Surprise Noelle!

Noelle was given a new bicycle for her birthday.

The new bike we bought for her Stateside was stolen from our container in Kiev in 1999.

Group of Clowns

After putting on chocolate as "make up" and "lip stick" blindfolded during a birthday game - this was the end result.

Outta my nose

Brittaini is about to be shaven by blindfolded Yula.

Careful

Yula doing her best to 'shave' Brittaini

fan club

The four girls (Yula, Brittaini, Tanya, Noelle) sit giggling while John-Steven tries to 'shave' Kendon.

Sensitive Skin

Noelle surviving the shaving given by Tanya

Pizza Party

We took Noelle and her 2 guests to a newly opened "pizza" joint. Ukrainian pizza uses mayonaise instead of traditional sauce, amongst other cultural adjustments. Yummy.

Good stuff

The kids happily enjoy their pizzas.

Helium volleyball

Noelle (L) and Tanya volley a helium ballon.

I'm happy

Noelle had such a great time.

Swing!

After stuffing themselves with pizza, we walked to a nearby Soviet-era park with some prehistoric rides such as this large swing.

Dizzy

All the girls were giggling and laughing, round 'n round they went.

Survivors

Fairly dizzy and hoarse from screaming, the group regathered.

4-some

Noelle, Tanya, Yula & Brittaini in a ferris wheel-type ride.

Friends

Noelle surrounded by Yula (L) and Tanya (R).