Getting back home. June 4th, 2011

OK, think I am finally awake enough to write an update on our adventures.  Sorry for the delay.

Well, after a 3 hour delay at the Moscow airport, we were able to take off for America.   Flight went pretty well.  Little bit of restlessness, but after awhile both kids feel asleep.   Anya was a bit concerned about the flight prior to getting to the airport.  We had been telling her it was long, and she asked our interpreter if we would be able to sleep.  He said yes, and then she asked if the pilots would sleep as well.   Yikes.  Good question from a six year old. We all hope not.

Of course we arrived late, and missed our first flight.  We made it through immigration.  Wow.  Talk about a crabby clerk.  There were 3 families returning from adopting children.  All a little anxious, and after of missing our next flight.  She made it clear it was not her problem, and if we didn't sit down, she could guarantee that we would miss it.  Welcome back.   Well, the man who helped us was very pleasant, and made up for her.

Of course it, being we were in Atlanta, and our flight was at the far far far gate, we missed flight number 2 by about 5 minutes.  Gate agent was not going to help us.  Sent us to a machine, which would not read our tickets.  Finally found a gate agent to help, but he put us all on different flights.  Really?   Here you go Anna and Ruslan, try to find your way to MN.   Ugh.

Finally found a good gate agent, got on our flight.  Had great flight attendants, and we were able to land in MN about 11pm 25 hours later.   Kids did fantastic considering all the fun that is International Travel.

We were met at the airport luggage area by our friend Ian.  Can honestly say that he was one of the nicest sights imaginable!

We got home, and has a great surprise from our neighbors and family, with balloons, banners, and presents.  What a fun surprise, and a big thank you to everyone for that surprise.
 
Well, turns out when you are a young, very excited kid, and you are on your first day in America, you get up at 4:30 a.m. in the morning.  Giving mama and papa about 4 hours of sleep.  Ouch.  Thankfully my sister Janna was over, and got up and helped to sleep deprived parents navigate through their first day.

Kids seem to be adjusting.  Slept until 5:30 the next morning, and this morning until 6:15, so there is hope that we might get some sleep.

Ruslan loves to ride his bike.   I mean loves to ride his bike.  He and papa ride once or twice a day.  Anya is also learning and goes up and is learning to ride as well.

Anya, well she likes to change her outfits.  Counted 12 different looks one day.  Cracks me up.

They also love swimming in our neighbors pool.  Can't tell you how nice that has been considering our first couple days in MN got into the high 90's.  Wow, where did that come from?  Was kind of expecting snow on the ground when we got back.  Our neighbors have been just great and I can't thank them enough for their support.  They have been an amazing amount of help.

Will post more and pictures soon!