January 17, 2011 Final Return to Russia !!!

I know its been a while since I have written anything on here and I apologize, so I am going to try to back track my blog entries to keep them all chronological for everyone reading.

We head back to Russia on Jan. 15 departure, this time on United Airlines. (yes we are STILL trying to get a refund from Aeroflot!) .  The return trip was pretty uneventful, for once, and we arrive with all the connections in Yekaterinburg on January 16 at 800pm.  
Seeing Yuri and Lydia and for the last time was bitter sweet, we were happy to be done, but there were people we would miss.  They are certainly two of them !

Arriving at the Park Inn was like arriving home after a two week trip.  Everything was already prepared for us, crib, extra towels, extra pillows, etc.  Everyone greeted us and they were so happy to see us again, although sad that this would be our last trip.

We settled into our room, went downstairs for a night cap (we find ourselves drinking more since embarking on the adoption road) and relaxed a bit.  The next morning we would pick up our children for the last time.

Everything was pretty easy in Yekaterinburg; Olga and Lydia had prepared everything for our arrival. We were also kind of glad we waited for Lydia to return from her London vacation; we would have missed her if we came on the 10th.

The boys ran to us when we arrived in their room for the last time ! They was so encouraging.  We watched so many families enter the music room and change their children's clothes for the trip home. I watched with tears every time it happened, knowing that soon it would be our turn.  Now here we were, and another family watched us with the same heavy heart we have all carried.

The boys were eager to leave with us, which was encouraging.  They kissed all the care takers goodbye and hugs were given all around.  We waved good bye to the orphanage for the last time.  Again, bitter sweet; great memories, but there were better ones ahead.

The boys were so curious they had no fear of leaving and going to hotel. This was just one big adventure to them and they were willing and happy participants.  The hotel was a great place to embark on new adventures. Eating in a restaurant for the first time, sleeping in a King sized bed with Mama, bathing in a nice bathroom with heated floors.  Things we take for granted everyday, they were just knowing.

Anatoly and Maria met us that afternoon to get a bag full of gifts we brought them from the US and some stuff that Carol and Richard sent as well.  They gave the boys Park Inn stuffed bears, which they still sleep with to this day !  We were catered to in Ekat and we will never forget the people that made us always feel at home in Siberia !  It was cold outside, but we were always warm with smiles inside !

The 18th we departed for Moscow for a 3 day journey to citizenship (turned out to be 4, but that will come later).  We were met by who we thought was Jane and found out was Tanya and the drive Vladimir.  They were cordial and polite, but they were NOT Yuri and Lydia !

We went to the Renaissance where we confirmed a family suite for the stay, just so we would be more comfortable with 4 people.  There were many Americans and other nationalities there.  Moscow was definitely a melting pot, much like NYC.  We remembered when Dmitri told us that on our second trip.

Noah and Jack cuddled with Mama inn the King Sized bed, got Room Service for dinner that night and watched TV on a big screen. Wow, I would be excited and they were too.  They had a blast.  The next morning we would be woken at 6a for the visit with the Embassy Doctor.  A very nice man in his 50's and very down to earth.  A quick visit with two groggy kids, but they quickly woke and began to play with him and his stethoscope.

After the visit we waited for Tanya to fill out paperwork. Wednesday would be our day to do what we wanted while she went to the embassy for our appointments.   Around 1pm we asked the concierge to get us a cab to take us to Red Square. It would be a shame to come all this way and not even see it.
Even though it was -27 degrees in Yekaterinburg, it was actually colder in Moscow. The wind was crazy bitter.

We got to Red Square and were dropped across the street by the cab, who was to return in 2 hours to pick us up at the same location.  Well who ever thought that just getting across the street to Red Square would be such an adventure.  First, whoever thought that Moscow is such a BIG city that there are people that speak English, WRONG !!!   There were more English speakers in Ekat and that's in Siberia (almost)!

So we watched and I noticed that no one was crossing the street here. I saw a staircase going underground with a big M, normally this would be a Metro station, which it probably was, but in this case it was also the way to get across the street.  Who would thought ?!

So we carry the double stroller, with the kids in it, down the stairs.  Not ADA friendly here either !  A nice lady helped with my diaper bag while Joe and I managed the Stroller.  We looked like tourists, no doubt, but I have to say that the Russians are very courteous when it comes to children. (only children that is).

