This month has seen big progress for the boys in their attachment to us.  Shortly after our last update my mother passed away.  It was a hard time for me - but somehow a good time for the boys because they became more a part of the family as we went through the initial grieving.  I'm not sure why that is - I'm sure there is some psychological reason - and it was slight - but there was definately a softening in accepting hugs and less adament arguments when I said I love you to Charles.   It was as if being part of the changes in the family - made him more a part of it.

Last week we went to Canada to meet Daddy's family and again there was HUGE progress made.  All of the kids (Jennifer, Charles and James) were wonderful.  Charles actually HELD my hand in place when I put my arm around him as we were walking one day.  They loved Canada as it is more similar to Ukraine than Texas - weather at least.  There is a large Ukrainian population in Canada also so we went to the Ukrainian cultural village and Charles got to laugh at us trying to pronounce some of the Ukrainian words and speak a little Ukrainian.  All in all it was a wonderful bonding experience for all of us.

Yesterday Charles started taking missionary discussions.  We are hoping that he will be baptized soon - but that will be up to him.  A returned missionairy from Ukraine sat in and explained a few of the concepts in Russian to Charles.  It too went very well.

Today Charles is at his first birthday party for one of the boys from Church.  He was SO excited to be going.

James is a wonderful cuddly 5 year old.  He is what they call "anxiously attached"....which I THINK means that he is attached but still frightened that the attachment will go away.  His language is expanding so quickly.  When he came to us he had a few a few words in Ukrainian and none in English - now he carries on whole conversations.  He also is not as scared to have Charles out of his site.  He is fine to let Charles go with Daddy and he stays with Mommy - or visa versa.

They both start Soccer Camp next week.  School starts in a month.  Everything is going well.