 WOW! 2006 has been another banner year for changes in the West Coast Failor home.
The year began with a celebration of 2 years with Zhenya and Andrey in our family and the submission of our papers to adopt Yanina Marilyn Failor a.k.a. Yana.
We spent eight weeks in Kazakhstan, the heart of Asia, traveling through the steppe, learning the life of Kazakhs, shopping, going to shows, swimming, bowling, eating and adopting a fantastic daughter! Then to top it off we visited Russia on the return trip, visiting Zhenya & Andrey's sister, Kristina, at her home about half way between Moscow and Riga, Latvia. The "highway" between these two capital cities is a rutted dirt road much of the way. Once we were outside of Moscow we were able to see the real poverty of Russia in terms of the economy as well as the mental and spiritual lives of the people. The entire trip was one
On the school front, Zhenya graduated from fifth grade while Andrey completed 3rd and Yana spent 19 days in 4th. This year we have opted to home school through California Virtual Academy which uses the "k12" curriculum. We love home schooling, the reduced pressure, the chance to be a family in a concentrated way and the opportunity to help each child catch up with peers all make for a generally (though at times intense) positive day.
Zhenya ran with the middle school cross country team and has since taken up Jr. Jazzercise with Yana. Andrey is studying Ki Aikido, receiving his first stripes for his belt this week. All the kids are active in scouts and church groups as well.
Bruce continues at the same desk doing the same work but with yet another parent company – L3 Communications. He appears to be enjoying it most of the time.
I, Kathy, am still working for Weight Watchers on Saturday mornings and Jazzercising in the early hours a couple of times a week.
Our dogs are crazy, our kids are fun and challenging. We are happy and miss you all. Please keep in touch, it is a joy to hear from you!
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