June 27........

Hello,

We are almost ready to put our home on the market. Chris has done a lot of work on it and it looks beautiful.  Katya painted the outside porch, and the garage and front door and vacuumed all the new carpet. She planted plants all over. Chris redid the wood floor, cabinets, doors, door frames, patched walls, and we had our home painted and  new carpet put in. The kids washed toilets and helped clean out the garage. Every day we go over there and do a little of this and a little of that.

Last Thursday James and I went to be with Dad when he was to have chemo, but his platelets were too low. He suggested we pick strawberries and that picture will be with me forever. Grandpa played cribbage with James (skunked him!), and just had a nice relaxing day with us. He took us out for breakfast before we sat with his doctor. All in all, James and I had a wonderful day, very calm and relaxing, complete with calaraby (I think). It's discouraging that his platelets were too low, but it was a blessing to be with him when he was doing so well, and in such good humor, and with so much energy.

Saturday we went to Joan and John's retirement party. They have been very kind and supportive of our family and it was a nice place for us to go all together. We had a nice time. We had a nice time in the van together for the couple hour drive, and a nice time together all day.

Sunday was one of our first days that we were able to just work on the house for hours, after church and we did a lot that day. We feel as though we're finally getting there. Today we played a little baseball...after working at the house and a trip to the library.

We're looking forward to a little family reunion this weekend at my parents, camping for a night, playing baseball, and tossing the volleyball around. Hope we can help Mom and Dad with their dock and any other little things they might need help with.

Here are a few photos. Thanks for your love and support. Alesia & Chris

Photos after Homeschool Track & Field Day

Big bunch of berries...picked with Grandpa O

Sophia having fun posing for pictures.

Me with two of my girls, Katya & Sophia

Katya beautiful with flowers.

Joan & John, the happy retired couple!

Chris has worked really hard on our house.

Katya sends a message to her friend in Ukraine.

Chris with Jonathan & Jaclyn.

A creation by Andre..and a comfy room for games.

Another photo of cleaned up home in Oakdale. Hope it sells soon!

Love from Alesia & Chris and family.