What a magical day!  This afternoon, Daddy picked up the boys early from school to take them to see a “bike race.”  Wow, it was a real race!

They were afraid they’d missed it, but when they popped out of the Metro the whole herd of bikers was just coming around the turn.

It was obvious that Mike and the boys had ventured outside the normal ex-pat bubble, because they were treated like mini celebrities.  Free hats, flags, lots of hair rubbing, and everyone wanted a picture:

Azerbaijan can be SO COOL when you get outside all the downtown-government stuff.  There are real people here, real teenagers and college kids and parents, all eager to embrace the modern world and be part of what’s going on.  They are friendly and smiling and just like people everywhere.  It is so refreshing!  And so hopeful.

Here is Eli and Jake’s new girlfriend.  You know why?  “Because she looks like Aunt Jaclyn!”

Cool pictures, Mike!!