Beluga whales

Hello everyone once again,

Today was a first for many things in our new family. We got to go to the city and Vlady and Alex were very excited. They love the ride there and seeing all the big machinas, all the different kinds of trucks and buses. They look from side to side and point, “oh machina” or “oh bus.” They do this pretty much the whole ride in to town, (about 20 minutes). Also nobody got sick today. We saw beluga whales and both the boys got to touch them. Vlady was a little hesitant and nervous but Alex had no fear. He let the whale kiss him and he rubbed its belly, it was very cute. We just hope the whales are taken care of, it was a neat experience for the boys but very sad if the whales are kept captive. Vlady and Alex also went on little motorized cars, what an excitement! The first one that Vlady went in was a little too big for him and had a bit of power. Not thinking I stood in front of it as Jayne was paying and Vlady pushed the accelerator and he banged into my shin. It wasn’t too painful and luckily he did not really understand the concept of the accelerator because he let off right away and stopped. It was also hard to keep up with him when he did push the accelerator and after a couple times of him getting away from me we quickly changed him to a smaller and less powerful car. Both the boys were content with putting around in them and they started to get the hang of it. It was a lot of starting and stopping and then trying to turn but luckily they did not hit anyone. They also walked through a little boardwalk carnival and they went on one of the rides. Vlady seemed to enjoy it more than Alex but they were cute going around pretending to drive their car. Everyone was getting hungry so we went to a restaurant, again another first. We had a few things for the boys to play with and keep them occupied but we really did not need anything once the bread arrived. They actually behaved well and we even had left over pizza for dinner. After this late lunch we toured a submarine, I can’t imagine being on a submarine for days and even months. It would be so claustrophobic and I would get seasick. The boys loved to look at the pictures and model submarines. We gave the boys an Easter present today, rubber duckies. It was bath day and they love to play in the tub and everyone needs a rubber ducky. Jayne showed them how to put them under the water and fill them up with water then squeeze them and squirt one another, lots of laughter and fun was had. So much it was a little difficult to get them out. It was a full day and a lot of fun. The boys are in bed and we thought they would have to fall right asleep, but no. They keep chatting away, but they are happy so its good. It really felt like we were a family today. It was not the same thing over and over, we actually got to go out and do something a little more exciting. We left our mile square living environment and adventured out. We were a little nervous not really knowing how the boys would act but they listened and all in all behaved, let’s pray that this happens on our long trip home. Cyndie thank you for the rubies we can’t wait to see them, I am sure the boys will love them. Well we will post some pictures, have our daily chocolate treat and then it’s off to bed. Our trip is coming to a close, we are very excited to get back to our familiar setting and to all of you. We love you, Rich, Jayne, Vlady, Alex, Jotsi