Still No Confirmation

Here are the likely events.

Wednesday, February 28th – Leave Phoenix with a one and a half hour layover in Atlanta (a much shorter travel time than last time).

Thursday, March 1st – Arrive Moscow; overnight stay in hotel

Friday, March 2nd – We receive medical examinations by Russian doctors (8 specialists); overnight train to Bryansk

Saturday, March 3rd – arrive Bryansk; drive to Klinsky and Karachev to see the kids

Sunday, March 4th – free day in Bryansk

Monday, March 5th – the court date; overnight train to Moscow

Waiting Period – After the court date, allow 5 calendar days for the decree to be issued, then the 10 calendar day waiting period begins. We return home for the wait.

Tuesday, March 6th – Leave Moscow, thru Atlanta

Wednesday, March 7th – Arrive Phoenix; return to normal work routine

Sunday March 18th – Dust off the shamrocks and leave for Moscow, thru Atlanta

Monday March 19th – Arrive Moscow; overnight train to Bryansk

Tuesday March 20th – Arrive Bryansk; car ride to Klinsty and Karachev to pick up the kids

OK, let's pause a second there. That's the moment. That's the one for which we've hoped, planned and prayed. The real journey begins at that moment. It may be a frightening beginning for the kid's, suddenly snatched from their caretakers, familiar surroundings and companions...I know it will be frightening for the new parents...but there will be a very bright and warm future ahead for all of us.

We'll always remember that moment, and recount it to the kids over and over as they grow up. Some call it the "Gotcha Day" and it becomes an annual celebration as important as a birthday.

OK, back to details:

Still Tuesday March 20 – Obtain the adoption decree and passports for the kids; overnight train to Moscow

Wednesday March 21 – Medical exams for the kids

Thursday March 22 – US Embassy appointment for visas for the kids

Friday March 23rd – Register the kids with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Saturday March 24th – free day in Moscow - what will we do?!

Sunday March 25th – another free day in Moscow - what will we do?!

Monday March 26th – Pick up the registration from the Russian Ministry

Tuesday March 27th – Leave Moscow thru Atlanta(our most traveled to city)

Wednesday March 28th – Arrive Phoenix and the kids first look at their new home, their dog and two cats and new grandma's, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. Might even take them to the grocery store...Oh, but that's a whole other story.