Friend party

Her request was for a dog-themed party with her friends, which would have been a bit silly to do without any real dogs (which we don't have). So we went to the Dog Organization Georgia (DOG) Shelter near Lisi Lake. It was a smashing hit. The children waited patiently outside and were each given a dog of their own with which to roam out in the open.

As these are mostly street dogs that have been collected, treated and tagged, they haven't had any training to speak of, so there were varying levels of success in the childrens' attempts at domestication.

Sit. Stay. Good.

Disenfranchised!

We witnessed some ambitious training efforts,

...obstacle courses,

...and races.

We had a few "lone wolves" who couldn't be bothered to comply. 

Luckily, there were puppies on hand,

and birthday cake.

At the end of the day I'd say it was the easiest birthday party I've ever executed and such a great focus for all that abundant, irrepressible birthday party energy.

Family party

We have reached this wonderful new season where I am no longer the sole birthday cake baker. Of course it means the cakes are covered in a thick carpet of sugary sprinkles, but I can live with that.

We returned from our ski trip on our second daughter's birthday, and I was in no state to bake. Luckily children make up for the energy their parents lack, and my dear eldest daughter carried the torch.

Here's to a happy 9th year and a bright future for all.

Gudauri

Blue sky starting to peek through after many snowy days.

After attaining pro-level on the beginner slopes of Bakuriani, we graduated to the higher altitudes and steeper slopes of Gudauri. Both girls elected to try out snowboarding, but first we had to trek over to the distant bunny hill. It was not an easy passage. Many rest stops with accompanying photo ops were necessary.

Accidental selfie?

We did make it finally, and both girls successfully transitioned to snowboarding in the usual, painful way.

At the end of the day, two out of three kids were smiling. We take that as a good sign.

Tbilisi New Year