Picture Update from Ukraine

I just discovered this fresh album of pictures tonight of my adorable niece and all that Katelin and Nathan have been up to lately across the ocean. Check it out and be prepared to smile!

Last Pictures from Ukraine

Dad enjoying Melissa

With missionary friends on New Year's Day

Foot rubs and fellowship.

It's always a treat to see my dear friend, Kelsie!

We got to spend quite a bit of time together during this trip, which was a blessing!

Uncle Jessie and Aunt Teresa talking to Melissa

It's a baby swap!

While Jessie enjoys Melissa, Katelin takes a turn holding Kelsie's newest daughter, Hosanna Joy.

Game time around the table.

Cassia takes a turn at Taboo.

Snuggin' with Hosanna.

The day before we left, it snowed quite heavily, so I tried to capture it on my camera.

Can you see the flakes?

We got such a kick out of seeing how the neighbors dried their laundry outside even on snowy days, we just had to take a picture!

Within a few hours, the snow clouds rolled away and the sun shone once again!

The Nutcracker on New Year's Eve

A Christmas tradition that our family started several years ago in an attempt to escape the clutches of materialism at this time of year and the addition of unnecessary "stuff" to our household was that of the gift of a special outing together. We decided the time spent together and the memories made were the best gifts we could give each other. These outings usually take the form of a theatrical production or musical concert at the symphony and always include dinner at an elegant restaurant.

This year, Katelin and Nathan wanted to continue the tradition by taking us to a performance of The Nutcracker at the beautiful L'viv opera house. Katelin couldn't accompany us since babies under 1 year old were not allowed in, so Nathan did the honors of escorting us tonight. It was a delightful production that we thoroughly enjoyed! But enough explaining...I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Thank you so much, Katelin and Nathan, for the wonderful memories!

'Twas the Day After Christmas...

...and we snapped a couple of cute pictures that I've neglected to post!

Doting over our favorite baby.

Such attentive eyes!

We think she's a keeper!

Kelsie meets Melissa for the first time at an ETO team gathering.

What can we say? Everybody is smitten with "our" baby!

Merry Christmas from Ukraine!

All Together At Last

How do you spell ANGELIC?

Kisses, kisses

A happy mommy with her pretty flowers.

We're good buddies.

She is such a snuggle-poo!

Sweet dreams, little one.

One proud auntie!

Frowny face - oh so lovable!

Somebody likes Aunt Katrina's lap!

Melissa is supposed to be having "awake time" right now...but it doesn't look like she's interested in that idea!

"Come on, Duckie. Wake up!"

Katelin enjoyed opening Dad's suitcases full of MORE baby stuff!

(Thank you Mrs. Loo for the cute clothes and bibs!)

These three were getting a little goofy with the personalized bibs...what can we say, the hour was late!

Somebody's read for bed...