossoming. Sitting up with a stronger neck/head. She is more and more engaged with Susan and so "into" having her good momma. Both babies just sit and really let you show them a book. Jesse wants you to start right over. Evelyn actually reaches out to each page and participates in turning pages. They are so much littler than their ages that it seems amazing for them to be doing these things. One day, Jesse saw we were leaving and started to cry. Of course that made his momma feel bad and she went back and patted and reassured him. Only 1 week and a few days and Susan and Brent will have their court date and gain full custody! Then the really good stuff will begin!


Here are some of my favorite pictures from the week:

Memaw is so glad to be here!

Little Peanut

Mom makes crazy noises with her mouth. (Anything to entertain!)

My mom lets us play with her glasses...

Modeling my outfit for today!

P.S. Happy Birthday to (Uncle) Jeff!!!