Ready, Get Set, Go!

So, we've had our dinner, packed our bags and are settling down for the evening.
We ate our first "american" meal tonight at TGI Friday's and it tasted pretty darn good.
A taste of things to come :)

We went to the Embassay at 2, and they finished our paperwork right then and we did not have to come back at 4pm like we originally were told, that was nice. They said as soon as we touch down in NY, Marina will be an American citizen!! She is quite excited!

She and James have really seemed to bond more since we've been here, so that is great. They wrestle and pick on each other relentlessly! So much so, that I have to tell him or her to quit - that's enough :) It's nice though.

After we were done at the Embassay, we went to a store to get the rest of the gifts we wanted to bring back and then ate dinner and walked home. The whole time with Marina begging or being a nag as it is, to take a taxi, that she couldn't walk anymore. She can say that very plain "mommmm, I caaaaan't walk, pleeeeease taxi". It's just heartbreaking isn't it? hahahaha :) Somehow, she managed to make the climb up the hill to our apartment - which by the way, is a BIGGER HILL than the one behind the orphanage!! We probably walked about 6 miles today. I think that is about average for the last couple days. It's a lot more than we are used to, that's the truth. I really do not know how the women manage to climb these hills in 3 -4 inch heals!! I would die - quite literally! Most of Kiev is VERY hilly, to our surprise. It seems the main streets are fairly flat, while the side streets seem to go up hill to another main street. Some of the streets are cobblestone, which I think is neat. I like the sound of the tires on the car running over the cobblestone. There are some things here I would have liked to have seen - monuments and sightseeing kinda stuff, but I am also glad we are headed home. I am ready. I hope Hannah and Jordan will let us rest some though, we are very tired too. We just realized today just how worn out we are. Now that everything is done and approved and final, it hit us how drained we really are. It will take a while not only to recover from the trip, but also to get used to the time change again. That took us about a week and 1/2 to fully switch over when we came here.

I had told Marina that she could go trick-or-treating this year since we'll be back in time and she said she would stay home. Hmmmm, I wondered why??? Today I had Natalie ask her why and it was because she can't speak English. I had Natalie tell her that all she needs to say is "trick-or-treat" so she practiced that and said "Okay!" So, now she has plans to wear a "pink" costume. I am wondering what pink thing she intends to be???

Well, please pray for safe travels, no lost luggage and no problems for us.
We'll see eveyone soon. Love to all!