Turning 6

Lonya turned six, and celebrated the momentous occasion with a birthday cake shaped like a house (his request). Everything on that house was edible, and we had a blast making it. Then, after opening a host of fun presents from mamas, brother, grandma, and aunts and uncles, Lonya got to go out and see the big present of the year (actually for both of them)--an electric John Deere gator. They are surprisingly good drivers, passing our little driving test with flying colors, and earning an upgrade from the speed limiter within a day. Now you have to walk pretty fast to beat it. We were worried because Sergey is so young, but he drives like a pro. It's a good thing we didn't wait another year, since Lonya will be too tall for it soon.

Fun at Lake Chelan-

Every year I have to go to a conference at Lake Chelan, and fortunately, we get to bring the family. After Sue's last day at work, she brought the boys up to enjoy a little fun in the water and sand.

Memorial Day and the end of Kindergarten

After a fun long weekend that Sue and I spent in and around Ashland (while the boys romped with their cousins in Vernonia, Oregon), we adjusted to the end of school. This is a welcome moment for Sue every year! Every year about now I wonder why I didn't go into academia.

Lonya celebrated the end of kindergarten with his class, and next September he moves up to First Grade. Meanwhile, for the summer he joins Sergey at Sery's school.

The two of them are taking a summer-full of swimming classes. They should be well on their way to actually swimming by the end of August. Already we see a huge improvement in both boys' willingness to put their heads in the water. Their favorite still is jumping into the water with a mama or teacher to catch them. The more they can splash, the better. I hear this only gets worse.

Artists at work

The weather's been a bit disappointing, with precious few nice spring days that haven't been really windy. But we have taken the opportunity to be outside whenever possible.