A Whole New World

Ok, had this fantasy where it was possible to blog with 2 small children.   Opps, guess I am still learning the ins-and-outs of parenthood.  Have a whole new respect for parents!!

Where to begin?   It is incredible to watch these two youngsters experience one new thing after another.  Some big things - plane ride, and some smaller things - like an automatic soap dispenser in a bathroom.  Who has ever heard of such a thing?!

We started the day yesterday at 6:00 a.m.  Sleeping any longer was out of the question.  Too much to experience.   We first had breakfast where there was a buffet with all the ham that a little boy could eat, and let me tell you that's a lot.   When then went to the nortary to get the paperwork finalized, and then we received their new passports and new birth certificates.  Would love to show a picture - but not allowed.   Darn.

The we took a walk, and brought the kids, where we went to an amusement park.  Very fun.  Little cars to drive.  Let's see and how did that go.  Well, Ruslan was very disappointed that he could not go faster faster faster (reminded me a bit of his Uncle Scott).  And Anna, well after just about running over a couple people, jumping the curb, and running over Dave's foot, the attendant decided it was safer for him to walk right next to her.  (Thinking maybe Uncle Tom will be teaching her to drive - as she already just took 5 years of the life of her mama and papa.)

After driving, we did the slide, and the train, and the toy park.  All very exciting and fun.  

Stopping for gas.

  After the park, it was back to the hotel for naps for all.  Then we got up and took the kids for a long and might I add very boring walk.  They were a bit baffled by going to see all these old things?  What were we thinking?  

That night we met up with Alex and Luyba and got the passports for Anna and Ruslan.  I can not begin to tell you how great it has been to work with these two.  They did a fantastic job for us.  I can only imagine how much time and energy they have to put in to pull everything together for us.   They have kept us informed and have been a huge help in navigating the system. 

To finish up the night, we packed, watched a little Mosha and Miska (a cute cartoon about a little girl and her bear friend).  Marina helped us to pick out some Russian videos for the children, and these have been a huge help!!  And we are getting rather attached to Mosha and Miska.  Great kid's video! 

Then they took their 2nd bath of the day.  Turns out a big old tub is really fun, and should be enjoyed to the fullest!

Robe is a little big.

The next morning it was up at 5:00 a.m. to catch the first flight to Moscow.  The kids did so well!  We were a bit worried about the first time on a plane, but we need not have.   They did great.  Ruslan was not to exciting about the feeling in ears as we landed, but gum (his favorite thing) helped.

Next, Igor meet us at the airport, and we started the long ride to the hotel.  The traffic here is insane!   Igor was telling us sometimes it just stops.  We experienced that taking about 4 hours to go 25 miles - about 1 hours to go the last 2 miles.  Wow.  Would not want to face that everyday.   Thankfully the kids feel asleep about 2 hours into the drive.   They were starting the "She's touching me....."He's in my space".  Amazing how you can tell that even in Russian.  Some things are the same.

We are staying at the Russian Hilton.  Oh my, what a wonderful hotel.  It is so beautiful inside.  Everyone has been wonderful to us.  They have absolutely gone out of their way to make our stay extra special.  (A huge thank you to Denise for helping us with this!) 

Hilton Moscow

There is a pool here and we took the kids swimming for the first time.  Turns out they have no fear, and no idea that if they just jump into the deep end they might sink.  Ruslan got a little water in his nose, but all is ok.  Thank goodness papa was in the water and able to grab them right away.   We found some floating toys and things were ok.  Kids really liked the pool.  And to think we thought they might even be a little afraid of the water.  No way.

This morning, we got up early, had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel.   Fresh fruit was the favorite (next to the ham and bacon).  We then met Igor, who took us first to the Dr. for the final check up. All is good.   Papa was told the only worry was that when Anna was older, he would need to buy a shot guy to keep the boys away from her.   He was wonderful, and so good with the children.

Next we went to the Consulate to fill out the final paperwork.  We have our last interview tomorrow morning at 11:30, and if all goes well, we should recieve visas for the children tomorrow.  We are getting so close.  Wow!

We were lucky to be American.  We are able to walk right in to the waiting area.  They "regular" line was probably a 2 day wait?  It was insanely long.  Would love to show some pictures, but the day was off limits for photographs.   No pictures allowed, and they were not kidding about that rule.

Tonight, one of the wonderful staff here has offered to take us on the Metro to Red Square.   We are two stops away.   She is so very nice, and has a niece and nephew, and said it would be easier if she could show us how to go.  Again, I cannot believe how wonderful everyone has been to us.   What an incredible journey, and I just feel so blessed right now!!