OMAHA, NE (January 8, 2008) – More than 50 people from at least three Midwestern states crammed into the home of Jeff and Amy Van Putten last Saturday night to celebrate a Ukrainian Christmas.
Five families have adopted children from the same orphanage in Ukraine. Following are their family portraits, as well as the Haug family that is in the process of adopting. All identifications are from left to right.
 |
 |
 |
| Lennard family: Lacey, Cole, Lauren, Jon (Lacey’s fiance), Susie, Kyle, and Ariel. The Lennards adopted Cole, 14, in April 2005. Their blog is at http://www.lennard6.blogspot.com. | Hanson family: David, Larry, Paul, Julia, Lienna, Cathy, Kyle, and Kersten. The Hansons adopted Lienna, 16, and Julia, 12, in September 2004. They no longer have a blog posted. | Berger family: Yuri, Renee, Liz, Andrew, Paul, and Christina. The Bergers adopted Yuri, 15, in April 2007. Their blog will be found at http://www.getyuri.blogspot.com. |
 |
 |
 |
| Carrizales family: Amy (mom), Ariana, Natasha, Ted holding Tahner, Miranda, and Ty. Daughter Teyah not pictured. The Carrizales adopted Natasha, 16, in January 2006. They do not have a blog posted. | Van Putten family: Jeff, Amy, Kristen, Alla, Lena, Sarah, and Erin. The Van Puttens adopted Lena, 17, and Alla, 16, in August 2005. Their blog will be found at http://www.vanputtenfamily.blog-city.com. | Haug family: Gail, Igor, Yulia, Masha, and Steve. |