The High Life: Autumn Is Here

This week seemed to go by really fast! With the help of a sweet neighbor of ours and another Finnish friend, Harris and I found a play group on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is supported by an Imatran church and is for parents and children to meet and play. They start out by doing a craft, then play time, snack/juice for the kids and coffee/tea for the parents, play, and sing at the end. Harris and I picked up on "The wheels on the bus" in Finnish by the tune and motions. We were able to participate but of course with only the motions. There were a few parents that spoke to us. The directors were very nice and inviting. They had picture day yesterday. Harris had an individual photo taken and then they had a group pic of kids and parents. I think it will be good for both of us, but especially Harris. I'm glad he has a couple of days to play with other children!

I had found a bike for Matt a few weeks ago, and then one for me on Monday. We are excited to all ride together now. Our friends Laura and George gave us a child's seat to put on the back, so we can take Harris for rides. Harris is liking his own bike, but still learning how to pedal.

I started a tennis lesson group on Thursday. Imatra has a brand new indoor tennis facility with two courts. I told the coach that I didn't mind what age group/level I was with - I just wanted to get back in the game. It was an hour and half of fun and can't wait for next week! Hopefully I won't be as sore after the second lesson. Just a little something to make you laugh...so I totally picked up a sparkling water bottle instead of regular and it spewed a little on the (carpet) court. I was so embarrassed!! Ughh! I guess I will get most of these labels down before we leave.

Matt's job is still going well! He rode his bike to and from Russia yesterday because the shuttle wasn't running. He enjoyed it, but I don't think he will be making it a daily routine.

It rained all morning here. We were finally over it and just decided to get out anyway and make the sausage contest at the square. We lasted about 30 minutes. Between the rain and the crowd, it just wasn't fun. We did make it to one tent though, and had some yummy sausages!! And what do you know...as soon as we got back in the car, the sun popped out! Well, it was time for Harris to go down for a nap anyway. This afternoon we played outside behind the apartment. The leaves are changing and the apples are falling from the trees. Hello autumn in Imatra! Harris had fun riding his bike, playing with his hockey stick, and picking apples. Anybody want to guess what he did with them?? Yep, threw them in the bushes...

The pictures below are from today. Matt made his specialty pizzas tonight! We have a video of Harris eating peppers from the pizza. This child is so much fun!