Advent and other subjects

Jaan sees the grapes on the wrapper
Originally uploaded by fylliska.

Raia tries her (half!) piece of grape candy
Originally uploaded by fylliska.

My fears were completely unfounded. The children were terribly wound up, but they sat very still for the story and song last night. (Well, Raia danced while we sang.) Afterwards they ran back and forth and yelled for joy, but that's fine with me!

We had a full, busy day anyway, so it was very nice to come home to a peaceful, family evening. In the afternoon friends from Viazniki and Kineshma came for a youth gathering. Will went to meet them and get started. When Jaan and Raia got up from their naps, I took them over, too. For all of November we had beautiful, constantly fresh snow. Then December came and it all melted. Our walk over to the church apartment was just slogging through slush. It's too deep for a stroller, and there's no way to get a sled through, so I carried Raia and Jaan walked the whole way like a trooper. We had a great time of fellowship there, with friends we rarely see.

Then we took a taxi home, made popcorn, and went straight into our treasure hunt.

Tonight's reading is:
"December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12."

And tomorrow will be:
"December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7."