Visa run fun! Every year we leave the country of Russia to renew our visas. We have done it in Estonia, the US, but this year we are going to Finland. Some friends of ours are also there expecting their third child. We are staying in a Christian retreat center outside the city of Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest city. It’s a wonderful place for us to relax and a great spot for the kids to play. The city is home to the Brunberg chocolate factory and has a lovely riverfront old town.

On day we make it into the central park and try out all their rides. Timothy especially enjoys this day.

Ramona, Timothy and Sveta are riding this crazy ride that goes up and down as well as spins around the pole. I think Ramona and Sveta are having more fun the Timothy!

Here is a family ride. Ramona and I get to do all the work. I get a bit dizzy on this ride.

A picture of Timothy and Anders his little buddy sitting on rock.

Russia is famous for many things not the least of which is its love for the banya (sauna). Since Russia’s southern border is basically the same as the US/Canadian border much of Russia is cold for a large period of the year. Therefore the Russians have come to love the banya.

YWAM St. Petersburg was hosting a team from New Zealand and the base director decided they needed a cultural experience and therefore took the team to the local banya. The air temperature in the banya was over 100 degrees Celsius (over 212 Fahrenheit). A scorcher to say the least. As tradition would have it we would all take dips in the cold lake in between our times in the banya. Yes, there was ice still covering the lake. What fun!

Base director resting in the banya


New Zealand team member screaming because of the cold water


Me getting out of the chilly water

Oh what a day in the park… We are coming to the end of our time in the US and the kids are getting in as much play time as possible. Abby really loves to swing. Timothy was helping push her for a while. The slide in this animation has rolling bars. It’s not only fun to ride, but it also gives you a massage.

Abby swinging



The kids sliding together

Daddy’s little princess turns one today!! Hurray! Isn’t she just a doll? Abby enjoyed the evening and the time when she got to open the presents. She loved Grandma’s angel food cake. She would have eaten the entire cake if we’d let her.

Abby eating cake with strawberries.


Abby playing with new gift.


Abby eating some more cake.

Our time in MN was such a blast. We played in the parks, ate lots of mom’s home cooking and just had a good relaxing time. These will be memories we cherish for years to come. Even the couch diving scar Timothy carries in these pictures add to the memories.

Dressed up ready for church.


Timothy playing at the park.


Abby – the little princess girl.