After breakfast this morning we walked to the Red Square area one last time to get some final pictures and souvenirs. There was afunny moment where Shannon and I were talking to each other while shopping at a street vendor. A small girl (11 or
so) next to us said "hello!". We said 'hello' back, and her and about 10 of her friends all giggled. We weren't sure what was going on at first, but soon realized they were wanting to practice their English. I asked them where they were from and one of them
said "We are from Russia!".
I told them they spoke very good English and they giggled again. We asked them some other simple questions so they could answer, and each time they answered back with excitement...laughing after each answer. They asked about the baby, we snapped a picture (attached) with them and said goodbye. It was colder and cloudy here today, so we didn't get the best picture in front of St Basil's Cathedral because Gavin was cold & restless, but it'll have to do. We warmed up inside of the GUM shopping mall and ate lunch. After Gavin's nap, a driver picked us up at 2:30pm to go to the Russian Consulate. 
We basically sat in a waiting room for an hour, I went into an office and signed my name once ... and it was over. So, we're finished with paperwork in Russia. Gavin has a Russian passport with an immigration visa to the US. Once we land on US soil in Atlanta he will become a US citizen. We will need to get him a social security # and us passport (optional, but recommended) when we get back in the states. We were starving when we got back to the hotel so we had Pizza Hut delivered. We will be picked up at 10:00am tomorrow morning to leave for the Moscow airport. Our flight leaves at 1:30pm, we land in Atlanta at 5pm, and KC by 9:10pm.This will be our final post from Russia.
One last video from today - Gavin gettin his groove on:
10 comments:
I can't wait for you to be back in the states. Have a safe trip. Wow, wrestling an alligator. For TEN hours. Good luck with that. I think I would rather do childbirth. You might try the tylenol to get him to sleep. It's definitely worth a try and it won't hurt him. See you in the United States.....
what am i going to do while at work now that you guys are coming home? I suppose I'll just have to start doing what they acutally PAY me to do now! Seriously, I may be dealing with some withdrawel symptoms next week! Do they make a patch for getting over this type of addiction? OK - for real, though...I am so excited that this chaos is almost over for you guys. I am sure this will always be remembered as a once in a lifetime journey for you guys, but WOW...I bet you are totally ready to get back to normalcy and relax a bit! I can't wait to see you guys AND to meet baby Gavin in person sometime soon!
I agree with the withdrawal. It has been a joy to hear from you each day. Even as a grandparent, I may never have that kind of daily update unless you want to continue doing for the next few years. I loved his little dance. Not only is he smart, a mimic, athletic but may be muscically inclined. We will be waiting at the airport! Don't worry about the flight. So far this trip, every leg of the journey has been special. I believe you will find someone or something that makes the trip home a positive memory as well. Love, Mom
You will most likely have plenty of buddies for Gavin to laugh with on the plane...I remember it being called, "The Baby Flight". You will enjoy sharing stories with the other parents on the flight! Remember to cherish the moment you land in America-it is like nothing else you will experience...we still well up thinking about it! We wish you safe travels!
I hope it goes loads smoother than you are anticipating. Wishing I could greet you all. Give him kisses.
I met grandparets yesterday, whose daugher brought home a 2 yr old boy from Russia a year ago March. They said, "can you image, they had to buy a snowsuit to bring him home in and they were coming to SC. We had a good visit and of course I showed them some pictures (I just happen to have.)
Ok, I know this has to end..and like everyone else, I thank you for faithfully updating the blog (and even telling us when you weren't)...but one last request??? Once you're home and settled how about one last update on the flight and of your trip home? Then I'll go back to my hum drum life and get ready for Todd's wedding.
Gee...like everyone else I had tears on adoption day. I never thought I'd have tears when it was over!!! Have a Safe and uneventful trip home.
Well, you are off to the airport! We are sooooo excited to have you come home...I can't hardly stand it. I agree with mom, this trip is blessed. Somehow, someway, some sort of little miracle will get you through the 10+hour flight home a little easier than you anticipate:) Can't wait to hear about it. Love you guys!
Pam....are you kidding...you really think Aaron won't finish the story:) I won't be surprised if "atuel" (Angie, I think) STILL gets no work done because of this post:) You all are too funny:) It has been great reading what everyone has had to say. In my mom's words, Aaron and Shannon have created a wonderful little community of family and friends.
Thank you so much for letting us share your journey with you! We have really enjoyed following along. Have a safe, restful (as much as possible) trip home, and treasure the moment your flight lands and the stamping of Gavin's passport at Immigration. Then you know you have done it: he is your son, you are home, and he is an American. (Exhale.) We are eager to meet him!
Shannon-I am in tears reading this las post from Russia. I can't tell you how happy I am for you, your husband, and your family. Have a safe flight back!
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