Fall is here....

Hello! Well, we got back from vacation in Belek, Turkey, (it was great--more on that in another post) on August 18th. While we were gone enjoying the pool and sea and 90 degree weather, the temperature in Nizh was in the 40's to 50's and rainy. We returned to a cool 60 degree climate. The next few days were in the 70's, and nice, but now it is even cooler, and rainier. The leaves are starting to change, and the temp has dropped, and is in the 50's-60's. Everyone is wearing a coat now, and the kids are all seen in hats as well. It is incredible to me to think that it is still AUGUST, and it is already this cool! I keep thinking it is October or something...

What is going through my mind right now is..."If it is this cool now, what in the heck are we in for when winter arrives?! And apparently, winter is well on its way!" But, as Lee keeps reminding me, we are in siberia, and what did I expect?? hmmm... i think I thought it would be "warm" until at least september. Maybe there will be some warmer days, i don't know :)

However, we are going back to the states on September 8th!!! WHOOOO HOOO!! Can you tell I am excited??? First of all, I can't wait to see my loved ones, and then, I can't wait to be in a country that is english speaking!! the thought of going into a store and being able to ask for, or about, anything i want, is particularly pleasing! I also am looking forward to the simple things--like having a yard for the kids to play in (and weather that is condusive to being outside in), grilling out, and having friends with kids and common interests! The russians have a tradition of applauding when their plane touches down at their destination---at first I thought it was kind of corny, but i really think i might just burst into applause when we touch American soil! I have always thought of myself as patriotic, but living abroad had made me open my eyes, and appreciate things I took for granted before. So, now, I am VERY proud to be an American--there isn't any better place to call home in the whole world!

Well, that is it for now... i will post pics from Turkey later. just had to let you know about the weather :) love, j