Jan. 16

Howdy folks from the other side of the world (unlessyou live in Europe). Things are going pretty steady here. Lori was not feeling too well last night, so she didn't go to our afternoon visit with Gideon. He did call for his Mama a few times during the visit but did fairly well. Papa and Nina played with him and chased him and walked with him. He wanted to go outside frequently last night, mainly because he is a pirate and wanted to commandeer some "booty" from unsuspecting merchants (that is he wanted to con candy out of as many people as possible). He got quite a haul. He did share some of his ill-gotten gains with his sister and one of his friends but still had 7 pieces for his own person. When Sveta showed up to check on us, N informed her that Papa spoils Gideon because he lets Gideon go wherever Gideon wants and if she was in charge it would be different. She is so 16.

Mama was feeling better this morning, so the whole family was back together again for the morning visit with Gideon. Several of his friends were out walking with the Caregivers, so we joined them. Mama and Papa were having fun playing with a couple of Gideon's friends, but the men changing out the windows on the house next door were more interesting to Gideon. (And why anyone would change windows out in January, we don't know, but they were.) When Gideon's friends went back inside, we went back to the porch to play. Mama put on the hip carrier that we brought to carry Gideon, but he was having none of that. He indicated that he was scared of it and wouldn't get close to Mama while she had it on. He was even tempted to almost kiss Papa with his beard while Mama was wearing it. However, when she took it off, she was able to get several kisses from her sunshine boy. We guess it will take more time for him to get used to it.

Well, that's all for today. We love and miss you all and can't wait to get home.

Peace,
BLN&G