Scareful

From 11:30 last night to 2:30 this morning I could have had another 3 page post!!! I tried to sleep and started remembering funnies that happened throughout our day. Then Matt and I talked . . . and laughed . . . and laughed some more while the kids slept. They woke up about 1:30 and we laughed . . . and laughed . . . and started Life of Pi. And that is all it took for the parents to fall asleep!! Starting a movie :) Kael watched the whole thing so he didn't go to bed until 4. Before you turn me in to social services though, just know what a blast we are having with our older kids!!! Yes, they are learning a few things here but it is Matt and I that are getting the better end of the deal. I hope it is an experience they will draw from for the rest of their lives. It is GREAT!!

On our way back to the hotel last night we decided we would walk instead of taking a taxsi. Kael was sideswiped by a man on a bike. As we stood on the corner waiting to cross the street, we were nearly hit by a van. Then as we were walking up to the door of the hotel Kael stepped on a light (one that is recessed into the pavement). It gave a little when he did so he turned around-half scared- and said "be scareful"!! Matt thinks it is genius! Look for it in the next addition of Webster's Dictionary!!

So we started the day at the EuroCar - renting a car. They would not accept Matt's temporary driving privileges so I had to put my name and record on the line. The were polite enough to take a large deposit so we smashed our luggage into our VW and off we went. Lena as Pilot and Matt as the Co-Captain. (History lesson: Matt drives everywhere . . . always. Not many exceptions. In April we found ourselves in the same predicament in Phoenix. DO NOT TRY TO RENT A CAR WITH AN EXPIRED LICENSE. Our plan was for me to drive out of the rental terminal and then let him take the wheel. Instead, a miracle happened. We found that there are no arguments if I drive. He gets to do what he loves, give directions and act like he knows where he is all the time, and I don't have to sit in the passenger seat in the fetal position. Second guessing the stupid GPS unit- that may or may not be a few hundred feet off at all times. Yelling. Crying. Praying. (Don't act like this has never happened to you!!) However, after being here, I know where he may have learned some of his driving habits!)) Okay, lesson over. We made it to the TV Tower which symbolizes the freedom of this country and Government in a lot of ways. If you have a chance to watch "The Other Dream Team", it tells the story better than I can. This heroic gesture of the Lithuanians happened in 1991. It is a great view from the top and Matt was able to point out his first apartment from here and the forest where they held an Easter egg hunt for the members and their families.

After lunch we met up with two other past-missionaries and their wives and some of the members. They took us to Trakai, a castle built in the 1400's. It sits on an island in the middle of a lake. We took a boat ride around it and had a great time visiting. I taught Arturas, 6, how to do high five-bones-beat ya. All he could was giggle. He is so stinking cute! His dad or Matt would have to translate every time I tried to talk to him and all he could do was smile! He kept us all laughing with his old-man impersonation!!

We made our way back to town in the rain. Matt ran the windshield wipers while I tried to maneuver round abouts and traffic - it's a team effort!! We had dinner with all of them and then headed to Kaunas. Matt is really looking forward to our time here. Sounds like we have a lot to see and learn, I can't wait :)

Thinking of all my loved ones who have passed on this Memorial Day! Missing you all. Thanks for your sacrifices, loyalty, service, and example. I love you.

I hope you all had a great day and were able to honor your loved ones in some way. It's another late night . . . in fact . . . Happy #10 Kael!! You are one lucky boy!! We love you :)