Day 13

The battery on the laptop is low.
MY battery is lower.

We had a fun, but exhausting day at the Cleveland Zoo. It was CRAZY hot the first 3 hours we were there, and it rained the next 3.  We discovered AFTER we got there that it was "free admission day" for all Cuyahoga County residents... so every day care, church camp and girl scout troop in the county were there. It was CROWDED... more crowded than I'd ever seen it!  We had to park like in the back 40-- where I didn't even know they HAD parking lots! We met another host family there who is also hosting a teenage boy from Ukraine.
I had anticipated Vladik and Kolya would talk nonstop. I mean, they've been talking in single word sentences for 2 weeks, and FINALLY  they have a chance to exercise their tongues, right?

NOPE. They didn't say a word to each other.

A motley crew.. but even soaking wet, there were
still smiles!

On a positive note though, Vladik said he really enjoyed the zoo.
SCORE!!  Finally, I got something right!

On a completely different note, I've discovered Vladik has been stealing. I'm told it's not unusual, and honestly, I can understand why. He has SO little and he sees how much we have... how good we have it... and wants a little something of his own. He probably thinks we won't even miss it.

I like this one because it shows their personalities.
Kyle was being difficult, Joe was being goofy, and
Vladik was laughing at them- and me
trying to get everyone to cooperate.

And in truth, it's possible that he doesn't know that stealing is "wrong."
He's never had a mom who, upon finding her child has swiped a pack of gum, marched said child back into the store to return it and apologize.
     It's kind of ridiculous the things he's taken. Kyle's Leapster (which used to be Joe's, so it only works intermittently,) and a spare car charger for my cell phone.
I need to confront him about it today, but I'm not looking forward to it.
OH-and before I forget. If you're local and get the Times Gazette, Rick says we're on the front page.

Joe and Vladik working on a "hidden picture" book. 

Kyle on his way to a "full pull!"

2nd place trophy and an invitation to pull at the
Grand National competition in Columbus in January. 

Ice cream... always a favorite!