Though we spent the whole summer in vacation mode, we had the "what next?" dilemma constantly in the back of our minds. Hoping to travel again for a better opportunity to learn languages, we continued to apply for teaching jobs abroad, but our hopes were dimmed by rejections based on the fact that we had some extra baggage - children. In the end, an ad caught our eye from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where we had taught in 2004-2006. We had always planned on showing Misha his place of birth - we just didn't know it would be so soon! Since traveling with kids is stressful enough as it is, it was reassuring to think about going to a place where we could get around in the language and where we were familiar with the city. We were also excited about seeing old friends.
Meanwhile, we were busy fitting as many summer activities as possible into the last few weeks of August before flying out!
Fishing with Grandpa was a huge success. In Misha's words: "I caught the fish by myself. Grandpa didn't reel it in for me. Grandpa told me when to pull it up. Grandpa caught two and I caught three. All together we found eight, but we threw some back in because one was too small and some were bullfish that Grandpa didn't like to clean. And the bullfish didn't taste good in the summer time of year."
Three grandkids in the tub!
Clean little boys in pj's.
Bubbles in the backyard:
Bubbles in the backyard:
Up to the campus bookstore to see Grandpa in action
... and to engineering to see Grandma!
Cookie-making fun with Aunt Tanya
and watching ever more monarchs hatch:
and watching ever more monarchs hatch:
Sebby and Nara help with the husking.
Soccer with Grandma and Grandpa ...
And you can't forget raspberry picking at Sanderson's Gardens! We had fun making jelly, jam, and pie with our treasures.
Our family threw us a wonderful goodbye party before our departure. We miss you!
Stay tuned for an update on life in Bishkek. :)
2 comments:
Nice blog, good pics! Misha remembered a lot about the fishing! Your skype must not be working yet? -mom
These are wonderful pictures. Everyone is so happy and the boys look like they are having fun. How nice to spend time with family. :o)
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