Winter Update

    I realized a few days ago that I have let over a month lapse since my last post. We haven't had much to report this first February in Kyiv. Girls are back to in-person school, Peter is working, and I'm spending my time taking a few Russian classes and training Sally to walk on a leash without pulling my arm out of socket. The main source of excitement for us this month has been the winter weather.  We have had snow on the ground for almost a month and the fore-cast is predicting well over another foot this week. The temperatures are cooooold, usually never higher than 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit. But it is beautiful and peaceful and we are soaking it all up.  Here are some pictures.  

Our side yard.  I love how the snow sticks to the evergreen trees that line our property.

The girls have had the best time playing with neighborhood friends in the snow.  Lots of snow forts, snow-ball fights and sledding.  

One day we braved the single digit temperatures to check out a sledding hill in a park near our house.  

So beautiful with even the sidewalks totally white.

Sarah Avery kept her mask on for extra warmth.  

This hill is popular, so it had been worn down over a few days, but the girls had a blast and didn't break any arms so we counted it as a win. 

We came home and thawed out by the fire with a game of monopoly that lasted two days.  

Sally loves to steal the firewood and makes the biggest mess with it.  

Peter and Susannah had the world's longest monopoly stand-off.  They finally finished by tripling their rents.  Susannah won.  ;)

Sarah Avery got to decorate cookies at her little neighborhood story-time. 

My view as we walk to the bus stop every morning.  The days are slowly getting longer so at least we aren't in the dark anymore.  

A neighbor sent me this picture after an epic snowball fight in her yard.  She handed out hot cocoa and donuts to all the warriors.  

Peter and I had a date night downtown and had the best time walking around the snow-covered city.  

We had a family snowball fight one day and made a snowman that only lasted about thirty seconds before Sally destroyed him.  She wanted that carrot nose and those coal eyes and the stick arms of course.  All her favorite things.  

We all love that Sally sits like a lady with her paws crossed.  She is a lot of work but she brings us all so much joy.

Another day, another play-date in the snow with neighbors.  

This past weekend we did Mommy/Daddy/Daughter dates.  It was my turn to treat Susannah and we had the best day.  

We had lunch at a trendy cafe downtown before walking a few blocks to check out an art gallery.  

Then came the main event......manicures!  

It was my first manicure since my wedding.  We had so much fun, I'm already looking forward to our next day together. 

This little dare-devil went to an indoor amusement park with her Daddy.  But first, they had a nutritious lunch of chocolate crepes.  

And then after all the climbing and sliding and riding, she needed a boost so dip and dots were in order.  

Then we spent the rest of our Saturday by the fire with snow falling outside the window.  

One thing the girls love about the snow is how fun recess is.  This is Sarah Avery with her classmates.  

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.  We miss and love you all so much.  Thank you for all the prayers and face-time calls and Christmas cards!  Those are finally rolling in and we love getting them so much! Already looking forward to seeing lots of you in person this summer!