Oh Happy Day!

Some of my favorite members from my mission came to visit! The Tislenko Family: Pasha, Anya, and their four-year-old son, Pasha, and almost two-year-old daughter, Polina ! The kids and I took them to the city to see the sights! It was so fun speaking Ukrainian again and it made me realize that I need to practice my language MUCH more than I do...which currently is almost never! At the same time, I was surprised at how much I remembered even without practice. We had the BEST time! I wish I could hang out with them every week!

Our first stop was the Oakland Temple. The weather couldn't have been better! So clear, warm, and sunny! You can see the city very clearly in the distance. I love the west coast!

You can't see much of the temple but you sure can see my cute boy's face!

O there it is!

Jorgen, Polina, & Pasha following each other around - not recommended...Pasha took a fall later on and got a big gash on his forehead. But he was super tough and hardly cried.

Though Jorgen and Pasha don't speak the same language, they had so much fun playing together. It was funny to see them interact. One would start clicking his tongue to make noise and then the other would follow and they would both laugh. Then one would open his mouth huge and scream (not super loud) and then the other would follow and they would both laugh! They found a language they could both speak! Both are pure boys!

We stopped by Golden Gate Bridge and then headed to Baker Beach. I'd never been there and it ended up being so much fun! What a beautiful backdrop! The water was freezing but it was so nice out and Pasha and Pasha Jr. ended up playing in the water a bit. I got attacked by an unexpected wave as well - while carrying both kids! I was soaked up to my knees!

Anya and Polina
(My camera battery died and I didn't get a picture of Pasha!!)

An attempt at a picture with me and my kids - both were too distracted!

Me and my girl!

Jorgen showing me his sandy hands.

After the beach, we went to Pier 39 and ate some yummy burritos and walked around. Everyone loved seeing the sea lions at the pier! Jorgen immitates their noises pretty well:) We then drove down Lombard Street which amazes me every time I drive down it. On our way home we drove through China Town and passed Union Square with the Bay Bridge in the distance all lit up. Such a sight!

After we got home and put the kids to bed we talked and talked and talked some more! They told me all about the members I had been wondering about and the church over there in general. Once Justin got home, we visited some more. The conversation was in three different languages - Russian, Ukrainian and English - it was pretty funny.

I will miss them so much. It was such a wonderful day! They left early this morning to drive back to Utah where Pasha's sister will be getting married on Saturday. I can't wait to see them again! It really was such a happy day!