Now that we've been visiting the kids twice a day for 3 weeks in the same room, we went on a shopping mission at lunch for some new toys. The "Russian QFC" complex is also a shopping mall with several toy stores. We have been to all of them before and there is one in particular where a very outgoing and sweet woman has helped us and now recognizes us. She always seems to know what we are looking for and today she really hit the jackpot! (for Katja at least, see below)
Before we get to the new toys, here is Artome enjoying his Cheerios book (with Cheerios) and the head of the Kukla. Before this trip I don't think I ever gave Cheerios a thought, but now I want to write them a letter praising their marketing genius!
Katja's morning edition of Pravda
Warm afternoons and below freezing nights have created sidewalk conditions that will be farmiliar to mid-westerners.
We bought Katja her very own Kukla. This one laughs hysterically (we don't want this one on the plane!) when you press her stomach. What we weren't expecting was the reaction from her. She has never had her "very own" kukla or any other toy until we got here. Everything is shared with the other kids in their group. We handed her the doll, showed her how to make it laugh and were overwhelmed with how happy she was. She squeezed it, laughed ( a belly laugh that you would have to hear yourself) stared at us, smiled, and then hugged us (hard!) This scene was repeated over and over. I was overwhelmed as I thought how this is just the beginning for her and Artome as far as having their own toys, and how such a little thing makes her so happy. Wait until we get home!!! :)
Leave it to Jim to spot this place. We've walked by this place a few times. There are several of these "booze huts" (as I call them) spread around our neighborhood. Apparently, you can go in here at most hours of the day, order a shot or a beer and be on your way to work or wherever else you're going. Ummm...yeah. Jim asked Nastia about whether this would be an "ok" place to check out and her answer was "Nyet!", with a laugh and rolling of the eyes! (I told him so!) I'm not a party pooper, but even I had a bad vibe about this one! Rob Wood and John Shay, where are you when Jim needs you? :)
The other toy we bought today wasn't as big a hit as Katja's kukla. We bought Artome a ball that makes a bizarre semi-human giggling sound when you kick it or hit it. While humorous in a way, I think it scared all of us a little bit. No picture. Maybe tomorrow!
