Romania: A life of contrasts

Right across the street from our building is a gypsy camp where they have many horse carts. Samuel still loves seeing the horses everyday. Interestingly, the EU (European Union) laws adopted in Bucharest say that peasants from the countryside are no longer allowed in the city with their wagons and horses. Driving on the highways in Romania is a kind of like watching two time periods living side by side. I have never seen more Mercedes and BMW's in my life than in Romania. But then you pass these and get behind a horse and wagon. Or, you see a field with a large combine, followed by a field with people working with a horse and plow. Thus, Romania is truly a life of contrasts.

Fun with students at the Progressive Dinner!

We had the opportunity to host the appetizer portion of the high school progressive dinner last week and had a great time. Both Eric and I love hanging out with the students and getting to know each of their unique personalities better! It was fun to have the students in our own home and share our lives with them also. Samuel also enjoyed having what he calls the "kids" over. He probably talked the most out of everyone there sharing all his new words!!!

My Daily Walk To and From School

Most days I walk to and from school because 1) I enjoy walking and it gives me some time to be alone with my thoughts and 2) I have not yet tackled driving in this city. These pictures are from one of the nicest parts of my walk. Although somehow the pictures portray it nicer than it really is. BCA is near "the river"(well, as much as Los Angeles has a "river") and I cross that little bridge everyday. I also pass by 20 concrete block apartment buildings on my walk as well. Here are other things I see every day on my walk: 5 car wash stations, 2 tire stores, 3 pizzerias, 1 vacant lot, a minimum of 20 street dogs (this alone will have to be a topic for a whole separate post!), 2 beauty salons, 4 bus stops, 1 model train store (very odd!), 3 pharmacies, and 2 industrial type plants. This is for sure: my walk is NEVER boring.

Samuel at 2 1/2 and Hannah at 11 months

Hannah is everywhere constantly-she is our little mover and shaker. There is no rest for her-she wants to GO, GO, GO!! She also loves to wave all the time and at EVERYONE! She also shakes her head no just before she does something she knows she should not be doing.

Both of them are at such fun ages!!

Samuel is pretty much out of his "NO!" stage and has become Mr. Helpful around the house-enjoying doing his "chores" like helping Mommy with the laundry. He loves his little sister but is often annoyed by her constant presence in all his stuff. He does love to kiss her though! His current favorite word is MINE! (big surprise there!) and his favorite sentence is "What cha doing Mom?" which must be immediately answered!