Glaz-za Akrita Dzaay-son!!!!

Those are the words of the day. Antoine, Lori, Simone and the three of us got to on a road trip today into the town of Vidnoe. The purpose of the trip was to get a picture taken for our children's passports and visa. Piece of cake, right? They told us it would take about 15 minutes.

Now beautiful Simone was first at the photo shop. She was in and out in quickly.

Jason Alexei, on the other hand, had a few problems. We noticed early in our first trip that the flash on the camera needs to be quick, otherwise he closes his eyes tightly.

When it came Jason Alexei's turn, the first attempt to take his picture wouldn't work because he had his eyes closed. There was a lag between the flash and the shutter taking the picture.

The second picture? He had his eyes closed....
The third picture? He had his eyes closed....
The fourth picture? He had his eyes closed....
The fifth picture? He had his eyes closed....
The sixth picture? He had his eyes closed....

Are you getting the idea here? How many attempts were made????

FIFTEEN!?!?!?

How many were useable????

ZERO!?!?!?

So it was off to another photoshop. The first photoshop's flash was too bright. The second photoshop's camera didn't work... The third shop didn't take pictures for passports.

On the way to the shops I had a great time poking at the Russians. Glaza Acritta!! (Eyes open) as I showed them pictures I had taken of Jason Alexei.

Finally we get to the fourth shop and again, the lag between the flash and the shutter is too long. Eyes finally stayed open for a picture, but the rest of the picture was bad (his face was a little turned -- a no-no for passport pics).

In the end, ever faithful and dependable Lori and Antoine saved our bacon. They photoshopped a picture of Jason Alexei we had taken with, say it all together now -- "Glaza Acritta!" The staff at the office was very impressed with their skills and so are we.

Could you imagine going through everything we have been through and have it all get hung up because of something silly like a photo? Therefore, the first Order of Lenentine for Photoshop Labor is bestowed to our friends Lori and Antoine. Simone gets an atta girl for being patient going from place to place. I think she was excited just to be outside for a change.

Court is tomorrow at 2:00 local Moscow time! We can hardly wait!

Love,

Jason, Wendy, and Jason Alexei (grrrrrr)