First Week with Yaroslav in Our Home

 I've decided to just be the photo Queen on this blog.  A picture says 1,000 words right?  We took Yaroslav and Brennan shopping on Monday.  There had to be some reward for enduring 3 hours of church his first day in our home.  He was a good sport, and tried to smile at all of the people attempting to talk to him at church.
It was really fun to watch him choose a few things for himself.  Shopping or choosing is not something that he gets to do much of.  It was a new experience for him, and very gratifying for us.  We take a lot for granted.  We have discovered that he likes the color red.

 Lance took the Brennan, Yaroslav and Sophie to the lake one day while I was at work, and Aiden was at a friend's house.

 Yaroslav is a great swimmer!  We were warned that the kids often say that they can swim when they really can't.  We were glad to find out that he really can.

 I took a photo of Yaroslav's passport just in case he needed some identification.  What a cute little boy!

 Aiden can look in opposite directions at the same time.  It's creepy.

 Hanging out at our community pool on the 4th of July.  We later went to a friend's house to watch the fireworks.  Yaroslav is very happy and relaxed at our house, but very shy in a large group setting.  Hopefully he will grow accustomed to that.  Spending time with friends is what summer is all about.

 He loves the pets!  He has figured out how to play with Daisy, much to her delight, and who can resist Gunther?  There are very few people who can come into our home and ignore this cat.

 We bought soccer cleats for both boys the day we went shopping.  Brennan was really excited, and Yaroslav was 10x that.  They aren't red, but close enough.  Notice the shorts and socks he picked out.  Brennan is usually happy to wear whatever.  I love that about Brennan!  He is just so easy to get along with, and a friend to everyone.  Yaroslav is an amazing soccer player.  Brennan can hold his own, but he has already learned a few tricks from Yaroslav.  It's been really fun to watch them play.  We have tried to go to the park to let them play almost every night.  The last couple of nights have been rainy, so I'm sure that they are both itching to get on the field again.

 We made sugar cookies Sunday night.  Brennan has been spending a little too much time watching "Hey Arnold".  He has it on his mind.  I must say, that I am very impressed with his cookie making skills.

On Saturday night we were at a friends house again.  Yaroslav was rather withdrawn until he found a table tennis opponent.  We discovered another one of his many talents.  This must be a favorite pasttime during the long Ukrainian winters.

We have had a great first week.  I have been so impressed with the behavior of our own children.  They have been so kind and helpful.  Aiden is very attentive, and quick to help Yaroslav.  Brennan has loved playing soccer with him, and has been quick to include him in whatever activity is going on.  Sophie has been good to make sure that I am grateful to have these choice spirits in my family.