I'm typing this a few days later so hopefully will recall the highlights anyways!
I was awake somewhat early and got ready and went to do a final posting after getting my coffee. We were all dressed and ready by the time our breakfast came a little after 8am. It was fabulous! A nice "American Breakfast" of eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, bread, grilled tomato and mushrooms. Also juice and coffee for me, hot chocolate for Brian. A nice start to the day!
Our driver arrived right on time and we about an hour ride to the airport. It was nice seeing more of the city but really is just a lot of apartment buildings!! Big ones!
Our checkin and passage through passport control and security all went well. We did have to show the adoption papers to the airport official and the passport control guy. That was fine! The passport young man also asked Genya something, I think if he knew who he was going with or something. That was fine also – somewhat reassuring! We had to wait in line to get into a secured waiting area and if we would have left there we would have had to do the security check in that area again so we just waited. W e did the "pre-boarding" as we had a young child and Genya was the FIRST ONE on the plane. He ran down the ramp onto the plane. We had the purser on the flight tell him not to put the eating tray up and down continually and some other airline basics and overall Genya did very well oon the flight. A few too many turning the reading lights on and off but that was about it. We didn't show him the toilet in the lavatory flushed so that wasn't as much fun for him – I'd just flush it while leaving! LOL He did fall asleep for about 30-minutes early in the flight and then for about 2-3 hours at the end. Neither Brian or I slept but it was a comfortable flight and decent enough entertainment on the TV screen. The food was ok and service was good. We actually arrived EARLY into Chicago – almost 45-minutes early I think! Genya did throw up a little at the end so got his "welcome clothes" home on then.
Immigration was no problems – the gal at passport control thought Genya was cute as he was winking at her – and then we went to the 2nd stage of immigration where it had been said it might be 45-minutes. We handed the guy our packet of paperwork, he stamped Genya's passport and said "go through customs" That was it! We did have to "redline" and get our bags scanned and then we were into the terminal – anxious to see JJ and everyone!
But where were they??? No one was there that looked familiear?! I thought maybe they got delayed but Brian went to look and faound them waiting for us but didn't let them know he saw them. He came back and got us and so instead of them welcoming US we welcomed THEM!! It was funny! JJ was so happy to see us – he looks so TALL! Kathy & Marty Friend and Jane Cook and her daughter Ava (officially daughter as of 3/17) were there too – Jane was a surprise! Had driven 4-hours one way to greet us!! How nice!
JJ was anxious to get us going so we didn't have a long time to visit but it was so nice – Genya was happy with the balloons and pinwheel and greeted everyone happily! We then went into the limo/bus and headed towards Wisconsin. Stopped at Culver's Restaurant for dinner – Genya and JJ had hot dogs – and then back on the road. Genya did throw up a little bit again so must suffer a little motion sickness. We moved him into the center of the bus then instead of the rear. I think almost everyone slept a little on the way home – I know Genya and I did for sure!
It was so nice to walk into our home – it looked so BIG and clean! Thanks, Mom and Carissa for helping to get it ready for us! We found some PJs for Genya and JJ and got them into bed… it wasn't real easy this first night but I finally slept by JJ for awhile and Genya did fall asleep eventually – until 3:30am anyways when he woke up the whole house!
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