Salt!

Raia wants some, too.
Originally uploaded by fylliska.
And right now Jaan is asking if he can climb the Christmas tree! I haven't been quoting him as much lately, but he still keeps me laughing.

Last night (and all of yesterday) went wonderfully, even though we missed Will. He's back now, sleeping. Tonight we'll be reading
"December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29."

Yesterday we actually made it outside and stayed out for a long time. We've been sitting inside a lot more than I like to, but the mud was almost impossible to navigate with two little ones who fall into puddles. Yesterday was drier. One babushka just kept shaking her head over the fact that Jaan and Raia were riding a tricycle in December. It is rather strange! Most of the time we were outside we followed a huge flock of waxwings around. They're usually in pretty big groups, but this much have been a convention. I've never seen so many in once place, at one time. Raia was so excited! She would just stand, looking up, saying "тица! тица!" and then start trying to jump. I think she wanted to fly up to them.

Now Raia's putting her bears to bed in my lap: "Shh, Mama!" Life is wonderful!