Birthday, Babushka's and Dachas...

We've had some fun in the last few weeks here in Saratov. On June 5th some students planned an excursion to the Volga and the Regional Museum. We had been to the Museum several times but this time was extra special: they had a butterfly exhibit. One room was closed off and filled with butterflies! We had a picture taken by the staff of the kids with butterflies on them. Dylan's butterfly flew away before I could snap a photo but here is a great one of Katie and her butterfly friends!





The next weekend we went on a picnic with the folks from the church that we have been attending. We rode a marshrutka to the forest, hiked a bit and as in all Russian picnics, found some firewood for shashlyk (kebobs). The girls wandered the surrounding area for flowers to make crowns and the guys played some soccer. Dylan played and was a tough cookie - he took a few hits (those Russian guys play to win)!
Pictured in this photo are Albert (a student at Sobinov Conservatory - wearing the flower crown and Peter the pastor of the church). We had a chance to sing and a few folks shared their testimonies. It was a beautiful day to be outside with our friends.

June is also important because we celebrated Ken's 38th birthday on the 15th. We had cake from our favorite bakery, the kids sang Ken a song, made pictures and gave him his gift (at least he got a photo of the gift that it waiting for him back in OH courtesy of Amazon (backpacking stuff!). We've had 2 birthdays in Russia so far (Amy and Ken), Dylan had his birthday this year at America's Best Value Inn (when our van broke down in SC) and Kate will celebrate her birthday in Moscow in a few weeks!

We have hit a bit of a lull here in Saratov - we've seen the sights, had lots of fun, read all of our books and have some days when it is hot outside and we feel a bit of boredom creeping into our days. To help alleviate this for the kids we took them to the store and let them each pick something out. Dylan chose a dart board and Katie took up counted cross stitch. She is becoming quite the crafty girl - enjoying knitting and now cross stitch!

We have had the wonderful opportunity to visit some dachas as well. Dachas are summer homes (many are not weatherproofed for winter weather) where the Russians spend most of their summer weekends. Dachas are not for relaxation as much as they are a place to grow food that will sustain families through the winter. We were invited by Dima's family (Dima is Dylan's friend) to their dacha which was about an hours drive out of the city. In this photo are Dima, his parents, grandma and great aunt/uncle. They were a warm family and welcomed us despite not speaking English! Despite this barrier we had a lovely day. We spent a good portion of the day eating. The family prepared a fish soup with a fish from the Volga. I was a bit uncertain, especially when I saw the fish head floating in the pot, however, it was delicious!




This is a picture of Babushka Valia with myself and Katelynn at the Dacha!





We also had the chance to visit our friend Nellie's dacha. She became friends with American Missionaries a few years ago who asked her what her dream was. She shared that her dream was to own a dacha. They gave her $250 (raised in America to be given to bless someone). She was able to buy her dacha with that money! The house on the land is a bit rustic but very serviceable and we had a lovely day there.

Nellie's Dacha

Katie and Dylan had fun picking strawberries, cooling off in the wading pool and of course eating some yummy food. I fell in love with salad made with dill from the dacha (I think I will be adding dill to my garden in OH)!

Nellie and Amy

We are nearing the end of our time in Russia and our thoughts are definitely turning towards home. We have been watching the World Cup and cheering on the USA, visiting all of our favorite places for a final time and making preparations for home. On Sunday we are heading to a Sanatorium for a conference with the University. Ken will be doing some presentations and the kids and I will be hanging out. We will be back in Saratov for a few days and then on July 6 will head to Moscow/St. Petersburg for some sightseeing before heading home on JULY 13!!!!