April 30

I just wanted to write a quick note to let everyone know that Ethan and Caleb left at 1pm this afternoon and are currently in Almaty at the Hotel Kazakhstan hanging out with a fellow adoptive dad, waiting to catch their 3am flight to Frankfurt. Though, I will say it was a rough start to the trip, as we were standing in line at the little Petro Airport, Caleb pulled on our biggest suitcase and it fell on top of him as he fell backwards. There were tears and more tears and a lot of Russians looking at us like "Stupid Americans, letting their kid fall". Anyway, I pray that the rest of the trip goes a little smoother (he was fine, just a little "shook up"). It was SO hard to say goodbye to Caleb, but I know it is for the best. Seven weeks in Kazakhstan in a hotel room is enough for a little guy. He was such a trooper, I am so proud of my little guy. So, Julia and I had a peaceful afternoon. I took her to the playground and pushed her on a swing. It is amazing how quiet life is without 50% of the family. One more day checked off the calendar, one more day closer to us all being home.
Oh, one story that I did want to share, yesterday I was on the floor with Julia while Caleb was napping and Ethan was on the computer. All of a sudden, I realized that Ethan had downloaded "Proud to be an American" by Kenny Rogers, I looked up at him and he was just sitting there, solemnly listening to the song staring off into space. I thought to myself, "Yep, it is time for us to go home". Fourth of July will take on a whole new meaning for us this year!