The winter has been short this year. It has also been unusual with the fact that it has been so sunny. Today is just such a day, but the temperature is frigidly cold despite the sun’s lovely appearance.

We are walking out on the Fontanka River in front of our house. It’s a great place to cross country ski, pull kids on sleds of just talk a walk on such a day. Many other people joined us today on exploring the river. What fun!

Ouch, what is that bright object in the sky!

The team out for a good play.

Snow angels.

No anchoring here Tim! Move along!

Our worship retreat happened this weekend. It was a great chance for us to get away and concentrate on team building activities. The theme for the weekend was unity and the main Scripture used was Psalm 133. We spent most of the weekend worshipping and affirming each other. Each person had the opportunity to sit in the “hot seat” and receive affirmations from every other person on the team. For many people this was the first time they had ever done an exercise like this. It really brought our team together and helped us understand and value the God given character traits in our fellow teammates.

Our first day’s lunch. It was extremely cold out and the church cabin was just as cold. Brrr!

A little fun after stocking the woodshed.

The girls.

The breakfast of champions – chocolate chip panacakes!

Our dear friend Natasha is in town for a few days. She is a missionary in the Ukraine serving with a counseling ministry. We have known her since our days with YWAM in southern Russia.

We are spending the day at the Hermitage. Natasha loves museums, art and architecture. It is a treat for her to visit the museums and historical center each time she comes for a visit. We are blessed to have her.

Together at the museum


A large vase

The Prodigal Son

The Black Box? Contemplating Art. Contemplating whether or not this is art?

Natasha and Abby posing for a picture

The family together with Natasha. Thanks for coming to visit!!!

Today Ramona and I are celebrating Valentine’s Day. We decided to go to the Ethnography Museum together and afterwards out to eat. Some of our friend’s laughed that we would go to a museum together, but it is something we enjoy, since we are not often without our kids. We can stroll and enjoy the time with the worry of our little ones.

Traditional Wedding Dress of the Kazan Tatars

Holiday Dress of the Kazan Tatars

Carved bone

The Ramona display!!

Another Christmas package has arrived. Abby, our little hat lover, is showing off her new red hat that Grandma sent. What a darling!

Superbowl Party! Tonight we are going out with our friends to watch the Superbowl. In St. Petersburg it starts at 2:30 AM. It was a long night especially considering the fact that the Bears were not destined to win. My wife was ok with this, but then again she was cheering for the Colts. We had a great time with our friends.

Heather and Zhenya

Ramona and I at the game.

Searching for a breakfast place after the game (Christine and Ramona)