Going pro

Last ski trip to Bakuriani where these kiddos (and, in truth, this momma) learned to ski. Also fabulous shashlik prepared over the fire by our friend R. More photos to come. . .

Surprise!

My family surprised me with a birthday party this year (in full disclosure, they couldn't keep it a complete surprise, but it was a valiant effort). They invited several friends and families, and we had a lovely dinner and delicious cake.

Well done, most especially, to my eldest, whom I believe was the mastermind behind it all. Sweet memories!

Georgian National Opera Theater

In a spectacular turn of events, the Georgian National Opera House finally opened after 6 long years of renovations. We never thought we'd see it completed during our tenure, so it was with great excitement that we attended the ballet's premier performance.

Although the ballet was marginally disappointing, the theater itself proved to be the star of the evening. It was all lights and chandeliers and old fashioned elegance. It is truly the gem of Tbilisi; we marveled at the interior, soaked in every detail, and deemed the 6-years of renovations worth the wait.

Valentine's Day

Bringing a little Valentine's Day love to a French school in Georgia.

Bedtime

Bedtime in our home is generally prolonged by repeated requests for tucking in, a drink of water, something to eat, a lengthy chat, etc. Following that, when the lights are out there is the arguing and/or partying stage which can last another 30 minutes to an hour. 

Despite the fact that both girls regularly express their desire for their own rooms, and despite the fact that we have one vacant bedroom, all three children have chosen to sleep together for the last couple of years. 

Sometimes it's adorable, sometimes it's unbearable, but occasionally it's charming. Here are two examples:

After lights out one night, both girls remembered they wanted to write in their journals. They are not usually allowed out of bed past lights out, so without a word they slipped out in the hallway, recorded their days, and jumped back into bed, all while the little guy was sleeping. I love this.

At least one of the kids usually spends time singing each night. On this night I heard them singing together and it was too sweet, so I snuck down the hall and recorded them in the dark. Notice the intermittent third voice.