Sunday, Day 5 Since we don't visit the boarding school on Sunday, we entertained ourselves by a walking tour of downtown Kostanai. We set out from the Medeo Hotel and eventually found the Central Square area near the University, the Tsum Mall, Government Center and a Central Park. We saw pony rides, ice sculptures and Grandfather Frost (a Russian Santa Claus). The city's central area is laid out very nicely for walking, with paver stones and no cars allowed. While the temperature is cold, around 6 below celsius with a steady wind, we stayed relatively warm as long as we were moving. We also stopped at a small grocery store and bought some bread stuffed with hamburger and onions that made for a delicious lunch. We retired back to the hotel at about 5:00, read a bit and then updated the web page. Looking forward to visiting Ms. Luba again tomorrow!

Monday, Day 6 Back to the routine, breakfast, home schooling, visit the boarding school from 2-4:30. Today our visit was in the Sensory Room of the boarding school. This room was equiped with disco lights, colored lights, lava lamps, soothing music, bean bag chairs, excercise equipment and more. First, Luba played the good hostess and showed us everything in the room, which was considerable. She and Luda then decided to try out the exercise equipment. Although she could barely reach the pedals, she gave the bike a workout. The girls built a house/tunnel out of huge foam building blocks. They tossed a ball back and forth for some time and played in the waterless swimming pool (think ball playpen at McDonalds). After that, they devised a jump platform and dived into beanbags for about 20 minutes. The day ended with each girl doing the other's hair, in an impromptu salon. (Chauncey, watch out!) On our way out, Luba had to go back to her room to get a card that she had drawn for us. She had written a card wishing us good luck, good health and great fortune in the New Year. (Jan. 13 was the old Russian New Year, we have since discovered) In English, she wrote "Love" on the card. We have now arranged for her to have lessons in English until she leaves for America. She has already learned a few phrases...she seems very bright and we think she will catch on quickly.

Tuesday, Day 7 Today the visit to the boarding was more low key, we were escorted to the library for our visit. The girls began by playing with Pirates of the Caribbean sticker book. Although Luba couldn't read the instructions, she was quick to match the shape of the sticker with the available slot. Taking turns, the girls quickly found appropriate locations for Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner, not to mention all the other movie characters. We moved from the sticker book to Sponge Bob wet pen coloring. Luba was amazed at this (as were Kevin & Stacey). A little bit of water and a mystery picture is revealed beneath the exposed drawing. She did a lot of oo-ing and ah-ing at this. Luda was an old hand and directed everyone through the process. Next, we tried a weaving kit...but no one could seem to figure out the exact process. After much effort, we resorted to an old fashioned braid pattern and resolved to practice in the hotel room, with a plan to try it again another day. The magetics made an appearance and turned into jewelry this time. Lots of giggles during this. Just like yesterday, the girls ended our visit by an impromptu hair salon session, but this time for Kevin. As you can see, this was pretty amazing. :) Today Luba began calling Stacey & Kevin--"Ma" and "Pa". After returning to the hotel, we met another couple from Kalamazoo, MI who are also adopting in Kostanai. They are visiting from the baby home and have their three year old son with them. They gave us a list of the restaurants in the area with English menus. We made plans with them for dinner tomorrow night.

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