I LOVE HAVING A LITTLE BOY

CHAPEL

Zhen and his friend carried the flags at Chapel today.  All tge news that's fit to print.

ZHEN AND ROSIE

OK - maybe the bed is a little narrow for both of them.

It is, however, the most comfortable bed in the house.

Zhenday

He was deep in his TV show and not happy to be interrupted, but I couldn't resist this cozy picture of my sweet Zhen on Zhenday.  Seven years; I can't believe it.  We celebrated with a banana cream pie.

TWIN DAY

Zhen and his friend Jeffrey were very excited about the opportunity to be twin for the day - and I think they were adorable - thanks to Jeffrey's mom, who put it all together for them.

WHEN THEY GET ALONG

He put on this pathetic look just so I wouldn't take his picture, but I did it anyway.  He and his sister are getting along famously lately, and he allowed her to play hairdresser. 

MARCH

I leaned out of the car and took this photo of "March" as I think of it - cold, miserable slush.  The other option would be mud.  But, six years ago March brought the most wonderful gift in the form of our Zhenya, so quite honestly, slush and mud and damp cold have risen in my estimation. 

BASKETBALL PARTY

There was a wonderful, absolutely wonderful party at the conclusion of the boys' basketball season.  Families were invited and the coaches were great with the boys (who as you can see enjoy one another).  Someone made a wonderful "highlights" video from the games, and photos.  Everything was perfect.

TOURNAMENT

It is basketball tournament time.  Zhen's team is not all that good, to be frank.  Zhen is solid - "He doesn't hurt them" as Craig puts it.  However, they are such a dear, sweet group of boys - on their own they took to beginning each game in this pose.  Makes the Sign of the Cross for the opening prayer a bit of a challenge, but it sure does illustrate their unity.  You can just see them, the rare times they are ahead, woking hard to make sure all the players get a chance to make a basket.  They are so good and supportive to one another.  I can't think of anything more like a "win" than that!

AND OVER TO MY RIGHT....

...Zhen is lying on the couch with Rosie.  I am glad that we have that extra week of school vacation.  Otherwise it really would have been no "vacation".....just holiday business.  This week, even though I am at work myself, is restful.....no constant rush from one thing to another. 

No; we have to hurry home, so I can get to the store. 
We have to hurry and eat dinner so you can get your homework done. 
Hurry!  You'll be late for basketball!
Hurry!  We have to get home so I can help Sergei with that homework!
Hurry and brush your teeth, so we can get to bed.
We can read one chapter only; we have to go to sleep!
Hurry and get up. 
Get down here and eat something; hurry!
Hurry and get in the car. 
Hurry!  We're late! 
Run!  Hurry! Get into the school so you aren't late for Chapel!
We needed the rest.