Babusia Comes to Visit

 Babusia has been so super helpful and accommodating to make her plans to visit us when we travel on our long trips. This year, we timed it well so that she could get some of her dental work figured out and watch Pepper while we were gone for TWO weeks in New Zealand. We are always grateful for that as I know it gets pretty difficult for her emotionally to visit us for longer than a month. 

I made sure to take mama to the beach. It was just me and her and a fun day out on a beautiful North Carolina beach, with a shrimp dinner to finish it off. 

Babusia is a fashionista of the beach-haha. She loves her long walks along the ocean.

Alex also took Babusia to the Apex Nature Park to do some disc golfing. Yeah.... that was definitely not my or her forte-hahaha. 

A few of the days while she was here were enveloped in the story of the black snake that seriously kept coming back into our yard and freaking everyone out, especially Babusia! I mean, first Mark and then Alex had to get it with a shovel and fling it over the fence into the woods. Pretty sure it was the same one. 

I mean who wouldn't get startled if you came out to sit down and relax at the bistro table and saw that a massive black snake was sitting there instead??? And it was looooong.

We went out to eat as Babusia loves cafes and restaurants. 

And Robert (and perhaps the boys as they look so exhausted) made us Mother's Day dinner as we celebrated Mother's Day a week later. We came back from New Zealand on a Saturday and were very jet lagged to do anything special. 

For celebration of the special day, Robert made us LOBSTERS! They were absolutely amazing! I love lobsters but they are way too expensive to purchase at the restaurant. Lobster rolls are my favorite thing ever too. Robert did an fantastic job! Here is his Instagram worthy pictures of the process of making lobsters. 

And thus ended Babusia's visit to our modest abode. We are glad she was able to help us with Pepper and get her teeth taken care of, as well as eat a the yummiest lobster ever! Babusia is so brave and totally feels comfortable traveling on her own all over the world.

Till next time! 

Lyana. 

Latvia, Alex Is On His Way

Families can be together forever! 

As I am writing this post, we are celebrating Thanksgiving Day (I know, super late). I am so grateful for our family! 

Grateful for Alex and his commitment to serve the Lord. 

At the end of May, Alex received his endowments at the Raleigh Temple. It so happened that Babusia was still in town and so she and Mark were able to be with us right before the temple session. 

It was good to have them both. 

Our beautiful kids! 

And the proud parents of this awesome kid! 

We celebrated Alex this night as it's a huge step in one's life to go through the temple. 

After the session, here is a picture of those Alex invited to attend with him, special people to him. 

And here we go--it's getting more real! Alex and his Latvian flag! 

And a really cool name tag. 

On Jun 16th, 2024, Alex got set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. President Bingham set him apart. 

It was a very moving experience for us all. President Bingham said some beautiful words and emphasized how Alex will love the Latvian people with his whole heart.

Introducing Elder Watson. 

Alex and Mark. It will be hard to say goodbye. 

Almost everyone together. Missing Katya. 

And a special picture of Mama and Elder Alex Watson. 

Alex started his Home MTC on Jun 17th and had it for a little over a week. Alex was still able to do a bunch of normal things during his breaks--like making crepes with Mark. I love this picture. 

We had a lot to prepare and a lot to get done before Alex left, but somehow we managed everything and Alex did all the packing and decision making on his own. He was very organized and helped me buy things on his list, which I appreciated.

Latvia is getting a good one! 

 

Family Pictures 2024

 Oh the joy and stress of getting family pictures taken! It's definitely a lot less troublesome than it used to be when the kids were little, but still, it's an event that I have to prepare for, especially with all the outfits. 

We managed to squeeze in one evening after our New Zealand trip, after Alex came back from Florida (from hanging out with the boys) and before Katya left for BYU. 

And here we are--May of 2024. Alex-18, Katya 20, Mark 15. Robert and Lyana-ageless.

Aw...we had so much goofy time getting these shots-hahahaha. 

Melissa, the photographer, tried really hard to make us feel like we are in the middle of the engagement photo shoot. 

Did you say to act cute? Oh, ok...

"Look at her with much adoration"-hahaha. 

"Try to run away and pull him behind you"--easier said than done with high heels! 

Katya, wins the most photogenic awardl! 

Katya is one strong young woman, with a lot of power to make this world a better place. 

She has so much love to give and is a great listener. 

Alex--fresh out of being a freshman at BYU, in his transitional era, between college and mission. 

Not serious all the time though. Still life of the party! 

This young man is so hardworking and service oriented! 

Model material right here.

Mark, the kid who keeps us guessing. Will he do his chores on time? Will he talk to us on the drive to tennis? Will he eat all the Hi-chews in one sitting? How many tennis shoes can you own at one time?

This young man is a treasure--so hardworking and smart. He is funny too! 

Half of the time we are trying to figure out what he is thinking which makes him even more interesting. 

I love our family. 

The boys are back. It's all about the hair apparently nowadays. 

Two brothers! Our handsome Alex and Mark.

Wait a second.... is this Robert? He is just getting better looking with each year!  

All professional and fun loving at the same time! He can pull your tooth out with no problem and then crack a stellar dad joke (not a tooth) a moment later! 

I mean... it's impossible not to love this guy! 

Well, hello, Ukrainian mail order bride (that's me...I am the one writing, so I can say that-hahaha)! 

I must admit Melissa must have added some magic or something because I am actually okay with these pictures of me. They look real.

For our blog's eyes only-hahaha. 

And beautiful pictures with mama. 

And a fun picture with tato. 

And our gorgeous kids! Stay close to each other forever and ever! 

Yay! We survived another family photo shoot! Huge thanks to Melissa, our friend, who helped us capture our family in this moment in time.

Next time we'll probably take pictures once Alex is off his mission in the summer of 2026!

Lyana.