Summertime fun

We are coming out of the Independence Day Holiday and spending some quality time with the girls. The girls are Americans, and hence celebrate with all of us our independence and freedom. We not only have freedom from oppression and religious tyrany, but freedom to worship, pray, meet, speak the truth, and travel to other parts of the world where the Gospel is not known. These are just a few things we celebrate together this Holiday.

Sasha is growing up so fast. This fall she will attend a preschool in our area, and then next year she will be in kindergarten! Can you believe it? We are learning how to swim this summer and doing very well. Sasha is also riding her two wheel bike very well. It still has training wheels on it. Sasha loves to color with markers, and is exceptional in staying in the lines. Her mother is so proud. She can also write her name, and loves to sing. I remember a some my mother sang to me when I was little called, "My Little Teddy Bear". Anyone remember that song? Sasha loves to read the Bible every night, and helps turn the pages.

Dasha is growing up so fast too. Her hair is getting long, and is still blond. She runs around with her sister and they laugh and play. It is so pleasant to hear their laughs. Dasha can sing the ABC song all by her self, and loves to play with dolls. She rides a big wheel, but doesn't put her feet on the peddles. She just shuffles along. Dasha still loves to to on stroller rides, and we try to do that a few times a week for Mom and Dad to get some exercise. Dasha loves to read books, and watch movies, although we don't watch many in the summer. She enjoys being outside as much as possible, and sometimes is sad when its time to go in. She loves going down the slide at the pool, and has a huge grin on her face when she comes down.

Both girls are just amazing kids. Dasha has trouble being two sometimes. And she doesn't always listen to her big sister. But to see them play together reminds us how precious it is to keep sisters together during adoption.

We have a trip planned for vacation to NC in a few weeks to see MaryEllen's brother Joe and some other relatives. This will be Joe's first meeting with his nieces. We are all excited. Too bad it has taken so long. The rest of the summer will be taken up with pool time and playing at the parks near our home.

Hope you all have some time this summer to kick back and have a glass of tea, or somthing, and enjoy all that summer is.

Pete, MaryEllen, Sasha and Dasha