Mother's Day

I had a lovely Mother's Day today. Denis and I rode bikes, went for lunch, played soccer, and read books on this beautiful May day. In the evening my two boys took me out for an Indian dinner - my favorite! As I put D to bed tonight, I said, "I really like being your mother." His reply? "I really like being your...Denis."

Denis took this picture - not bad, eh?

My Mother's Day flower and card

Happy Mother's Day, Mom and Mar...and to all the other moms and soon-to-be-moms out there, too!

April Showers...May Flowers

We've certainly had our share of April showers this year, and so far, my potted flowers are reaping the rewards. Someday, I'll have a proper garden in which to plant all these beauties!

I always thought tulips were my favorite...

but I think the hydrangea might be topping the list this year.

And who doesn't love the bright and happy gerber daisy?

Denis Turns Three

Happy birthday, Denis! How does it feel to be three? You're getting to be such a big boy - 15 kg and 97.6 cm big! Big enough for a scooter! We hope you enjoyed your parties (one at home and the other at Peter Pan). We love you.

Spring Happenings

It's been so busy around here that I haven't found the time to post in a while. Here's what we've been up to this spring so far...

FOOD & FUN FAIR

FIELD TRIP TO NARA

EASTER

SACK RACES

Who knew my talent was in sack racing?

TULIPS AND CHERRY BLOSSOMS

TEA PARTIES

SPRING BREAK WITH GAIL

Tea Time!

I've been studying tea ceremony for the last couple of years and the other day I had my first performance. Jon was my guest, and Tami-san (my teacher) dressed us both in kimono for the special occasion. I made a few errors and almost got the giggles half way through (waiting for Jon to finish his sweet so I could stop whisking the tea!), but overall I'm pleased with my performance. Okashi-o dozo.

Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago on St. Patrick's Day, at a fated CEESA (Central & Eastern European Schools Association) teachers' conference in Prague, I met Jon. Was it the luck o' the Irish? We have different recollections as to how the weekend went, exactly, but it turned out to the beginning of a long-distance romance. How many trips did we make between Vilnius and Riga over the next couple of years? If only Eurobus had a frequent flyer program, I'd still be rich in bus miles!

Snapshots from my blonde-hair-dying, scrapbook-making days.

A Spring Hike

It was a beautiful spring day today, one that called for a 'hike' in the 'hills' behind our apartment. So, we donned our backpacks...

Strapped on our binoculars...

Looked for birds...

And more birds...

Smelled the flowers...

Watched the butterflies...

Greeted our favorite neighborhood kitty-cat...

And flew home...like a butterfly, stopping to 'drink the flowers' along the way!