The visa is in the mail. Please pray that we have passports in our hands Thursday night with a correct Russian Visa attached! Thanks to Karyn and Ondrea for walking me through it step by step. And Katrina for telling Ian to lighten up!
I sent all my information and notes on to Nicole. I happily pass the torch on to her as 1st in the baby girl line outside of St. Petersburg. I think our torch is fueled by burning Russian Vodka. That way, you can just take a sip when ever you need it during the wait.
I think I might move that ticker at the bottom, counting down the days until we take off up to the top of the page. I love to see the days count down.

We officially paid and hired Dr. Gordina. We also hired Dr. Mouradov in Russia to come with us on Monday. I am glad they both speak and read Russian and can communicate with the staff of the orphanage. I have heard really wonderful things about both of them and know this is overkill. That one alone would be fine.

We did lots of shopping this weekend. I started packing a bag and taking inventory of what I need. I have one HUGE ski duffel filled and there aren't any clothes in it. Well, there are donation clothes, but no clothes for me to wear. Most of it will be left with Ariana and the orphanage. Then we can refill it with souvenirs.

I am hoping we can each take all of our clothes and toiletries in a rolling carry on bag. And then put all our documents and electronics into my back pack and his computer bag. This would mean that we only have 1 checked bag (the ski bag)

In other news, Collin got into Camp Longhorn for term 3 this year! And my mom booked their cruise for June 7-12th! The boys last day of school is June 4th. They have 2 days to pack and relax and then off they go. They get back the 12th and Ian and I leave on the 13th. We get back on June 23rd. That is 17 days apart from Corbin and Collin!
We then get the last 2 weeks of June at home to relax before we head to our time share at the Ron Jon Resort from July 4-11th. Then, on the 12th they get on a plane and go to Austin for Camp. We are going to go get them on V-Day, August 2nd. I will have one week with them before I go back to school for Pre-Planning. And that week, Corbin has football practice. We only have 4 weeks together this summer. That seems so CRAZY. But, I am glad for the boys. None of us has ever been on a cruise, so it will be an experience. It will be good for them to have memories of this trip with my parents. Ian has great memories of going on trips with his grandparents. And camp is just a wonderful opportunity for growth and exploration. I wish I had gone. I am going to want to make the most of my time with them, and they are going to want to sleep late and veg. in front of the TV since they have so little down time. I think it is going to be an Aidan and Mommy quiet summer.
Let's hope it is filled with potty training success before big school starts for Aidan in August! Let's also hope it includes some pink painting and crib assembly. Drapes... a new big boy room.... what a summer it will be!

Ariana, hold on to your hat. Your brothers are quite the busy bees. We look forward to fitting ballet into our schedule (or karate- whatever you like!)

Hugs!
Michelle