We're still here!

I realize as I sit here trying to decide if I want to blog or not that I am officially the worst blogger.  It seems all the other bloggers take it on religiously and love it.  I am just not that type.  The artist, creative, side of me is gone.  Or maybe just the initiative.  Since I have gotten back from the US in March my days seem long and my ambition is gone.  But I have a renewed spirit today with a sunny day in the 60s.

I went back to Arkansas in March for a short week for my sister-in-law's wedding.  Since it was short I really didn't tell anybody I was traveling home.  So sorry to anybody that is offended.  I experienced beautiful weather in the 80s while in Arkansas.  And then I came back to the artic tundra and full snow.  It was nice to have my dear friend, Michelle, come back with me.  At least she kept my spirits high for about two weeks.  Then after she left, the snow and the cold took its toll.  I was ready to retire my winter coat and my boots.  More importantly I wanted to retire Owen's snowsuit.  He was always in good spirits.  If I laid the suit out he would stop his destructive streak and lay down in the suit ready to go.  But once out it was always hard for him to enjoy his time being all bundled up.  Of course, if you were with Owen would not think he was unhappy, so maybe that is just mom's state of mind.  :)  But now we have beautiful weather.  I sent the coats to the cleaners and put the boots up.  I refuse to pull them back out until October.  So at the moment I have been wearing one pair of shoes because it is not quite time for sandals yet (more so my feet are not ready for sandals.  can anyone say pedicure!)  Since my spirits are lifted I will try to give you a recap of the last couple of months.

• My friend, Michelle, came to visit.  It was great having her here.  We went to St. Petersburg, which is truly beautiful.  I would like to experience it in the summer next.  And now I have someone that can contest to what I have been saying all along.  When it is was time to leave she said she would miss us but not Russia.  And next time she came to visit, if she comes again, it will be in the summer.  She understands the snow, cold, stairs, rudeness, and difficulty with the stroller now.  Owen loved having her here and they played constantly.  I am surprised she didn't leave anything behind, what with Owen constantly unpacking her stuff and carrying it off for her.  We definitely need more visitors, as hard as it is to say goodbye.  
• Since the weather has made a change, they have started to clean the streets (a little bit).  And have started to paint every fence, door, and grate they can find.  Yes they are still dirty when being painted and the fumes are horrible.  Nothing like the smell of pain in the springtime.
• We go to the park almost daily.  Owen loves it!!!!  He runs around and talks to random people and picks up random toys.  Loves bicycles and strollers.  And of course he loves the dirt.  He will just sit in it and play.  I have a hard time with this but try my hardest to overlook.  I guess the days of a bath every other day are gone.  He absolutely loves the slide.  Any and all slides.  He will start to climb up the slide as soon as he down.  It is hard for others to have a turn. 
• He can now say horsey and recognize them.  He has taken to this animal quite a bit.  Of course they are a beautiful creature.
• Owen went to the zoo for the first time.  He really enjoyed seeing the animals.  He would sit in awe as they came close.  We will have to make this trip more often.

I think this about sums it up.  As always after I publish this a whole list of things will come to mind and I will be mad they didn't get in here.  And then it will probably be another decade before I write again and I will forget about it by then.  We are doing well and enjoying the sunshine.  But we are ready for visitors and very ready to go the beach this summer with Partner.  Remember there is always a place to stay in the Motherland.  So book your tickets now! :)