We're Here!

We made it! And so did our luggage :) We had quite the flight though...

It started off with us sitting on the plane for 2 hours before take-off. Then we taxi to the runway and sit there for 20 minutes. I had a feeling something was wrong. Lights were going on and off and I felt really uneasy. Then the pilot comes on to tell us there is an oil indicator problem and we are going back to the gate to have it checked. We no sooner get back at the gate and he says everything is working fine and we are ready for take-off. At this point...I wanted a new plane!!! I was so scared during take-off. The flight was going fine until we were down to about 3-4 hours left. The pilot comes on and says we need to make a unplanned stop at Edinburgh, Scotland since a passenger was "having a problem, was unable to continue on the flight and was having a bad day". He also said there was no threat! Phew!!! We still have no idea what he meant, but after sitting on the plane for almost 2 hours in Scotland, the pilot said the passenger was taken off by officials because he was they felt he was unable to continue on with us. There were no EMTs or anything, just security people. So we figure this was more of a mental thing, instead of medical. For a 9 hour flight, we sat on the plane for about 13 hours!!! It wasn't quite the direct flight we paid for, but we are here safe and sound. Our poor driver, Vlad, came to airport 3 times trying to pick us up!

Tomorrow we are going to sleep in and then do some shopping on Old Arbat Street. It is suppose to warm up tomorrow to about 30 degrees we hear. Woo hoo!! That will be much better walking and shopping weather than last time :)

Tuesday is our appointment with the DOE and our visit with Katya (still unsure about her name). Can't wait to see her again! I hope we get a nice long visit to hold us over until April.

In the past 26 hours, I've slept about 3! Brad is napping now and I think I'm heading there soon too!

Am I...

Am I ready? Yes! Just a little more packing to do of odds and ends. Overall, this was very easy to pack for since we are only going to be there for a few nights and I pretty much left everything but clothes in the suitcases from last time.

Am I anxious? Yes! I don't love flying, especially over oceans with my boys back home.

Am I excited? ABSOLUTELY!!!! I can't wait to see our little girl again and make this adoption a little more official.

We love that you all follow along, especially when we are in country. Your support means soooooo much to us!
Hint, hint.... we love comments :)

Travel Dates - Take 2

Got new travel dates to go back and see our sweet baby girl!!!! They seem pretty solid at this point! We're going in early February. I can't wait to get on that plane :) I've already booked hotel and airfare. Got good deals on both, thank goodness. Could that possibly be light I see at the end of the tunnel????

Skiing

We went to Spring Mountain this weekend to ski. It was a beautiful day! We were actually sweating by the noon! The kids did great and picked up right where they left off last year. We usually only get skiing a few times a year, but the kids are doing great! Can't wait to get our little girl out there on the slopes :) Still haven't heard about travel dates yet. The DOE is open again after their Christmas break so hopefully we will soon, real soon!

My lift buddy - Check out the hat Mom mom and Pop-pop!

Aidan and Brad - I choose to ride with Nate since Aidan tends to fall and nearly bring me down too.

My boys!


Aidan going over the ramp.

Nate going over a ramp.

Yes, I was there too!

Boy Was I Cranky!

I just reread my post from yesterday...and I was CRANKY! I feel better today. Still disappointed, but very hopeful we will get there soon. When we were in Moscow in December and it was so cold, I couldn't wait to get home. Now I can't wait to get back! I miss my baby girl and can't wait to see her again! Thanks for all the supportive comments yesterday!

SURPRISE, SURPRISE! Travel Dates Cancelled

Good thing we expedited our visas and paid $1200 for a trip we aren't even taking yet. We are now hoping to go February 2nd. I will NOT be holding my breath. Nothing can be confirmed yet as the DOE isn't even open yet. That was my whole concern since Monday when we first got the call. None of it makes any sense to me. I've been crazy for 3 days making arrangements for our trip and the boys while we are gone. I'm tired, frustrated, disappointed and so worried we will lose our referral since we haven't even signed for her yet. Anyone have a little extra faith to throw my way??? I've run out.

TRAVEL DATES

Got travel dates!!!!! We need to leave this weekend!!!!! I'm freaking out!!!! More later :)
ps.. Woohoo.