7 years later...

...I'm still strolling down memory lane this time every year. It's hard for me to believe, but seven years ago today we were standing before a Russian judge, in a Russian court room presenting our petitions to adopt Olga and Nina!

Pictures - Going Home

This picture was taken in the Ykaterinburg airport as we were beginning our journey home via Moscow.

After a fellow-adoptive father (his wife and new son are in the background, along with another adoptive mom and her mother) took this picture he was approached by a very official looking (in uniform) person and told that he/we could NOT take any pictures in the airport. Whoa! That sure was sobering to us all.

Pictures - Farewell Party at the Orphanage

This is at the orphanage during Olga's and Nina's "farewell party".

Olga let us know (through our translator) that she wanted to throw a party for the kids before she left. So, on that day the orphanage driver, orphanage director, translator, and our little family went shopping for balloons, fresh fruit, flavored tea, and some special cakes!

The kids had a great time and at the end of the party (and picture taking) in unison said, "spa-cee-bah! (thank you) with great enthusiasm!

(Olga is standing, fourth from the right. Nina is sitting, first on the right)

Pictures - Court Hearing

This picture was taken right after the judge (seated) approved our adoption of Olga and Nina! The proceedings went smoothly, but had some "tense" moments! Left to right: Papa, Mama, Nina, judge, Olga, prosecuting attorney, orphanage director, social worker.