Well - another week has past. Bobby and Lana were here until Saturday. They stayed in Deniss' room. He had to sleep on the couch. He was sad to see them go - but was very excited about getting his room back. Last night he asked if he could rearange his room, which he did.

He continues to ride his bike for long periods of time. I think that he enjoys that sense of independence. He was used to having some freedom at the orphanage, so we don't want to confine him too much.

We are arranging to get together with the twins who now live in Marietta. They are 12 year old girls. Deniss talked to them on the phone last night. They talked for a long time. I think he really enjoys the opportunity to speak to someone in Latvian.

We are going to Stone Mountain this weekend to meet up with the hosting group from New Horizons. Zenta, the director of the orphanage and Ruslan, another kid from Likumi will be there. Deniss wants to see them as well.

Deniss' lanquage skills continue to develop. He talks more and more all the time. He gets much less frustrated when he doesn't know a word. Sometimes he draws pictures to help explain things.

Deniss and Aaron are continuing to find their places in this new family. They are testing each other and us - not in a bad way - just feeling their way. We have not really hit any snags yet that we could not have anticipated. Just stuff that is normal. I am amazed sometimes at the concepts that I have to explain to Deniss. Stuff that we all take for granted about being part of a family. He didn't seem to understand at first when I asked him what he had been doing while I was at work. I think he felt like he needed to defend himself - rather than the fact that I was just interested in him.

We are adjusting very well at this point - but I am sure there will be some unexpected snags before long!

Robin