Latest news and updates

Moscow

Well everyone, we are back in Moscow now. We got her passport on Friday from the police station. (militia station) Sunday was the 425 anniversary of the Arkhangelsk City and all sorts of festivities had been set up and planned. In fact we almost could not stay the last night at the hotel as it was rumored the President of Russia was coming and had a lot of diplomats and security that needed the hotel. We were told about 3 days before that everyone had to leave. We think however, that plans changed and the hotel could not find us another place to stay, that they allowed us to remain. However, they cut us off from the internet and it was generally annoying. At least we were not out on the street. So on Saturday it was beautiful out and we found a little fair set up. Ally and I road on a little train and Thomas took pictures. She also ate some French fries and got excited to see a person in a bit cat outfit. Daddy bought her a pin wheel and a little car that she picked out from a vendor.

Sunday morning we left the Pur hotel and Arkhangelsk for Moscow. She did really well on the plane but I was a bit uncomfortable. It was a little plane and that had a lot of heat on. So glad to get it over with. We were picked up and taken to a little apartment in downtown Moscow. It looks like a very old building and is very small. Thomas took a video of it. It also has the elevator of terror. We only ride it up as we are on the 6^th floor, and take the stairs going down. It is very small and makes a lot of rattling and chain clinking noises when it runs.

We are glad to have air conditioning, internet and a small kitchen. Although we were pretty tired we ventured out to the main street and found and English restaurant to eat in. We had fresh vegetables and steak, and the best Guinness that Thomas said he has ever had. I even drank some and I won’t touch it at home. It tastes like burned coffee at home. It was an expensive, but glad to get normal food again. There is a McDonalds down the street, but we have not gone there yet.

This morning (Monday) an embassy representative doctor came to the apartment to give Ally a check up and make sure all her immunizations and Dr. reports are in order. That was fine and our representative has taken all the paperwork over to the embassy to submit for us. We are just now waiting to make sure all of it is in order and get an appointment for Tuesday. We will then go meet with them and get all of her travel documents. (fingers crossed) we are close.

We can’t wait to get back home. She is not quite sure of the new places and keeps brining me her shoes and every time I get up to move she jumps up like we are leaving. It will be good to get her home and settled. She loves all of the toys and things we have for her. She has been pretty good about sharing with the other little kids we have been playing with. However at the airport yesterday, a little girl wanted to play with the learning puppy and so I let her. Ally looked a bit funny. Then when she had her cars out the other little kids wanted to play too and she took them away. That was the first time I saw her show possessiveness. I got a look from her a bit earlier as if to say, stop making friends for me, these are my toys. J We have also learned that colder milk is not good in the morning and causes reguratiation. Must warm milk first. J Overall she is doing pretty well for what all is going on. We just can’t wait to get home. We miss you all and our dog Moffitt too. J

Only a couple of steps left and hopefully will be on our way in about 48 hours.