Thank you Auntie Marina for the sentimental photo from overseas! The little doggie is Druzhyok, E’s childhood lovey, dressed in a traditional Russian outfit, handmade by Auntie!

Tennisfiend, with all of the hullabaloo over Artyom’s inevitable arrival, we can’t forget your birthday! We worked hard to surprise you!

I hope that you enjoy your grill master’s themed birthday, complete with a charcoal grill, and obscure accessories! What a selfish gift to give, really, since all that fine gourmet grilling will wind up in my tummy! Yum!