Almost Christmas

It has been snowing all day. I love it when it snows. This is my first winter in Moscow. Last winter I was in Charleston, SC preparing for Samantha's arrival. So far I haven't been disappointed by the weather. It's five days until Christmas and there is snow on the ground. We had a few days were it was really cold. So cold my snot froze!

Funny thing. I noticed someone put a wreath on a random tree out by the dumpsters here on the embassy compound. I've walked by it several times while walking the dog. Each time I thought "huh... wonder who put that there." Then I got to looking at the wreath and realized that it was the same wreath I had thrown away in the dumpster about two weeks ago! I guess someone fished it out and hung it up. Who would have thought.... now every time I see it I laugh at my own private joke!

Olivia had a preschool Christmas party last week. They had a program all prepared for us parents. They acted out the book "My Many Colored Days" by Dr. Seuss. They played music to each color and acted out their feelings. It was very cute and fun to watch Olivia's reaction to each color. Later at home I showed Olivia that we had the same book at home. She was so amazed and of course I had to read it to her right away. So I got the performance again and again and again! At the party they also sang Christmas songs and played and of course had snacks. Olivia also gave us a rocking horse ornament she had painted for us. Santa came for a visit too and she gave him the rocking horse instead. But.... she told him to "bring it back tomorrow." I thought that was pretty funny.

We are expecting Kristy Thomas for a visit. She's flying in on Wednesday. Should be a lot of fun sight-seeing with her and just spending the holiday together!