Philly and Turbulence

No, we didn't take the picture.
Just a quick update.Two days ago we got back from Philadelphia where we spent some time with Josh and Marisa Termeer and their three kidlings. It was really fun to see them after many years, and catch up.

On the way back I thought we were going to die. Our little plane was starting to land on the Central Coast of California and the turbulence was horrifying. We had a couple free falls, the picture outside the window was swinging down and up rapidly and it felt a lot bumpier than Ukrainian roads. Jake said it's the worst he's ever experienced.



I hate flying.

Maia starting to walk

Maia's 1st birthday

Well, to be exact, this should be considered her 2nd birthday, since her first one was the day she was born. Was it not? In any case, her birthday was fun. The funness of it was enhanced by the fact that it was the same day as Patty's. Many would agree that this particular birthday is mostly for parents' enjoyment. The kid doesn't care. She wasn't even into the cake all that much, but then we got to watch her smear it all over herself and her surroundings, and then roll over the floor giggling cause she had a sugar high, now that was amusing. She did have fun opening the presents. Although the presents wasn't the exciting part for her - it was tearing the wrapping paper and throwing it all over.

Opening the presents


Happy Birthday, Patty!

She's such a professor.



The cake






Also, we took a little video of her taking some steps. She's still afraid to really walk, but she's only going to get better from now on, so watch out.... it doesn't want to upload though. Later.

Maia running.... and the recording capital of the world

In this video Jake is teaching Maia how to run. Looks like it might take awhile........

...... on a completely different note.....  what do you people think of the following statement Jake boldly made yesterday:

"Nashville is the recording capital of the world"

The reason I'm asking is that I vaguely remember hearing the name of that place before, and if it's the capital of the world in a certain area you would think I had a better idea.... But apparently Elvis and Johnny Cash and who knows who else went to record there to make it big. If it is true, Jake better go there to let THE WORLD know about his through-the-Bible-three-chords-only-the-same-melody songwriting skills.

I have a feeling Danny Foote has some thoughts.

Roseburg, OR

We are in Roseburg OR at the moment visiting Jake's Mom Patty. It's pretty uneventful here, since she works all the time, and the town itself is no New York, that's for sure..... So we walk around and try to get out of town too. The area is so pretty, with mountains, and rivers, and forests.


This is Patty's home



Fall is a good time of the year to be here and see all the pretty trees around




Every day outside Patty's windows we get to see deer, lots of squirrels (which look really different from our ukrainian squirrels by the way: they are grey, they actually still have their tails and are not malnourished), and also wild turkeys. I never knew these existed. Anyways, below is the picture of the house across the street with wild turkeys who climbed up on the roof are were trying to warm their butts on the chimney. They are big birds!



A couple photos from our walk the other day

Maia standing on her own

A few weeks ago we were hanging out with the Sisemores at their house, and Maia was standing on her own for the first time! This is a video of her playing with Paul V and standing.

Erik and Marina

We're in Bend right now visiting Erik and Marina. It's so fun to see them!

Rex and Staci's wedding

Rex and Staci got married about a week ago, so i just wanted to put some pictures up for you who know Rex back in Ukraine. They're not the greatest - sorry.

A few days prior to the date



pretty!!

OR

Today we head off to Oregon to spend some time with my mom. We will be there until Thanksgiving.

Maia at the wedding

Thanks Manzanita Designs (Lawren) for the shots