General Update

The kids had their first ESL class on Friday (we had to change the day). Dasha flew through the lesson with flying colors. Michael, however, withdrew and would not speak or make eye contact. This is not the first time this has happened, but we're still trying to figure out what triggers it. So far we have not seen a specific pattern. In this case I was wondering if he felt uncomfortable because Dasha was doing so much better than him. The point is that she had English lessons in Ukraine and he didn't. We realize that, but maybe he doesn't think we do? I spoke later with the tutor and we've decided to separate Dasha and Michael for the next lesson to see if he does better. Not only that, Rhondi's children need ESL also and we are considering letting the girls go together and having the boys go together. The next lesson is tomorrow.

We had a nice visit with Dick Hilliard and his grandson last night. Dick was the Raleigh coordinator for the hosting program in 2005 when Dasha came. He has remained a tremendous support to us and a good friend. He considers all these kids his grandchildren! He has 4 adopted grandchildren from Ukraine and Andry was with him last night. He has been in the US for about 3 years. He's 17 now. He and Dasha talked for awhile, but Michael slipped back upstairs soon after meeting them. It didn't seem to matter that he had someone else that could speak Russian. I enjoyed hearing Andry speak because he has a really cool accent!! I bet the girls love it!! I hugged him when he got here and when they left. He said that American's like to hug. He commented that he doesn't mind hugging the girls!!! No doubt!

Primo Jr. left this morning for camp with his youth group. He will be back on Friday. Primo Sr. went back to work today so I guess it's another transitional day. One step closer to "normal".