Alireza Etemadi, left, proposed to Yana Donetskaya two months after answering her personal ad for a husband. The couple now lives in Aliso Viejo with their three children, including Amelia, 2. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
In their backyard overlooking a secluded canyon in Aliso Viego, Alireza Etemadi plays with his children, Autumn 8, left; Amelia 2, and Andrew 10, before dinner. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Autumn, 8, left, and Amelia Etemadi, 2, help their mother, Yana, before dinner. After growing up in Russia, Yana immigrated to the U.S. to find a new life -- and a husband -- in 2003. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
After dinner, Alireza Etemadi cuddles with his daughter Amelia. Alireza was born in Iran and now works as a doctor. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
After dinner and bath time, Yana Etemadi reads to her children. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
The Etemadis are preparing for a move from Aliso Viejo to Colorado, where Alireza will work as an ER physician. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Svetlana Surnina, left, hands her granddaughter Autumn Etemadi, 8, roses before Autumn’s dance recital at Irvine Valley College Theatre. Svetlana is Yana Etemadi’s mother. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Yana Etemadi puts lip gloss on her daughter before Autumn’s dance recital at Irvine Valley College Theatre. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Yana Etemadi hairsprays Autumn’s hair before her dance recital, as Andrew reacts to a coffee drink. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Yana Etemadi takes photos at Waterworks Aquatics in Irvine. After growing up in a dangerous Russian city, Yana came to the U.S. to find a better life. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Alireza Etemadi holds his daughter Amelia, 2, at Waterworks Aquatics in Irvine. Though Alireza and Yana have had difficult times in their marriage, they are committed to keeping their family together. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
