SISTER DRANSFIELD

Sister Dransfield was our only missionary to go home this transfer.  She came in from Tver on Wednesday night and stayed with us.  She didn't have a companion to hang out with on Thursday so I volunteered.  We had a fun day going all over Moscow to get her souvenirs to take home.  We had lunch at Starbucks and both enjoyed a grand hot chocolate--YUM.   We were walking down the stairs to get on the metro to come back to our apartment and lo and behold if there wasn't a dead man just lying there on the steps.  His head was covered, but his body wasn't.  Nothing surprises me in Russia any more.

Thursday night we had the AP's up for Sister Dransfield's farewell dinner.  Dad made a delicious shrimp and steak dinner with yummy brownies (ask Brooke about those) with ice cream for dessert.  After dinner we had a sweet tender testimony meeting.  Evidence that the Spirit can dwell in small groups.  

She spent the night with us again and I heard her get up  several times.  I was worried that she was sick, but no--just nervous and couldn't sleep.  She left Friday morning for SLC.  They have a home in Midway and one in Rancho Bernardo, CA.  She was an amazing missionary.  We miss her.

RANDOMLY RUSSIA

Russia has an over abundance of Lenin statues.  FYI:  I'm missing my favorite person in the world.  The President is in Voronezh for the day.  Me no like being without my 24/7 companion.  It's weird knowing he isn't downstairs in his office.

Russia has a European Medical Center of which I am very grateful for BECAUSE

It was the best place in the country to send our cute Elder Geels to get his appendix taken out.

Russia has this beautiful Eunice Mickelson grocery store.  We name all of our frequently visited grocery stores.  We have the Corner Market, the Neighborhood Market, the Tasty, and the Eunice Mickelson.

Doesn't that E M (the name of the store's initials) look just like Grandma's handwriting?  Can't you picture it in either her gold or silver metallic markers?  I miss that classy lady.  FYI:  I miss you too.  ILYT oxoxoxo

P-DAY AT THE PARK

I liked this ferris wheel.  Aren't the little riding boxes cute?  Notice the pole in front with the hammer and cycle

As we were walking into the park there were lots of people trying to sell animals.  These little guys were fun to watch.

This is their fugly looking momma

What the?  This girl looked like something out of a Star Wars.  I don't think she was able to get her weird shoes off in time to go to the restroom.  What do you think?

Belly tatooing going on for everyone to see.

WOOHOO--ANNIE'S TWO!

Today is my Cupcake's #2 birthday.  We sure are lucky to have her be born into our family.  She is really quite adorable and is full of spunk.  I guess she not only looks like her Mommy, (those chubby cheeks, dark eyebrows and Collins eyes are all Amy) but she acts like her too.  Gotta love that. She has a "work her way right into your heart-instantly" personality and loves to show off.  She better not grow out of that because I plan on being there to clap, laugh, and enjoy her performances too.  She has quite the fan club going---aren't we all #1 fans?  Yesiree--no doubt about it.  Happy Birthday.  We  miss you.  We love you tons!

Hugs & Kisses

MeMa and PaPa 

MY MARVELOUS MISSIONARIES

Sister Arnett is an answer to prayer.  She was suppose to go home on Sept. 18th.  She even bore her farewell testimony in our ZC last week.  After ZC during her interview with Dad she VOLUNTEERED to stay for another transfer.  We had a sister go home unexpectantly last week.  See what I mean about her being an answer to our prayers?  She is wonderful.  I wish she would stay and go home to AZ with us.

Sisters:  Smith, Arnett, Novgorodova, Collins, Vasilachi.  

My missionaries in the South Zone

My missionaries in one of the Moscow Zones

My missionaries in two of our Moscow Zones

Buying ties at the rinok is a popular thing for our Elders to do on their P-Day.  These 4 Elders are all in the same district.  They came to ZC in matching ties.  Elders:  Whitney, Pringle, Campbell, and Jouttenes (he's from Finland)

We just finished up another cycle of Zone Conferences.  Thought I would share with you what I love the most about being the wife of The PRESIDENT.  They truly are the BEST!

OUT OF TOWN

We are leaving NOW for Voronezh to do our zone conference and to go to Lipestk on Sunday.  We will fly back to Moscow on Sunday night.  Of course we will have cell phones.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone.  I'll miss you even more--I don't know if it's possible to love you any more.  

ILYT 

oxoxoxox

MOM

SHE'S SO FINE & SHE'S NINE

My Sugar Baby is 9 years old today.  This sweet girl is always ready to share her hugs and kisses.  She is so good to and loves entertaining her little sisters and cousins.  She is a dare devil and isn't afraid to do scary things.  She loves monkeys and was so excited to get her pictures taken in Moscow with them.  Her baptism here in Moscow will always be a highlight of  my mission.  She has a fun personality and is tender hearted.  She is adorable.  Happy Birthday Maicy.  We're so glad you were born 9 years ago and that you are in our family.  We love you tons!  I need some SUGAR--Baby!  Have a wonderful--fun--love-filled day.

Hugs & Kisses

MeMa & PaPa 

TODAY I'M MISSING.......

Having my angel daughter here with me 24/7 to talk to, hang out with, laugh with and to love.

My kiddies.  The time went by way too fast.  Look at Lily--she's dancing in the stroller.

Porter's teeth missing smile

Lily's posing it up.

Jane's Bob's Big Boy hair style

Kissing these adorable faces every day

Holding Porter's hand on the metro and the streets of Moscow

Watching Lily dance, be a horse, be a dog, and her imagination take over.

Nuggles from Jane

Hanging out at the parks with my kiddies and random Russian kids.  The bubbles were a big hit.

Going to church on Sundays with the Flakes.  They sure helped us out on the very first Sunday we had our Spanish Branch meet.  Matt gave the talk in church and the family sang  "I Am A Child of God" in spanish.  Muy Bueno!

Lily and Porter making yogurt popsicles and Jane's excitement when she got to eat them.

Lily falling asleep when ever and where ever.  Jet lag is the worst.

Lily and Porter helping me count how many rinok dogs we see on the streets.

Going places fun every day with the kids.  They loved feeding the Giraffe at the zoo.