Boris's First Skate

Just getting around to posting a couple of (unfortunately fuzzy) pictures from Boris's first time on skates last month. He's only 2 and a few months, but once he saw Arturo on the ice, there was no way of keeping him on the sidelines.  Arturo isn't so interested in taking instruction, but he loves to cruise around, and he's always excited for time at the rink. Lucky for us, there is a small rink  at the community center less than a mile from our place in Miami Beach. Arturo can take skating lessons (as well as swimming, gymnastics, basketball, guitar, robotics, and much more) as part of his after school program.

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Seven!

Ballet Boris

Boris's first trip to a professional ballet and he got to see our lovely friend, Claire, dance The Lilac Fairy! He has been practicing "fifth position" arms ever since.

Boris is two!

A few pictures of Boris on January 26, his 2nd birthday! Plus one photo of the proud cake decorator, 6 year old Arturo!

 

 

Baikal

In Buryatia, south central region of Siberia, heading out for a boat trip on Lake Baikal!

Go Warriors!

Little Rider

Grandma got Arturo his first riding lesson. He wasn't sure about it at first, but he did great and loved it in the end.



 

Six

Our big man, Arturo, turned six this week. He loves to dance, draw, play on his computer, and hang out with friends and his little brother. He wants to be an inventor when he grows up.

Fall Walk: Gorky Park

Good Eye

Though rarely credited, 5 year old Arturo takes a lot of our (best) photos. Our camera only has an old-fashioned viewfinder, and he has a hard time keeping one eye closed to use it. When I asked how he takes such great pictures anyway, he showed me this old trick.

 

Big Head Boris

I almost never remember to take note of the kids' growth stats. In case they look back at this one day and wonder, for both boys it's almost always the same story: not so tall, not so thin, giant head.

Boris
Age: 5 months
Height: 25.5 inches (35%)
Weight: 17.4 lbs (74%)
Head: 18 inches (99.7%)

 

Moscow mornings with Pedro

Boris's first trip to Red Square

Boris Rolls!

Family Hike in the San Bernardino Mts

A Visit from Grandma Jennifer & Grandpa Fred!

3 months!

5!

As a 4 year old, Arturo committed several months to learning "one 

eyebrow up, one eyebrow down." We can't wait to see what age 5 brings. 

Happy Birthday, Arturo!

Twins

Most people have a hard time seeing the resemblance between their kids, even when it's obvious to the rest of the world. Paul and I, however, can't help but see the strong resemblance between Arturo as a baby (left) and Boris (right). These pictures were taken at slightly different angles and ages, and the lighting isn't exactly the same, but look at those little button noses, cute crooked smiles, pointy chins, open pale brows, etc. They also share similar coloring, light hair and bright blue eyes (Turo's have since turned greenish hazel). Needless to say, the little guys don't look so much like me. Boy does Paul carry some strong genes!

 

7 Week Mugshots

Smiles

Boris has been smiling here and there for the past couple of weeks, but he of course goes curious looking or frowny as soon as the camera emerges! Arturo is persistent, though, and he managed to capture this happy (even if a little fuzzy) shot this morning. More to come, soon...

 

Arizona!

We had so much fun visiting with our Arizona family and my mom (who came out from Livermore) and getting to introduce Boris to his cousins and auntie and uncle! Paul managed to fit in a spring training baseball game (A's v. Dodgers) with Cade and Arturo and also got them out for a desert hike and other fun stuff. Boris and I took it pretty easy, spending our days in the shade by the pool, etc. (he's still feeding more or less constantly), but I did manage to get away for a nice 4 mile run in the desert (part of the Peoria 1/2 Marathon event) and I was also able to do some shopping with my mom and have a little outing with Ava. Fun!