Keith left this morning at 6, leaving me to organize a full day of celebrating! We woke-up at 9, I made the executive decision to give the kids an early Christmas present, so I did not have to endure a weekend of questioning, whining and counting and could enjoy a few moments of peace with my coffee. Once I was fully energized, I spent 30 minutes looking for the gift bags, 15 more minutes trying to remember where I abandoned the gifts during the bag search and then 20 more minutes cleaning up a mixer mishap.
Determined to have a great day, we called a taxi to avoid the long adventure on the Metro and buses in the freezing cold and down pour of snow, only to be told upon arrival of the taxi that we needed to request a taxi with a car seat and he would not take us. After recovering from the shock that a Russian was requiring a car seat, I remembered that we had one in the house and our journey continued!!! Even though the taxi driver was up on safety, he must have missed the classes in kindness and customer service!!! He asked where we were from and then sarcastically questioned me about the rules and regulations of car seat safety in the US…all while not wearing a seat belt himself!!! In an attempt to change the subject, I asked about the weather and when the snow would stop…he just said, “If you don’t like the snow, you shouldn’t have moved to Russia!” Point well taken!!!
Thankfully we made it to K’s Star Wars Birthday Bash with only a few bruised feelings and could enjoy a cup of hot tea and civilized, encouraging conversation, while the kids had a blast playing games, completing a string maze and balloon stomp!
After a yummy lunch and fabulous lightsaber cake, the kids watched The Empire Strikes Back!
After waiting 5 minutes on hold to request a return taxi, only to discover no car were available, we put on our coats and boots and did the very Russian thing of attempting to flag down a car (similar to hitchhiking, but you stick your arm out instead of your thumb. Don’t worry Granny…it is almost always safe!) and just about the time I thought my fingers would freeze and we would have to walk to the Metro, a taxi stopped. I was so grateful!!! The sweet man had grown-up in Saint Petersburg and had been a taxi driver for 40 years! He pointed out some interesting sights (not that I could really see anything in the dark blizzard!), taught me a few new Russian words, shared about his sick wife and asked about my family and our adjustment to life in Russia. He was God’s little angel sent to rescue us from the snow, lift my spirits and take us to round 2 of Birthday celebrations!!!
E is now 1 and had a fabulous Princess Party and was surrounded by all sorts of royalty!!!
We did end a fabulous day abruptly when Emme decided that she reached maximum capacity and emptied her stomach contents all over her Princess gown and our hostess’ hallway. Sweet Iris, paused her sweet girl’s first Birthday to help clean-up and bathe Emme and JB drove us home!!!
A pic of their gorgeous Christmas tree!!!
1 comment:
Praise God for a friendly driver. I'm so glad he didn't act like the first. But what did you do with your car seat?? I am also amazed that you went to two parties in one day. That's way beyond my capacity! I pray that you have a restful day today!
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