Time to go!

The day we've waited for is finally here...we'll board our Lufthansa flight tonight and begin our 4th journey to Kazakhstan. All but the very last preparations are completed (the minor detail of packing is still on my to-do list). Aunt Donna and Uncle Woody are in the house and fully schooled in the care and feeding of the kids and dogs. Craig is officially on leave from work and I have completed my last consulting project meeting before our departure. The kids are holding up pretty well...they're nervous about our leaving but are already settling in with their aunt and uncle, enjoying their attention and making plans for the things they'll all do together while Mom and Dad are gone.

As for us, we'll land in Almaty just before midnight on 10/10 after a 24+ hour trip, spend a short night in a hotel, and fly on to Ust around noon on 10/11. We hope to see the boys on 10/12. We'll be jet lagged but so ready.

They say it takes a village to raise a child...and I can tell you it's also true of adopting one (or two!). We have an incredible village, from the family, friends, and teachers who are providing care and support to our kids to the many other wonderful folks who have helped us on the way. Our adoption professionals have been awesome, hanging in with us through thick and thin , helping us update docs and our homestudy and listening to us kvetch and moan throughout the process. Our larger network of friends, colleagues and other adoptive parents have provided moral support from far and wide. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of you...and you're all invited to the party we plan to have when we finally get the boys home for good.

We don't know if it will be all smooth sailing from here or if we'll face more rough seas with this adoption process...but we're up for the challenge. Watch this space!