Swimmers!!!

Oh my!!! Zach taught Katya and Nastya to swim without assistance or life jackets today! This is so amazing considering that when they arrived three weeks ago, we were dealing with near panic attacks every time they entered remotely deep water even with life jackets and adult assistance! They have swam probably half the days that they have been here and have slowly grown more confident. So after church today we went to my parents' house because it is also my birthday :). Zach took all the kids swimming while I got to relax and drink coffee with my mom and sis. After about two hours of being down at the pool, Benjamin ran up and told me that I they had a surprise and that I had to come see!!! I went down and there they were swimming like fish up and down the pool. And as proud as can be :) Bravo girls!! (and Zach!)

My birthday has been wonderful to be able to celebrate it with so many that I love. What a blessing to have such an amazing family. I love you guys! Thanks for making it so special for me. I just feel so loved! It was extra sweet to have Nastya and Katya here too and they just delighted in making me special gifts and even gave me an interesting birthday chant complete with 'ear tugs' this morning...a unique tradition for sure :) What sweethearts!