Salekhard 304

Yesterday as we prepared to go to Aksarka

Selah began to cry when she realized papa was leaving.

She saw Andrew, Bre and I at the car

and asked if Aunt Bre was going too-

and the tears started in earnest.

When she found out that I was going it became a heart breaking cry.

Bre and I are praying it is not like that when we leave next week.

Last night the clouds were the color of pink and blue cotton candy.

They filled my heart with praise to God.

I tried to capture the colors.

Today has been a different kind of day.

We wanted Mama and Papa to go on an all day date.

As mama got ready, a lot was going on.

Building a lego tower with Uncle Andrew.

Eating left over homemade pizza for lunch.

Cleaning up toys so surprises could be revealed.

Mama was ready to leave.

Surprises revealed.

Aunt Bre braided the hair on two little heads.

Mama and papa left. 

More playing.

Mama and Papa’s date was interrupted,

Kostya needed the car to pickup his father from the airport.

Thankfully the interruption was at just the right time:

they were home for the weekly water delivery! 

As usual, we fill the bath tub as the men fill the water tank.

Mama and Papa leave for date part two.

Grandma, Bre, Abigail and Selah

watching all of Tangled, the Disney movie.

Sharing chocolate and popcorn.

Finding swimsuits to wear.

Swimming and water toys in the tub.

Wrapping up in robes.

Using q-tips to clean out little ears.

“That is your ring and Grandpa Bill’s ring on your necklace, 

right Grandma?” asks Selah.

“Yes”.

“I miss Grandpa Bill.”

“Me too.”

“But he’s alive in heaven!”

“Yes he is.”

“I wonder what house is in?”
“He is in whatever place Jesus prepared for him.”

Today we enjoyed the little things in life 

the things that make up most of life,

things that really are not so little.

Once again I thank God for the power of memories

and opportunities to make them.