24 February/8 March 1916

My sisters and I had a glorious time racing our sleds down our snow mountain, but poor Alexei was not even allowed to come watch. Mama’s orders. She’s desperately afraid he’ll hurt himself, since even a minor injury turns into a major one for Alexei. If Papa were here, he would take Alexei’s side and insist that he be allowed, with Derevenko or Nagorny to keep close watch on him. But Papa isn’t here, and Mama rules.

Father Grigory came for dinner. I asked to be excused as soon as I could get away with it.