Pictures!

I just took 89 pictures off our memory stick, and couldn't go to bed before sharing some of them with you! It has been awhile since you have "seen" the kids, so here you go...

Thanksgiving - We spent Thanksgiving this year with the Marble family in Forest Grove, Oregon. Most of the family hadn't yet met our new children, and while it was just a quick trip, the kids loved playing with all their cousins. And, I mean all! John's dad has 8 brothers and sisters, all of which have children, and a few of the children (like us) have children!

Sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner.



Playing with older cousins.


Playing with Danny, one of the kids' younger cousins.



Fireworks - After Thanksgiving, we drove to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and met my parents at the Annual Light Parade and Christmas lighting ceremony. While there were too many people to see the parade well, the kids loved seeing the fireworks, set to Christmas music by Mannheim Steamroller!






Moving Days - The house was in shambles and packed in boxes, but the kids made the best of everything. They thought it was cool to all sleep together on the floor in sleeping bags when our beds were packed - they were fascinated with our Uhaul trailer - they collected boxes, hauled boxes, taped boxes, packed boxes, loaded and unloaded boxes!

We never knew how much fun an empty Uhaul trailer was until our kids showed us!


This is what each room looked like for a few days before we starting loading the Uhaul trailers!


Just when you are ready to pull your hair out completely with a child, God gives you a glimpse of their developing hearts. As I came upstairs one afternoon from packing, I found Lillia kneeling over her little sister Anabella, who was asleep on the floor taking a nap. Lillia had found her New Testament Bible as she was going through things in her room - she had it open and was praying over Anabella and singing "Jesus Loves Me". It is probably one of the sweetest displays of God's love I have ever seen...




Getting settled in Big Sky - We are currently renting a 3-bedroom condo from John's parents. Located directly across from the golf course, the children can play in the snow just by walking out our door.

Our kitchen.


The living/dining room - still being unpacked, and also decorated for Christmas!


The kids were invited to help Nana and Gramps decorate their tree...They all had a great time helping!



Enjoying the snow outside! And don't think for a second that Anabella will ever be left out! She always wants to be out there with her big brothers and sisters! I wish I could tell you how many miles Sasha has logged, pulling Vanya, Olesya, Lillia and Anabella around on the toboggan!


Vanya enjoying the snow! Not only a cute picture, but what a long way he has come! Just 4 months ago when we came home, he cringed at getting his fingers wet or cold - and now he makes snow angels, sleds and asks to go outside and play! If he gets snowy, he'll look up at us with his huge brown eyes and say, "That's OK, Papa (or Mama)!"


Our little skier Sasha!


Getting ready for skiing! Doesn't Mariyana look like an All-American girl??!


I saved the best picture for last. I just love this - it wasn't posed at all - I just snapped it when the kids were playing outside. I'm a little bias, but I think the kids look like they are modeling for a magazine - they are so cute. And you know what? As cute as they are, they are even better kids!


Picture time over! Please don't overlook the next entry - no digital pictures, but hopefully a wonderful word picture of God's goodness and blessings in our lives!