Our Weekend in Pictures

We had a very nice weekend - not in the sense of accomplishing a lot or going a lot of places, but definitely in the sense of relaxing, getting refreshed, and spending some QT with the kids. Sebastian sucks our time and attention by default, but with Misha I really have to make sure I'm actively spending time with him. His behavior and self-esteem are so much better when I give him lots of attention. This weekend was good for that.

In honor of Sebastian's first birthday tomorrow, I have included several portraits of him. He has hit a new stage of cuteness - so curious, smart, intent, and happy! It's impossible not to be in a good mood when he's babbling cutely and handing you a toy. Misha and I made a chocolate cake yesterday to celebrate a little - and we also took on most of the responsibility of eating it.

Check out that new top tooth! That makes three.

And in honor of Father's Day tomorrow as well, here are a few shots of the man of the house and his charming sons. :) Happy Father's Day, Josh!

A good weekend entails several trips to the pool:

I brought food coloring from the States (though I wouldn't have needed to) so we could make play-do -- and this weekend, to Misha's great delight, we got around to making it!

Here he is, intent on his work. Below, our creations dry at top speed in the 50-degree Celcius heat wave outside on the balcony.

"Friday" night (actually Wed. night) we had some friends over (fellow teachers) and had a pizza party! Pizza Hut delivers all over the world -even if the pepperoni is actually beef here!

We also got in a game of Monopoly - or, as Misha calls it, "Na-opoly"!

Earlier in the week we hit a cool seafood restaurant, which is decorated everywhere with very cool fish tanks. Here is Misha's impression of a fish:

Weekends are the time for special breakfasts, like pancakes:

Both kids love pancakes!

Misha is forever doing art projects. Give him paper, scissors, and glue, and he goes to town. He made these bunny ears for himself. Later, he added pockets to the ears, with removable colored inside-ear pieces. Very creative.

Misha and I spent a few days recreating an old board game we have back home. This is the new version of "Mystic Tower," a 3-D game with moving parts.

At some point during the weekend, we always get groceries. Misha is appreciating this very large green squash.

Sebastian has discovered how to roll a ball between his own legs!

Play time at the park - the joy of sand.

Time for some basketball!

Misha had fun playing ball with another kid on the compound.

Good throw!

For a bit of what goes on during the week, see below. Here I am in my proper work attire (elbow-length sleeves and floor-length skirt) with a presentation some of my students made on Switzerland for International Day in the cafeteria.

And Misha has been having a great time at preschool, as you can see from the following photos provided by his school!

Ice cream art projects.

Class photo

By the ABCs

In the classroom. :)