Visiting Lviv With a Purpose - Meeting the Family - Part Two

Arsenal Museum...recommended!  

Someone back home recommended we see the Opera House.  We were glad he did.
Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, private balcony seats,
the boys tolerated it, Mike enjoyed the orchestra
AND the cost was perfect for our budget.  REALLY PERFECT!
I cried - I kept asking the kids to pinch me to see if I was dreaming!

Outside the Opera House

Inside the Opera House during intermission

had to visit McD's in Lviv....for coffee and 50 cent ice cream cones : )
Honestly, I could do without the eight balloons though!

Our second restaurant since coming to Ukraine a year ago.....
so nice to not have to make dinner!!!!!!

well behaved at the restaurant and looking forward to eating! : )

Matthew plays ragtime music in Rynok Square....so cool!

the top of High Castle at sunset.  

aren't they cute!

lots of sightseeing, museums, history, culture....
a great way to kick off school!

Ahh...the real reason we traveled to Lviv....
to meet Mike's family for the first time!
separated for over 60 years....we were so thankful to God for this honor.
There is NOTHING like Ukrainian hospitality
AND
coming from family doubled the goodness of it all!
I want to bottle it up and bring it back home with us.

Two Days in Kyiv - Missionary Conference - Part One

On our way to Kyiv for a two day missionary conference.

Mike, Oleg and the older kids attended.
They all said it was inspiring and encouraging.

Lunch boxes and friends from church!

Enjoying the city sights despite the rain.

Mustang...a rare sight in Ukraine.

Beautiful at night!

Oleg offers to make dinner...he calls it his fast food menu!
Thirty minutes to feed 11 people.

Quiet time before we leave for part two of our vacation.

Updates of Domestic Life

Karissa makes great compote....a common drink here of boiled water, fresh fruit, and sugar.
Boil water in x-large pot (see background), then turn off stove.
Add 10 small apples , 7 pears, & 6 peaches cored and sliced. Add one to two cups sugar.  
Stir well and let stand for a few hours.  Hint you may want to mash a few times with potato masher.
(strawberry compote is REALLY good!)
Serve hot or cold and with or without fruit in cup....we recommend with the fruit then eat with spoon!

yes, these were grown in someones backyard and without care....
everything seems to grow well here!
this is just three bunches....
we were given a large bag that were leftover from their harvest!
Ukraine...beautiful people and amazing land!

Celebrating Ukraine's Independence Day at the park!

  

Yes, they will tell you that they were playing a serious game of chess. 

Matt's been working on this bike for a few weeks.
Our neighbor, the village dentist, sometimes helps.

Happy 10th Birthday Mallorie!

Waiting for her buddy, Oleg to come home from work so we could celebrate! Cute!

Flowers from Daddy!  Tiara from Mommy!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Flowers from Daddy also!

Birthday girl request:
Homemade potato soup in a bread bowl and homemade ice cream cake.

Yep, we really do love each other!

Last fall the roses were blooming until the first frost in November.

Christian friends visit for the day.
It always encouraging to have fellowship.
Notice the sweaters, it's already chilly!