Timothy has the chicken pox. Oh, what fun!

This young couple, Kolya and Masha, were married this day. Ramona and I had the privilege and opportunity to go through some pre-marital counseling with them. They are a lovely couple and so sweet together.


Our family with the lovely couple after the ceremony.

The couple taking pictures around the city. Still snow on the ground!!

Our friends in Petrozavodsk where we stayed during the wedding. What a blessing!!

Well, I have a new camera and trying it out on the family. Lots of fun. Check out these adorable kids!!!

A friend Tammy who we knew from our days in Krasnodar came and spent several days with us in St. Petersburg. It was a great time to see her and meet her friend. We shared a Russian meal together which our friend Vika prepared. What a lovely evening.

Eating the meal.


Playing around with Matthew.


Watching a funny Russian video.

Grandma packages arrived today in the mail. What a great joy it is to have grandparents who send packages. The kids had so much fun opening these gifts. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

A quick pose before tearing in to the packages.


Working on the package.


A new Thomas the Train sweatshirt from Grandma. Awesome!

A few more pictures from Las Vegas!

For motorcycle fans.


Treasure Island show.


M&Ms store.

Part of my business trip took me through Las Vegas. While there I had a chance to visit some of my relatives which was a great joy after having not seen them for several years. My aunt and uncle were so gracious to take me and my business colleague in for a night before our convention started. I wish I had a few more days to visit with them, but maybe next time.

You have heard of the Oscar Meyer wiener now see the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile.


Me with my aunt and uncles.


Las Vegas lights.

On my business trip to the US my parents drove out from MN to IL to visit me. What a joy it was to spend time with them. It’s so great to have such good friends in my parents. They are also planning to make a trip to Russia this summer. We are looking forward to their arrival with great anticipation.

Mom feeling a bit sick, but not enough to keep her from a card game.


Dad also joining in for a round of cards.


A Denny’s breakfast together in the US before I left.

Test shots with my new camera…

While in the states for business I had the opportunity to see a Chicago Bulls basketball game. I had forgotten what fun it is to attend a US professional sporting event. The Bulls even won the game which is always pleasing to the home crowd.

The Michael Jordon statue


The real Chicago Bull


Some action from the game

Tonight is the Superbowl and a disappointing one if you were cheering for Patriots. My wife and I had watched them all season. The bigger they are the harder they fall. A disappointing ending to such a great season.

Football fans...


Ladies of the Superbowl

A view from one of the three balconies in our new apartment which is situated on the 14th floor of this new 25 story building.

My kids on a normal day…


The kids.

My son.

My son again.

My wife is one of many talents. This evening on the spur of the moment she decided to make sugar cookies and have the kids decorate them. They turned out so wonderful that we ate them ALL in one sitting. Ouch, stomach ache… :) What a fantastic time. The kids absolutely loved it!

A work in progress.

Kids hard at work.

The finished product. Mmm!

Strolling on New Year’s Day evening we took some pictures of the local decorations and lights.

Local clock tower lit up for the holidays.

New Year’s tree in front of the local shopping.

Nevsky Prospect the main downtown thoroughfare.