McDonald's Comes to Yoshkar-Ola

While we were in the U.S. they completed the McDonald's they had started here in Yoshkar-Ola. The sign on top of the building is advertising a chicken bacon sandwich. There is an old green Russian van next to the McDonald's.

This is the other side of the building which shows the drive through. We have never seen a drive through here in Russia anywhere and were surprised that they included one at McDonald's.
Alexander took his nap in the stroller as we were walking around the park.
The blossoms from this tree were falling off like snow.
The lilacs are also in bloom right now! They are so beautiful!
It's great to see signs of spring and be able to go without coats!

A Day in the Garden

We are so thankful to Valera's parents who provide us with many vegetables from their garden. We went with them on Monday to help them "plow" the garden in preparation for planting. Below are some pictures from our day of work.

Nicolas enjoyed swinging on the swing they have there.
Zarina and Alexander enjoyed helping to water the plants. Alexander especially enjoyed it and did quite a bit of watering.
Nicolas also wanted to help and found a little pan to use. By the time he walked to the plants, there wasn't much water left in his pot.
The way many people "plow" in Russia - with a shovel.
We cooked some hot dogs on a fire for the children to eat.
Enjoying their picnic lunch.
Olga, Valera's sister, did a lot of digging.
Valera's father worked hard too.
Time for shashlik and salad. Valera's father cooked the pork shish kabobs on a fire.
Alexander after a hard days' work in the garden.
Zarina enjoyed swinging. We hope to have potatoes, carrots, red beets, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, salad, and many other things fresh from the garden this summer and fall. There are even a few strawberries and raspberries. We are so thankful for all the fresh fruit and vegetables we are given by Valera's parents.