We are home!!! And a family of five.

What a trip!! The kids really didn't do too bad considering the long trip. Our ride picked us up at 10:30 am Moscow time (9:30 pm AZ time) and drove us to the airport. Our plane left at 2:40 pm and we arrived in Chicago at 3:30 pm. The didn't sleep much on that ride. We went through passport control and Libby and Abby became US citizens. They have the little stamp to prove it. Our flight to Tucson was a bit delayed, but we made it home at 9:30 pm. All three kids slept on the second flight and so did Mama and Papa and Melanie.

We arrived to a great welcoming group with a HUGE banner! It was great to see our dear friends and family welcoming us home. We were so tired, we barely spoke. Libby was her usual friendly self giving lots of touches. Abby clung to my side and said little. All three were so tired. Ben had a meltdown as we came off the plane, so he was thrilled to see Uncle Logan and Isaac. Between the two, he got lots of loving. Lilly was thrilled to see her Mommy and she was also happy to see Mama, Papa and Ben.

We got all three in the car seats. Abby screamed at first, but settled down after a little bit. Mama and Papa stopped at Taco Bell for a quick snack and Dr Pepper. Man had I missed Dr Pepper. We arrived home at 11:00 pm and got all three to bed by midnight. Considering all the newness, that is not bad!

Unfortunately, we did not get much sleep. Abby was hard to put to sleep. She just fights it so much. We have to get a crib tent today because she tries to climb out of the crib. But she is way too young for a toddler bed. Libby woke up crying at 2:00 am. Then Abby woke up crying at 4:00 am. By 5:30 we had tried everything we could, but decided to get up. We knew the two girls were hungry.

We hadn't considered food when we came home. Our fridge was bare. We were able to scrounge up some applesauce and rice cereal for the girls and Papa and Ben are now at the grocery store. Libby is playing and Abby is wondering around making her "doi doi" sounds. Mama is anxious for Papa to return because I'm hungry!

By the way, Mama has lost her voice. I'd appreciate prayers for healing. My throat hurts and I'm all congested. It's tough watching children with no voice.