"Prazdnik"

Yesterday was the special New Year prazdnik (celebration) at Lydia's preschool. We had fun watching her with the other kids as they danced, sang, said verses, and had a visit from Ded Moroz (Grandfather frost).

Birdie got dressed up for the occasion in her Christmas outfit...

Here's Lydia's class in the hallway, waiting to go into the room for the performance.

Lydia and the other girls are dressed as Christmas trees (actually New Year trees)

Dancing around the Yolka (New Year Tree). The lady in white is dressed as Snyegorachka (Grandfather Frost's granddaughter).

The lady in the black and white dress is Lydia's head teacher.

The arrival of Ded Moroz!

Each child received a little gift.

And now for the video clips! Enjoy!

Sisters

People are telling me more and more often that Birdie looks so much like Lydia. I'm agreeing more too. As I look at recent pictures of Birdie, I keep thinking, "Somewhere we have a picture of Lydia that looks just like that!" Here are a couple of examples. Think they look like sisters?

Lydia at 5 months:

Birdie at 5 months:
Lydia:

Birdie:

Banana Baby

I woke up early this morning (well, Birdie woke me up to feed her), and I couldn't go back to sleep. So, I decided to get up and do another blog! After all, I do have an exciting event to blog about... Birdie's first "real" food! Last night she was introduced to the wonderful world of food, with a smooshed up banana. Lydia loved helping to feed her. After a couple more days of banana, it will be on to rice cereal! Enjoy the show!

Thanksgiving and Other Catching Up

I see I have been neglecting the blog lately! Time to catch up on recent events, so get ready for some pictures!

First, a cute after-bath picture of Birdie:
Lydia, with her adoring little sister:

A few weeks ago, International Academy had their talent show. Lydia got to be a co-host with Daddy! Here she is all dressed up for her role, with her friend, Olivia:

Lydia was not afraid of the microphone. I think she likes the spotlight!

Next, Thanksgiving day. We celebrated with the other American teachers and their families, but first, some American football in the park (in the drenching rain!)

Here's Lydia, ready for the Thanksgiving feast:

Family photo with the traditional Indian hats:

Last weekend, the IA middle and high school students had a retreat at a place outside the city. Aaron went as one of the teachers, and the rest of the family came along just for fun. Lydia loved hanging out with the big kids.

Here the girls are getting ready for bed in our room at the retreat.

A game led by Aaron and one of the other teachers, about the web of life:

In the dining hall at the retreat:

This is the view out the window of our room. A shaft of sunlight popped out for one brief moment (the only time the whole weekend).

After we got back from the retreat, it was time to put up the Christmas tree!

Birdie has recently discovered her feet, and they must be tasty!

The next pictures were taken just last night. There is something so cute about a little baby hat with ears!