Thursday

Keegan went to school - not that he wanted to, he wanted to stay home with his brother and sister. Kenny stayed home and I was there too! It was a great day! Kristina got up around 845 and John got up around 940. Kenny thought he was going to sleep all day. We had breakfast and then went to do a little shopping. Went to Sam's to pick up some "kid foods" and then onto Wal-Mart for Halloween costumes! Kristina is going to be Double Trouble (Half devil/half angel) and John is going to be a yellow transformer. Not either of the kids first choice - but what do you expect shopping two days before Halloween. By the end of the shopping trip, Kenny was feeling bad so we went home and he slept until dinner time. I took the kids and we went and picked up the big brother from school. The kids were very excited to see him and when he got into the car, Kristina called him by his name for the first time. Big smile on the big boy again! We got home and Keegan let the kids ride their bikes and play outside in the back yard with just him. Did I ever mention, that Keegan was going to be a great big brother? So dinner time came and Kenny got up and was feeling much better. Dinner for five! It was very nice! After dinner Keegan's best friend Danny came over to meet the kids - he also is very excited about teaching the kids new things. Then our normal routine for the evening - hang out and then bath time. We haven't done story time just yet that is going to be shortly. Right know, Kenny and Kristina are playing with the slot machine and John is sitting in the recliner with Keegan watching a movie and holding his hand. Keegan also got his first little brother kisses although they were on his hand. I told him that's okay - that is the only way I have gotten them too! One more thing about a smiling big brother, the kids have been calling him Keegan since we got home from his school today. When Danny left this evening, I heard him and Keegan talking about how fun it is at our house again! What a wonderful thing to hear from two 15 year old boys! Well, it's story time and then bed time. So until later....................Good Night from the very happy Duda House.

Wednesday

Good-bye Seoul! Hello Tokyo! Good-bye Tokyo! Hello United States of America! Well I don't want to sound like I am bragging, but the kids did a great job on the planes! The first flight to Tokyo was uneventful - got upgraded to business class (more leg room - a little bigger seat). 3.5 hours layover in Tokyo - again no problems. The kids watched a video. Now for the 11.5 hour flight. Well again no complaints with the kids. No upgrade though. Kids slept about 9 hours of the flight. I on the other hand did not sleep very much. I was on the aisle and anytime I attempted to sleep, one of the stewardesses would bang a cart right into my armrest or my seat. So no sleep for the the Mama! We arrived in Chicago on time, went through passport control. Then to customs! Again very quick. Then on to baggage claim. That was really the only hold-up - then someone from the airport comes out and says luggage from Tokyo is on the floor - not on the turn style. So upon hearing that - we got our luggage right away. Then customs - we had to get all the bags x-rayed! It feels like we had our bags x-rayed a dozen times. Oh well! Next step, seeing the family! The best part of the day! The kids were a little shy but warmed up quite quickly. Kristina was very excited to see her big brother in person. John only had eyes for his Papa. The ride home was again uneventful. We got home and the kids met the dogs for the first time. Kristina LOVES the dogs! Everything about them. John likes the dogs - no tears, no fears, just doesn't like them giving him kisses. Then after about an hour of investigating their new room, the house and the back yard, the oldest child asked Mom "what's for dinner?" I looked at him and said "I have been gone a month I have no idea what's for dinner!" Gotta love kids! So we decided to go out for dinner - we went to a local place and on the way into the restaurant, I told the kids "Hold your big brother's hand". They both did it and you should have seen the smile on the biggest kid's face. He was over the moon! After dinner we got home and did our normal bed time routine - bath, story time and bed. Kenny has been a little under the weather so he went right to bed and I laid with the kids for a little while. Everyone was sleeping by 10PM. So until tomorrow...........Good-bye from Elwood, Illinois.

