State Fair 2013

This year we got Raging waters season pass, and it also included free entries to State Fair. One day we took kids to the fair. It was fun, and we learn/saw a lot.
I was so busy looking around, watching everything and totally forgot to take more pictures.

This was very fun place. They had many popular games in big version.

 Sergey saw a birth of baby cow. His reaction was, "I shouldn't see this" lol

We did see a little movie in 3D, and it was first experience for most of our kids and me. I really liked it. EE and DD started to enjoy only at the end, DD was really scared, we had to take his glasses off. EE was keeping his glasses on for most of the time, but was holding my hand, and almost knocked me down few times :) We all enjoyed our day!

My Sunday school teacher had a birthday...

8-18-2013
Sunday after church:

son: "Mom, today was my teacher's birthday"
mom: "Ok, did you sing Happy Birthday to him?"
son: "Yes , and he brought cupcakes and milk for everyone"
mom: "This is so nice of him. Did you enjoy it?"
son : "Well, after my Sunday school teacher passed all cupcakes around, and everyone got one, there was nothing left for him"
mom : silence
son: " and I thought that its not nice if he will not eat cupcake on his birthday, so I gave him mine. He didn't want to take it, but I insisted, so I just had some milk. "
mom: "Son,  You have a good heart, and this is what I was teaching you. You make me so proud! Me and daddy so blessed to be your parents and see your grow and become an adult!"


I cant even explain how proud I am.
For a child who been  in survival mode, and had to dig his food from garbage
For a child, who came from neglect, trauma and not having enough food for long time.
For a child who had problems controlling his portions at the table
For a child who never shared, especially food
For a child who been in the family only 3,5 years

THIS IS HUGE!

He has a tender heart, and he is my joy! My DJ, my oldest and always thankful son!

***later Sunday school teacher brought and gave DJ 2 candies, he appreciated him.

First day of school

For our kids school started Aug.15. Only 1 of my 6 students actually wanted to go to school, rest of them begged, and asked to stay home with me :(  I would love to keep them all home, and homeschool all of my kids, but I do know that they need to be around other kids, and learn proper English. We speak 99% Ukrainian at our house, and for our new kids its important to speak and learn English.

 EE and SN are in 3rd grade, DJ in 6th, DA in 5th, and Denny and DD are in kindergarten.

 First breakfast in school.

I stayed for kindergarten orientation, and did take picture of my two little boys. When I was ready to leave DD almost cried, but he was so happy to be in same class with Denny. It took me 3 day, and 10 phone call to school office and principal to have them in same class, long story but we have a awesome principal and she understood our situation. Officially DD is in 1st grade, and we all know that he is not ready for it. We will keep him in Kindergarten this year. And our princess and I stay home :)

We worried a lot about first day of school, we prayed that we will not have any criers. Praising our God! They had a great day at school and even our kindergartens like it , and they all want to go back to school as long as I stay home and meet them after school :)

Bus stopped two blocks from our home, we can see the bus from our house. First day me and our Princess went to meet boys from bus. 

DD and Princess were not separable during summer, and they are missing each other now while DD is in school. I just love this picture, DD watching cartoon, and Princess playing with my phone.

Oregon 7-2013 part 3

On our 3rd day in Portland Oregon, Sergey , grandpa and two older boys went to pick blueberries early in the morning. Me and the rest of our crew were sleeping in and just chilling at home . 

Kids enjoying blueberries :)

SN spend some tome on this puzzle.

 Kids playing with daddy!

Rich grandpa :)

Princess

 We spend few hours in Rose Garden. This place is so beautiful! The smell of roses, the beauty, and peacefulness that is present in this garden , so hard to describe!

 Kids exploring 

Full of life, my joy!

Cutie

 DA explaining something to Denny

 After Rose Park we walked to close-by playground. This place was huge, and kids spend few hours playing there.

 Its still huge deal if DD goes down the slide by himself, especially bigger ones. 

Kids had snack, and played a little more. First question all of them asked" Will we come back here"?

This is how we spend our 4 days in Oregon. It was great experience and family bonding time!
Thankful to God for giving us this awesome opportunity, and blessing all our family!