Carve the Pumpkins!

Halloween Activities and Fun

Halloween comes early in Moscow.  Kids went to school dressed in costume (Phantom, Shaggy, a pirate and a clown) and the elementary school allowed Halloween parties as it is a cultural event.  John was wrapped as a mummy in one of the party games!  Tonight was also "trick or treat" time as the school began fall break and the Embassy planned to do so before everyone left. Then to finish an already busy day, the AFOA (Air Force attache group) had a boat trip!  Dinner and time spent with friends was wonderful!  After sleeping in the next morning we headed to a costume party of our own as Phantom and Christine!

Middle School Mrs. McThing

Clara's debut on stage... the Middle School play - Mrs. McThing.

and she had a wonderful time.

1001 Nights

Ladies night out, and amazing ballet... it was great to spend an evening with a fun group of friends!
I was thrilled to go into the Kremlin Theatre... it was huge, just stunning and wonderful!  We had great seats and although I still love the intimacy of the Stan and Dan theatre a little better I think this ballet was so unique in dance and costume it will always stand out as a favorite!

Happy Birthday John

John turns 9!  He had been very sick all week, missing 4 days of school.  We weren't even sure he would make it to school today but he insisted... so last minute we planned a little party with Embassy friends.  Between dad and Seth and myself we put together a little scavenger hunt where they read clues, ran all over the embassy collecting letters to a puzzle which they then had to unscramble.  

October 21, 2011.  They had a good time!  Pizza, cake and presents made for a successful celebration!

Fall Harvest and Halloween

Our theme this month!  October Harvest and Halloween!

Guests from Japan Switzerland, Sweden, and US.

Menu included Salmon and Lemon Rice Pilaf and it was a really great evening ...

  Lots of jokes and laughs!  A night to remember!

2 weeks 3 puzzles!

Over the course of the 2 weeks Granny Jo, Papa Nick and Aunt Clara visited we completed 3 - 1000 piece puzzles! No kidding!  And the touring we were able to get in as well was amazing.  The kids were pretty busy with school so not many group pictures were taken... so before they left I squeezed a couple in!  We miss you guys!

Giselle

No visit to Moscow is complete without a visit to the ballet!  

The Stanislavski Theatre known by local American as the Stan and Dan Theatre

is my favorite theatre and the ballet my favorite so far! 

Kremlin

No visit to Moscow is complete without a trip to the Kremlin.  And this morning we were in for a pleasant surprise!  This drill team on Cathedral Square was most impressive.  We also took in all the churches and walked the garden area, along with experiencing some Russian weather... a little snow and sleet!

Moscow Metro

The Metro system of Moscow is one of the cities most unique and amazing features!  Unbelievably efficient and reliable.  Each station telling a story of its own with its architecture and design.  It is also one of the main things I will miss when we must leave this adventure here behind!  Every time I tour the metro I see new things and appreciate it more and more.  I also take way too many pictures to post here on the blog... but there are plans and works for a photo book of its own someday but that will have to wait until after I get my blog caught up!!

20 years and counting!

Happy Anniversary!  Your dedication to me and our family (both of our families) is never-ending and I love you so much for this!  I would not have wanted to spend our anniversary any other way than with those who celebrate with us and mean so much to our years together!  Here's to 20 more!

Red Square

Mom, Dad and Aunt Clara arrived on a Tuesday- so Wednesday we went on a boat tour so see the city from the river.  Thursday I had English call, they rested.  Friday we went to the bead market.  Saturday we went to Red Square and Sunday Ismayolova to shop for souvenirs!  At Red Square we started out by checking out the vendors and shopping a little.  Then we waited for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We spent some time in Goom and ate an ice cream.

Then walked the square to St Basil's where mom and Clara went in and saw the cathedral...  dad and I people watched.  We then walked over the bridge to see the view of the Kremlin.  Great weather!  Good times!

Clara's Artwork

Clara endeavors to be an artist!  

In this piece, I really love the eyes as well as the tree in the background.