I had to quickly type my last entry because I had to make dinner for Olia before her softball practice.  Olia was really excited to go and meet her friend Olya.  When they called us on the hotel phone to let us know they were at the hotel, Olia got so excited.  She expresses so much joy over the simple things in life.  In the elevator, she was jumping up and down and saying.."I'm sooooooo excited."  It was really cute!  When she was changing into her bathing suit to swim with the kids after we ate dinner, she kept saying, :Mom, I'm having such a great time, I am having so much fun here!"  Olia definitely shows her joy and excitment with each event. And she always smiles, giggles, and laughs when she is excited.  When she got up this morning, she thanked me for taking her to the hotel and told me that I am a great mom.  When we got home, she sent me an email and told me that I am the greatest mom in the world.  I told her thank you for writing that  and try to remember that when I tell her to clean her room or to empty the dishwasher.

    This evening was Olia's first softball practice.  Two girls from our neighborhood are on her team so she knew some of the girls.  Before it was time to go to practice, she told me that she wasn't sure she wanted to play softball. She has never been hesitant to be part of any other team or group so I was surprised.  I think she was having a lot of fun playing on her computer and didn't want to be interrupted for softball practice. I reminded her that I asked her at least five or six times if she wanted to join softball.  And I reminded her that she was with me when I mailed the registration with the check.  I told her that she was obligated when I mailed the envelope. And she remembered saying she wanted to play.  I told her that she made a commitment, and I paid for it,  and she was going.  She actually had a lot of fun at practice, but she was cold!