Greetings from Estonia!

 

This is part of our group minus four members---John, Matthew, Christina, and Olga.(Thanks to Elizabeth for the pic!)

Please click here to see some other pics...we actually saw these!!      I wish I could post it here, but I don't think that's allowed:).    If you don't know where Estonia is located, like our two bank tellers didn't and me too before living overseas, you can learn more information!!

Here's some history---in a nutshell...from the above link:

Estonia, the smallest of the Baltic States, was ruled for many centuries by Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian factions. Historically, it has been attacked, sacked, razed and pillaged on numerous occasions

When the former Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, it gained its long-awaited independence. Subsequently, the somewhat new country of Estonia is now forging modern relationships with the west, including the (EU).

The local economy still revolves around varied agricultural industries. Recently, however, tourism has increased, as it's become a popular cruise ship destination because of the medieval architecture and the history of its charming capital city of Tallinn.

Group of Random photos!

Miscellaneous pics----Mark swinging on his gym!
Our picture rope---we love our Christmas cards!!
Katie put together these clips where we all had our names on them and we could leave positive notes on our family member's clips.

December--Finland trip

This was our trip to Finland from December.  The kids really enjoyed it, except for Matthew--he did not like the extreme cold.  On the way back, we put the seat down to a bed so the kids could sleep--I know---we aren't in Kansas anymore!

We stayed at a friend's "Sauna" house in Finland---she lit special ice candles on the porch.  We went to a church that was hewn from rock, road sleds, lived simply--light fires, cooked on a wooden stove--John rocked!  The house was kept warm by a fireplace and a small amount of heat from heaters.  It was an experience!  The floor that we slept on was up those stairs--and yes, if you think they look steep, they felt even steeper!  Our friend showed us how to come down and go up ---yes, there was a particular way to do it so you didn't fall.  Let's just say, it wasn't very lady-like!  I felt like a cowboy, every time I had to go up!

This border trip was the worst---we were in line for 7 hours on our way into Finland and 5 on our way out...it was crazy!  John was super patient!!

Pictures taken in our home, or close by---Snowy Days!!

Christmas Program

A teacher gift is used! Happy New Years---CNovom Godom!

Can you tell me which of these pictures show a teacher's gift being used?  The sparklers were gifted to Melissa and her 2nd and 3rd grade class mates--along with a fire cracker:)   It's one of those, you know you are in Russia, when....  Fire crackers are in grocery stores here around New Years and oh so popular!  It's very common to give sparklers and these pop fire crackers that spray out confetti--after they have a mini fire explosion when you pull the cord!  We hung out with friends from Ohio on New Years and we had such a nice time with them.  We had sloppy joes that were absolutely delicious!  They have two kids and our kids just love theirs!  Melissa is in the same class with them at school.  We thank God for the whole family being here in Russia with us.

Fun pics!

My friends Megan and Nelly!!














Megan, Matthew and Nelly

















The girls after we cut bangs or as they say in Brittish English--fringes!

Cookie Fun!

Cookie--time---this happened before Christmas---sorry about my slowness.  My friend Sue is such a home maker and great mom who is full of ideas---so---I have to get all my cute ideas from her!  She is so innovative and I like to follow her ideas...so this was one of them.  No, I don't usually make Christmas cookies---but I think I will add it to our traditions!  The kids had a blast!