Life is a journey, 2018 year so far.

Life is a journey. Thankfully there are seasons. Some our more pleasant than others. Some we would live out again no questions asked. Some we never want to even let cross our minds ever again. Well, good or bad, it was part of our lives and no doubt had an effect on whom we are at the moment. Growing up my mom always thought me and my siblings to be thankful for every day of our lives. She would point it out particularly on our birthdays. As long as I can remember, in my birthday prayers, I have learned to thank God for every single day of my life. It was not a problem thanking for all the bright days of the childhood but when it came to teenage years, especially the year when we almost lost our mom, I had to think twice about being thankful for everything that came my way. Although, back then it was when I took my own first steps to learn to trust that God has everything under control. In a nutshell, I will never regret taking the “trusting God” and “learning to be thankful” journeys.

I happen to be one of those people who loves photo albums. I enjoy looking back and count my blessings. Lately, it has been a new and full of laughter experience looking at photo albums with Ashley. In this post I am documenting some of the highlights of the 2018 year so far. We are through with July, and if God lets, there is so much more to enjoy the rest of the year. I still like to reflect on the moments that are now my past. No matter if it was a big trip or a weekend spend with the loved ones at home. We didn’t take any major trips this year yet but had been waiting for the trip of a lifetime that is here now. My little family along with my 3 other sisters and their families are going to visit Ukraine. That is 10 of us on the same plane. I can hardly keep my excitement and still think I might be dreaming. Well, I will come back to that in my future posts but now back to counting my blessings from this year so far.

Leaving close to the airport was really beneficial this year. Our first airport trip back in January was to meet my sister and part of her family who came to visit from Ukraine. My niece, Ella, was the happiest. She has been studying in college for the last couple years and was super excited to have her mom, dad, brother, and sister join her here for a few weeks. A lot of the time was spent to plan Ella’s big day coming up first weekend of August. One of the reasons we are all heading to Ukraine. I keep saying, “Thank you Ella and Serg for getting married!!”. Soon after we got our tickets booked for the Ukraine trip, one of my nephews in Ukraine made an announcement that he is getting married as well. Even better! We get to celebrate two couples during our trip.

Whenever there is a chance, we get to a playground with my Ashley girl. Fresh air and getting the energy out are always great reasons to go.

January was finished with unforgettable long weekend trip to Hood River, just an hour away drive from where we live. We are forever thankful to the most amazing family who shared their cabin with us. We eat, we talk, we walk. And we never forget.

February highlight was wedding dress shopping with the bride-to-be, Ella!

The only time Ashley goes to sleep in her own bed is when my niece, Elsie, comes over. On the picture below both of them are tired after the long day of play and asleep after Elsie tells lots of bedtime stories. Mama gets a break from storytelling. I enjoy the bedtime storytelling a lot, although me and my angel had to set a number of stories I can tell before bed, otherwise we would never go to sleep. 🙂

When my nephew, David, asks to please use a phone. Then I have many pictures and videos of cars and realize that is why my phone memory is getting low. 🙂

Snow day in February. Lots of fun and play.

Bridal shower for the bride-to-be while her mommy, my sister, was still here before going back to Ukraine. Ashley is playing a big sister. My niece’s daughter, Gracie, is growing too quick and becoming this cute little doll.  Then it was time to say goodbyes for our Ukrainian visitors. Plane watching fun.

I love the trails behind our backyard. It is always tempting to take a walk.  Fishing in the ponds or frogs searching keeps kids very busy too.

Ashley’s must do is getting on a bridge and sing the London bridge is falling down song. She also does it every time we are driving on a bridge. And we have many of those in the Portland area. 🙂 Ashley likes to ask “Mommy, is there going to be another bridge soon?” 🙂

Columbia river is our happy place anytime of the year.

Going to see my girlfriends in Mill Creek, WA is always a special occasion. We had been friends since we were all about 12 years old and still love spending time together. The last few years we are able to see each other a lot more since they moved to Washington from Ukraine.

Mommy and daughter time in Starbucks. I love my caramel frappuccino, especially on a sunny day.
My thoughtful husband took us to some new places in Portland. The waffles from the window waffle were delicious!!
This ice cream place was great as well.

When everyone shows up on a random day at parents’ house wearing grey. Must be spending too much time together. Must take a picture of such an occasion. 😉

Spring break carousels. It was a special treat to have my aunt and 4 cousin sisters visit from Ohio. We don’t get to see each other often enough since the move to America. Always lots of laughter with these girls and best company to worship with. My cousins are such talented signers!

Someone wanted to play being a baby and Gracie played such a caring mama.

More pictures with the Ohio guests. The day turned out to be way too short.

We never run out of girls 🙂

Another visit to see our friends in Mill Creek, WA. One of the things we like to do on our way to visit them is to stop at the Alki beach for breakfast or lunch and a walk. It is also one of my favorite spots to roller blade. Can’t wait to teach Ashley (maybe next year) so she can ride along.

Alki Spud Fish & Chips is one of the places we like to stop by for lunch.

Tulips festival in Woodburn, Oregon is something I can’t let myself miss ;). Love tulips but it’s also such a great place for kids. German sausage with curly french fries is a bonus too.

These boys read nonstop or at least it seems like it. Love when my nephew asks me to watch the clock while he reads his 20 minutes. 😉

My sleeping beauty takes a break at grandma’s house.

And then this happens when they read a lot ;). My oldest nephew graduated as mechanical engineer this last May. I am so proud of him and his hard working wife for making it happen. And, of course, thankful to God for hearing our prayers to guide him all along and blessing him with a great job!

And then family time at the Vancouver Lake park to conclude the graduation celebration. Yummy food and a fun soccer game. 🙂

The birthday girl turned 4 this year. Noah ark has been her favorite story for awhile so picking birthday party theme was easy.

My handsome baby brother  with Mishka, caught in the moment. Mishka is Ashley’s favorite dog in the whole world. Thankful my nephew, Peter, and his wife, Karina, have him.

Park time for my newphew’s birthday in May.

Another first time place with delicious pizza. Life of Pie in Portland.

The girls night out just a couple weeks before my friend had twins. Boy and a girl. Super happy for her!

Ashley made it through her annual doctors appointment with no a scream or cry. It was my very happy day after not so pleasant visits the years before. That’s another story to tell.

These two girls and a dog, oh mine. Ashley made a tie craft in her Sunday school for the Father’s day. She even asked to take a picture with daddy. I feel like our baby girl is really growing up. Love to watch her grow!

Alderbrook park is the local treasure we found out about just about a year ago.

More graduations this year in our big family. Niece Ella graduated with Associates degree and is ready to start at Portland State University this coming Fall to continue her education in International studies. Another proud auntie moment. My niece Katie graduated from Clark College’s nursing program.

Ella made it to Ukraine to spent the last few weeks of wedding planning with her fiance and the rest of her family.

Our annual trip to the Seal Rock beach in Oregon. We had been going to the same rental house for the last 8 years. This has been can’t miss for our extended family.