Luda

Well we have finally settled in and I have a few minutes to update my blog!  It has been full speed ahead since Miss Luda arrived VERY late on Thursday night.  The plane was due in at 11:22 but was 40 minutes late  :(  And considering that we live 2 1/2 hours away from the Raleigh airport as it is, that made for a very long night.


BUT it was all worth it when we saw this smiling face coming down the walkway to the meeting area......

We were so glad to see this shining, smiley face!  It has only been a couple months since we saw all these children at their orphanage but it really feels like ages ago.

 We made welcome signs for them in Russian, which we double checked with people who actually speak Russian when we got to the airport.  Didn't want them saying the wrong thing!!  ;)

Schuyler was so happy to see her wonderful friend Natalya again!!

Since that time just a few days ago, we have been having a lot of fun!  We are just trying to do some "normal" kid things with her, things that our children enjoy and are a regular part of our summer.  First stop the next night was the pool......

And of course there were baths afterwards  :)  She is so good with our two little ones, I have to pry them away from her at times  :)

Of course some shopping was in order!  We found some really cute clothes, shoes, and even a great purse.  These earrings however did NOT make the cut....

These Converse sneakers did though, hers are on the right.  Cute huh?  Have to have a pair-- very American.

She REALLY loves the babies!

Then of course we had to paint nails.....

And we had fun with a few different crafts like bracelet and keychain making....

Here is one of their finished products....

And there was even time for a movie.  Look at their faces!  This must have been one of the action packed moments.....

Last, but certainly not least, we had a little belated birthday party for her last night

She picked out all the ingredients and even wanted to help make them.

The look on her face as we sang Happy Birthday was so sweet.  She was SO happy! 

 Not too bad for a finished product, and they tasted really good!

 Just a little celebration with a few of our friends... 16 kids in one house last night!  Little Atticus was already asleep by the time we took this picture.  And all these kids are just from two families....

So, so far, a great time is being had by all.  She is really seeming to be enjoying herself.  She is really comfortable with all the kids, comfortable enough to tease and tickle and poke... and try to drown them in the pool  ;)  We are really enjoying her being here!  More to come!