Saturday, January 24, 2009

January 2009: June's Language Explosion

"Peanut Party"

"Three Blind Mice"

JumpJumpJump

"Jesus Church" medley

We're halfway home! January is our midway point, and so far, so good. The winter has been kind to us, the sparkling snow compensating for the chill.

Just this month, Mary June has become quite chatty, putting together 2- and 3-word combinations like "kittycat-monster" and "baby-hold-you." Zoe has warmed up to school with best friends like Emilija and Daniella. They both still love to see Margarita come to babysit; our Russian babushka is a regular circus act of energy!

Steve stays busy working on upcoming classes and also some articles for publication. I (Alyssan) scramble to finish up my master's thesis during kiddo naps.

The Latvian economy is in big trouble -- riots have broken out in Riga calling for a change in some government officials, and Daugavpils University, where Steve teaches, has not only shut down for a few weeks to help on expenses but also cut teacher's salaries.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009











First snowman of the season

Second attempt...

...and third time's a charm!



Zoe's first trip to Riga, the capital


First time at the circus!


Hey, hey, we're the monkeys...

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Trick of the camera? Why would you think that?

"Woooooooah!"

"Weeeeeeee!"




"Waaaaaaaaaaah!"


Out and about




June has learned the snapshot smile





Night out bowling


The approach is good...


but the delivery...

Christmas party at the children's home




John, Alexey, and Valentine


King Rousslan and Queen Zoe