Just for Juliette

We are sad we aren't with you on your birthday but
we took some special birthday pictures for you!

Orange Peel Birthday from Sara

Happy Birthday looking over Dnipro River. It was so cold!

On the Subway. People were really looking at us funny, but it was worth it because we love you!

Last from Santa, but we lost the birthday somewhere. Oops!

We love you and hope you have a wonderful Birthday. Eat lots of yummy cake for us.

More Kiev Pictures and SDA

Our SDA appointment went well. They got a big kick out of the girls. They were impressed with their Russian and asked them lots of questions. Sara made them laugh, of course! The girls made it smooth sailing for us, they didn't even ask us a single question. We have to go back tomorrow to pick up our referral to see the kids. We will then take the night train and be in Dnipro on Friday morning.

I am excited and nervous to meet them. We saw recent pictures of them and it gave me butterflies. I am wondering how I am going to feel? How are they going to feel? Christy is Alina going to say, "Yes?" I can't wait to get it over with, I am sooo nervous. When I met Sara for the first time she ran into my arms and said, " Hi mom" in Russian. She was so shy but I loved her right away. Will it be different now that I know what I am getting into? Oh dear, oh dear!

The Girls love being back in Ukraine

Girls and their favorite snacks.






Dried Squid anyone? Remember how stinky?



Lena's got Keifer! She loves that stuff.

Cleaning lady Lena

My cute Lena can't stand our dirty apartment. She has been giving it a good cleaning and showing us how it is done Ukraine style. The landlords will wish we stayed longer.

For you Wendy

We have had some pretty yummy Ukrainian food but that Buffett place is not so good. We thought we would try it for old times sake. Never again! Yuck! Lena and I are collecting do's and don't's for Ukrainian food. She will be a pro by the time we get home.

Wendy, when our kids talk about getting only a box of chocolates for Christmas this is what they are talking about. The girls were so excited when they saw them.

The girls and Kiev

We are staying near the square, it is snowy and the sidewalks are slippery and steep. Jeff is worried I will fall and hit my head again, so they hold onto me tight. It is ok with me because I can slide while they hold me on either side. The girls say I am getting my skiing in for the year.

It is so strange to be back in Ukraine- So many memories. Wendy we walked by the Spa and the hot chocolate restaurant. Kostya told us it was a Russian bath. He didn't have to tell me, I KNOW!

We will have to go back for old times sake, the restaurant, NOT the Russian bath.

The apartment is worse than I remembered. It is good I brought the girls they are dying. They think it is so dirty. Ha ha ha! They laugh at the stove, the fridge and pretty much everything. They say Dnipro will be better. Ha ha ha ha! Those of you who have been will know why that is funny.

There is a stuffed lion in the living room of our apartment. The girls laughed at it and I reminded them that they used to decorate our family room with stuffed animals. Sara laughed and laughed, she said she forgot about that.


The girls are super excited to be back in Ukraine. They love the food. Lena ordered some gelatin nastiness at dinner and loved it. Super yuck!

Our Sda appointment is tomorrow. Kostya said they have changed a lot of laws so the process could be slower, bad news. He said for sure no waiving the 10 day wait now. He is 99% we only need one court, since they are brother and sister,good news! We will know for sure tomorrow after our SDA appt.