Get together for the kids.

Liliya(English tutor) organized a get together for the kids that have been adopted so far. She thought it would be a good idea to go to skating so we met in Altoona at Galactic Ice.  Since everyone lives within an hours drive, it is fairly easy for us all to get the kids together and see one another.  It is also very nice for us to see the kids and their parents.  The kids seemed to have a lot of fun together.  It was crazy busy in the rink so we couldn't race each other like we did when we were in Ukraine.  Here is only picture from skating.  It was too crazy to take pictures of the kids skating.

Dima and Erik

Ice skating in Altoona made it easy for my parents to come as well.  My dad even got out his old ice skates and was trying some of his old tricks.  After skating, we all went out for dinner.  It was nice to be able to talk with the other parents and how their transitions are going.  It was interesting to see Dima with the other kids as he not once tried to speak English.  With us, he tries to speak as much as he can in English. He will only speak in Russian when he doesn't know what to say or when he gets upset, which has become less and less since he's able to understand a lot more now.  Here are a few pictures of the kids at dinner.

Vika who just came to America a few weeks ago and Ana who has been here since last May.

Vika and Ana having fun.

Ana, Dema(who came a few weeks after our Dima), Vika with Dima and Erik giving them antler ears.

This Friday two more girls will be come to America, Anslee and Vika.  They were adopted by Cheri and Russ Walk.  On March 11th, Dima's best friend Artyr will be here as well.  Dima know exactly what day Artyr is coming and is trying to hide his excitement!  Other families are to follow after that and we are excited to hear about their experiences and to see them again in America!