April News

We were thrilled (and a little shocked) to find we were expecting our fourth child the last week of April. Benj was in Ukraine, I was living with his parents in Bountiful, and we were gearing up to return to Lviv with Benj May 19. I was busy house-hunting, and feeling more unsettled and emotional about our future than usual ... Benj likewise (an ocean away) was working hard and praying for confirmation that our fledgling start-up would catch on. During one FaceTime conversation where I expressed greater emotion than usual in mid-April, Benj responded: "I think you are pregnant."
"No I'm not!" I snapped back.
But the accusation stuck, and the first chance I had I took a pregnancy test ... and another the next day, just to confirm ... as always in such cases, Benj was right:)
In some ways, my uncertainty for the future grew exponentially - where will we live? would our baby be born in the USA or Ukraine? prenatal care?
Of course, I'm writing this in retrospect, and Sara Leonetta (2.5 weeks old now) is a fabulous addition to our family. And in truth, many of those initial uncertainties are still ... uncertain. Where will we be living in 6 months? What is in store for Bubbles? But, even with those uncertainties, we feel a deep sense of gratitude to be entrusted with this blessed baby, and peace in the future - whatever, and where ever - that may entail.

Cousins

We overlapped, by just a couple of hours, with our cousins in Bountiful. It's so fun to see the kids all together - we only wish we were closer and spent more time together.

Zion's and Kolob Canyon

 Zion and Kolob, we felt, were even more stunning than the Grand Canyon. The road, tunnels, drop off ... the whole thing was spectacular. We can't wait to go back someday (when the kids are a bit older) and camp and spend more time.

Pictures on the drive.

 

 ~ Kolob Canyon ~ 

By this time, the girls had basically had enough car-time, but it was beautiful. 

Grand Canyon

We took a detour on or drive from Scottsdale to Salt Lake and saw the Grand Canyon.

It was spectacular - and once we got away from the buses and crowds, 

we were able to take some time to just enjoy the natural wonder of it all.

Darlin' turns 91

We celebrated Grandma Ginny's 91st birthday with lunch in Fountain Hills.

And then enjoyed the nice weather at the park. 

Arizona

This is what we do in Arizona ... 

pick oranges, and make juice:

 Time in the sun, and by the pool ...

And feed the animals ...

AZ - Easter

Indoor Egg Hunt - the dogs would eat any candy they found outside

 

Easter Dinner Outside! 

Perfect weather, Amazing cuisine, and Family together.

While a less "traditional" Easter meal - it was one we would all agree we'd love to make a tradition:

Alaskan King Crab legs, and all the trimmings ... YUM! 

(and I love this table setting - my mom's hand-painted plates from Portugal). 

AZ - Friends

It's so fun to meet up with friends when we are in Scottsdale. I love seeing friends I haven't seen for years and meeting new babies too! How fun will it be when our children truly enjoy one another's company too.

Train Park with the Budds

meeting Max ~ lunch with Mikelle and family 

Dinner at the Phoenix Country Club with the Iacobelli's - Celebrating Derk's birthday.