My sister went back to Utah. I don't like it when people leave. It means relearning my life's routine all over again. It means no more Давай Поженимся с Ларисой Гузеевой (Russian TV show), no more teatime with chocolates from the Russian store. No more staying up late waiting for Ksusha to return from her date, and then later still, talking about it. No more "Let me go for a run", or "Look, I found Tavish's tickle spot!" No more dishes being washed while I put the kids to bed. Or laundry done while I drive the kids to and from their activities. My best friend is gone to live her new exciting life. All I want for her is to be happy. All I want for me is... to live in the same town. Ok, state, at least.

I don't think visiting us was the perfect vacation spot. It's more like a labor camp here. :) But she is loved here. Tavish and I will miss her the most. All the best in Utah and come again soon!

Baby's "scary" eyes say it all - Tavish with his new baby-sitter. It's going to take some time to get used to life without aunt Ksusha.