Yesterday was a big day... my brother Andrei flew in to LAX. That's his first time in America and I really want him to like it here which I'm hoping he would:) He'll be staying with us for now, what happens later, we'll see. It will take him a while to adjust even though he can speak English. But I'll do my best to help him settle and feel welcome.

My husband's family has a wonderful summer tradition. Every summer in mid-July they all get together at San Clemente Beach Park and camp out for a couple days. These summer family reunions are always a great opportunity to spend some time with relatives, catch up on everyone's lives; they are also a great excuse to take some time off work and just relax at the beach.

To many Americans Independence day is a highlight of the month of July. No matter how more or less devoted to their country people might consider themselves on this particular holiday everyone is quite a patriot. Given the privilege of living in this country, Steve and I did not miss our chance to join the nationwide celebration this year. We became a part of an all-American-style barbecue organized and hosted by our friends Katie and Jonathan. It was a wonderful evening that we spent with our friends. Although we had hoped it would also end with some cool fireworks. And I must say, I did not expect it to be so quiet.... we only saw a couple splashes in the sky. Oh well, we got it all made up to us once we came back home - firework shots wouldn't calm down till midnight! I suppose South Pasadena people thought it worthwhile 'blowing up' some extra money:):):)