We maneuvered the underground, which is not easy in a double stroller.  The doorways are as thin as the Russian women and we had to take the kids out of the stroller to get through them and try to carry the kids and the strollers and the diaper bag.   We finally got to the other side and walked into Red Square. 
It was impressive, the beautiful buildings with their minarets (not sure of spelling) at the top of assorted colors.   The Kremlin with a wall around it the size of the Great Wall of China.  People bundled up and cobblestone walkways. 
We found a small stand and were able to buy two small Russian speaking mouse like animals called a "Cheburuska" (again, not sure of spelling).  The children loved them, but we did not last long at Red Square. As we headed more into the wind, it bit at our faces and the children started crying.  Noah wanted to walk, or should I say RUN, and Jack just wanted to be inside in his warm hotel room. 

We made it a little while, about an hour, and most of that was trying to get across the street.  Then we called the hotel and asked the concierge to call the cab driver to pick us up again.  We made the trek back across the street and the crying children drew stares like we were a circus act.

Long story short...we went back to the warmth and comfort of the hotel, ordered room service and a nice bottle of wine for mom and dad and watched some movies before and after the kids went to bed.  Tomorrow would be our trip to the US Embassy !

The Embassy was really the easiest part of the entire adoption.  They talk about an exit interview, but honestly I don't even remember an interview. Some questions, yes, but is that what they call an interview. That part was easy.  I heard some people say "oh, don't worry about the embassy...blah blah..."  I would say that it is such a non issue, don't even think about it. 

Of course the only time my boys decided to have a meltdown was in the embassy.  Noah threw his cup across the room and broke the "unbreakable" sippy cup and Jack fell off the chair onto the hard floor.  It was comical.  Everyone was very amazed at our twins, and honestly we are still amazed every day.

We got all of our paperwork and instructions and waited for the next day when we could finally split this joint for good !!
Friday came and we gladly packed and readied ourselves and 2 toddlers for the 10.5 hour flight ahead.
The good thing was that we upgraded to Business Class....Best thing we EVER did !!

The bad news.....It seemed like a great flight. Two hours in and the kids fell asleep, mom and dad were watching movies and sipping wine and eating warm nuts.  Then the pilot comes on........
"Ladies and gentlemen it seems we have a problem with the wing flaps and have to return to Moscow to repair it.  We apologize and will let you know what is happening once we land. Please tighten your seatbelts as we will come in fast and hard."

REALLY??????!@#$^$(@%&@#$)%&
Are we just being held captive or do we really have the crapiest luck when it comes to flying???
We land back in Domodedovo, climb down the ice covered stairs on the tarmack, and get into another bus to bring us to the terminal.  We won't be leaving today for the US.  :(
At this point I could not get upset as we had the kids with us and I had to hold it together for them, but after the 4 day nightmare in Moscow on trip two,, I was SO DONE with this city and country !

Joe collected our luggage (at the EXACT spot where 31 people died 36 hours later from a terrorist attack---chilling) and I went to the only United counter ahead of the 200 passengers to secure our seats on the next day's flight.  Luckily, because we were in Business Class we were automatically rebooked for Saturday's Flight. THANK GOD !! another great decision on my part !
United knew how to handle their customers, although I did have to get my Russian Attitude on with a few people that tried to push in front of me...not this time Natasha...BACK IT UP B !!!!

We got our flights, seats and luggage and our vouchers for the airport hotel.  At least this stay wouldn't cost us $3000 like when Aeroflot stranded us.  Yet ANOTHER reason to applaud the Americans !
We checked into another hotel. The boys were great. They went with the flow. no crying, no whining, nothing. The people were amazed at how well behaved they were. (honestly, so were we !)
I cried at one point, but my kids didn't !

We checked in to the hotel, got some dinner and some much needed sleep.  Saturday we met all of our English comrades back in the Business Class line (what great people we met this trip) and we chatted while we played Groundhog day again.  Re-check the boys' paperwork (as if we changed who they were from yesterday.)  Recheck all the docs at passport control....again.  But Security......non existent. 
Joe and I made a few comments on how lax it was at Domodedovo and the bombing 36 hours later proved that one.

We finally boarded the plane and were truly headed for the USA this time !  We finished the glasses the wine, the boys were sleeping in their comfy chairs and mom and dad were trying to watch movies and chill out after a long and arduous journey that we would never ever repeat.....say for the kids of course.

We landed January 22, 2011 in Dulles Airport in Washington DC.  The peace and glory to be on US soil with our children.  Official US citizens...two more to add to the bunch of free people !

Our driver was waiting for us outside and I was never happier to get into a car and start our 3 hour drive from DC to Wildwood. Glad we booked the car instead of going to PHL for the connection; as it turned out, we would have missed our 5pm Cnx and the 10pm was delayed until 1am....Sometimes I am glad I am a planner and a thinker aheader !!

We arrive int he driveway at 9pm Saturday and Kathlyn, Grandparents, Bryce and Ray are there to meet us with decorations everywhere !  We were exhausted, but it was a good feeling !