Russian Kaleidoscope

Last week, the kids had the awesome opportunity to experience the Russian Culture at their school. Sergei Shapoval came to teach the children with the help of the arts council and St Joe's PTO. He and the kids put on a show for the public on Friday and they all did a wonderful job!! Here is Sergei with the Russian Alphabet which the 5th graders taught us.

Here is Zach's grade in costume. Zach sported a mustache which he did not take off until 8pm that night. We did errands too and he had to keep it on!

Here is Father Shumacher in an authentic Kazachok uniform. They were the most free people in Russia without taxes or jobs (the government took care of them, but they were the first ones to war and at the front line of attacks - Trade off~!)

Here is Sergei teaching about the bear man who wanted to learn an instrument, but didn't have any. He showed the people how he could use the wooden spoons to make music and dance!

Here is a table of items they brought with to show more of the culuture. Did you know that the Red Square is named for it's beauty? A form of Red in Russian means beautiful and that is why it is called the Red Square! Now you know too!

Dakota!

Here is our Dakota. Since he was a little pup, we have taught him to "Get your tail". He still has no problem trying. He is 11 1/2 now and still will try. Here, Jaci was playing with him. This is the second time around, so he was a little dizzy already. Forever our Pup!

Christmas 2008

Christmas was a quiet time. It was nice to have some time off with the family. We celebrated at home Christmas Eve. After Church Christmas morning, we had a nice relaxing day at home. Later for supper we went to Pat's brother's and his family's home. The next day, some of his family made it out here and the following weekend, the kids and I made it back to Barnesville for a quick trip. Here Zach received a squishy ball that everyone loved.

Webkinz are a hit in our home and here is Jaci with her new cocker spaniel and a charm bracelet.

Zach and his forever Spiderman pose in his new pj's!










Jaci and her Tinkerbell bag that she carries all her "stuff" around in.

November

We were able to head back to Minnesota for my sister's birthday and to see a play that a good friend of mine directs in Barnesville. This year it was Grease and our neighbor boy was in it. They all did an awesome job! It was good to touch base and see everyone! Here is a picture of Jaci with my sister's kitties and my nephew Brady (16 months). Do you think there is a future in Basketball or farming??

Going, Going, Gone!

Tooth #3 has came out! Now we just have the other top front one and she can sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"

Halloween

It has been a busy month! We did open our second store on October 20th! Amazing times! We were able to take the kids trick and treating a little - or too much from a mom's standpoint! Jaci dressed as a Poodle skirt dancer and Zach was Robin - Batman's side kick! Here they were heading to a harvest dance at school. They had a blast!

October!

It has been a while! I will briefly go through the happenings for the last month and a half! One Saturday I was working and when I came home, Pat and the kids had made me a cake for my birthday. Not knowing if we would be able to on my birthday, they wanted to celebrate! It was delicious and tasted better as a surprise!