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Published: April 29th 2013
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It's seemed like forever since I've seen nice weather! We've traveled 3 countries in the cold, and it's been amazing to finally feel some sunshine. The last two weeks have been warm and Ava's even been able to wear her pretty sundresses from time to time. The flowers, leaves, and blossoms have really added to the natural beauty of Hradec Králové. People are out and about now even more than during the cold weather months.
The parks are full of children and Ava enjoys being one of them. She has even learned to ask, "Can I play?" in Czech as well as "I am Ava". She was scared to ask children to play when we first started visiting the park, but she's gaining confidence. I'm so glad that she has two girls at her daycare center that speak English! If it weren't for those two girls, she wouldn't have any friends at all. My tactic is to frequent the same parks, allowing her to play with the same kids as often as possible. Of course, they notice her because she's biracial and speaks English. Some of the kids come up to her but she doesn't understand what they are saying
and becomes disappointed. I'm working on teaching her more phrases in Czech through the use of Google Translator. She likes to push the button over and over again to hear the phrases. Overall, she's a pretty happy kid and likes it here. When the vice dean of the university asked her if she liked it here, she said, "Forever" which made everyone in the room smile.
Part of Ava's day consists of making dinner. She loves cooking with me and is getting pretty good at it. Last week, I had tomatoes and garlic in the frying pan and was trying to remember what I forgot. She walked in and asked if I had put oil in the pan yet. I was so happy because she knew what I had forgotten! I let her put the oil into the pan and she then asked if she could make spaghetti too. The double burner stove is the perfect height once she stands on a chair.
We've been rotating weekends, spending one at home to explore Hradec Králové (thus the museum photos) and going on day trips to Prague during the next. This weekend we stayed at home and spent a
lot of time at the parks and walking along the river. It's such a nice town with a nice atmosphere! We're happy that it's finally spring.
Ava riding the zip line swing:
Ava playing at the park across the street:
Caliope
Jocelyn Shannon
Lovely Ava
What delightful blogs you have posted. THANK YOU. I'm heading for Eastern Europe and will arrive in Prague with a Rick Steves tour in mid May. I'm a retired high school English/Library Media teacher and I often thought about doing a TESOL tour. GOOD FOR YOU. Keep on blogging! (and hi to charming ava....tell her she has a fan from California!)