A day on the playground

We are enjoying some of the first nice days of spring here...it is just perfect weather. We spent much of both visits on the playground around the baby house. We went outside with all of the kids from her "gruppe" (her group of 12, 2 year olds). They were all bundled up in winter clothes even though it was about 70 degrees out (as is customary here, don't ask us why!).



It was fun to see Lera interact with the other kids - they all seem to get along and love their caregivers. They are so cute, and were especially interested in Russ (they don't get to spend much time with men). He taught them how to do "high fives" and was a big hit.



We had a bit of excitement when Lera made it clear she had to go "pee pee" (with no diaper on at the time!). I ran her in the house, changed into my slippers (no shoes allowed inside), quickly went up to her room to find the door locked. Back downstairs, found the adults' bathroom - and she made it!! She did not like the unfamiliar, too-big-for-her potty, and cried a little - it was only the 2nd time I saw her cry. But with my praise "maladyets!" (good girl) she was very proud. We went outside and all the caregivers made a big fuss over her too.

To answer a couple of the questions we've gotten - Valeria is pronounced Wa-LEHR-yia. Our visits are 10am-noon and 4-6pm, a schedule we really like because we can have a leisurely lunch at the wifi cafe and do email / blog posts and catch a nap (until this jet lag thing subsides...).