Tuesday

I was sad to say "Good-bye to Vladivostok" and our new friends, but it is time to head home! I was happy to say "Hello to Seoul". The plane ride was great! No problems at all. The kids had a blast. Some how we got moved up to first class, I have no idea why, but it was great! The kids loved looking out the window and before we even left, they loved to look at all the other planes in the airport. They never left their seats. It was great, now let's see if I say that after the 11 1/2 hour flight tomorrow. So 1 flight down and 2 to go until we are home. Here we sit in the hotel room in Seoul, winding down. So until later.........Good-bye from Seoul!

Monday - Meltdown

And is wasn't the kids! I guess I am ready to go home! I really miss my boys! I talked to Kenny and Keegan today and had a meltdown. I can't believe how much one person could miss someone. I knew I missed the kids when we went home after the first trip but that won't happen again! Missing my boys at home really bad! Can't wait for Wednesday to be here!

The kids and I had lunch in the restaurant today - chicken noodle soup and banana splits for dessert. We met a new couple today, Sara and Stephen who have court tomorrow for their little guy Max. We wished them "Good Luck!"

The Currans and us Dudas walked to the little grocery store this afternoon. It was great to get out and breathe some fresh air. After that, we played on the playground with two more families. One with a 20 month named Max and another family with five year old Emmitt who are waiting for their 10 day wait to be over for their new little guy! Did I ever mention that this is a great place to meet other adoptee families? Well if I haven't, I just did!

After playing on the playground, the kids wanted to take baths and settle in for the night. So they took baths and put on their pj's. We had dinner in our room and then I packed up all of our stuff. So actually we are ready to go for the morning. Our driver will be picking us up at 1145am and we will meet the co-ordinator at the airport with the kids visas and other very important paperwork.

So as much as I want to get home to my boys, I am going to miss this place and the wonderful people I have met along the way. I need to send out a special thank you to the Curran Family, the Cole Family, the Scrudato Family and Pam and Elena Baker for all they did for me. They did not let me hang out in the room by myself after Kenny had to head home. Thank you guys for everything! I really mean it. I can't wait to see pictures of all of the kids. Another special thank you to Bill and Michelle for putting up with me the last week or so. It has been a wonderful ride! Thanks guys! So until later..................(from Seoul) Paka from Russia!

Sunday - Kristina's 8th Birthday

Our trip to the beach - John loves to throw rocks into the water and Kristina loves to look for shells. "I get to blow out the candles?"
What the heck is this thing?

The Birthday Girl!

Project from yesterday:

First of all, it was another beautiful day in Russia! It started out an hour earlier than usual. We had to turn the clocks back an hour. We had a great morning just hanging out. We had a big breakfast and lunch and then headed out to the beach. The Curran's came with us and we had a awesome time. Got to see an old guy in a speedo swimming (What is he nuts?). The kids played in the sand and did not seem to be bothered by the water at all. We watched trains go by and saw lots of birds walking on the beach. We forgot to bring some bread to feed them. After our trip to the beach, we walked back to the hotel and then finished up our projects from yesterday - just needed to glue them together. Around 530, we headed to the White Rabbit for Kristina's party. The Currans were there and at one point I believe all 6 of us had on party hats. We put up decorations and even had noise maker things. Thanks Keegan for picking all the stuff out, it was a big success. The cake came and it was very tasty too! A good time was had by all! All three kids interacted every well and Kristina keep Bill, Michelle and Jackson dancing. (She got a card from her brothers that played the Tinker Bell song.) Every once in awhile she would open it so it sang and then they danced. She thought that was quite fun. I even got to interact with Jackson. Let me tell you, he sure is a cutie! He loves to walk all around and to and from his mama and papa. I actually got to play a little ball with him and he let me join in the walk to me fun. So the party was a success! Tomorrow is our last full day in Vladivostok, we leave on Tuesday afternoon! Hey boys, we are coming home all three of us! YAHOO!!!! I can honestly say that I am going to miss this place, it brought our new family together and will always have a special place in my heart! This also has been a place for us to meet some really great people and for that, I will never forget it or any of them. I am excited to keep in touch with all of them and see pictures of the little ones as they grow! So until later.......Paka from Russia!

Saturday

Saturday was another fun filled day. We (The Currans and The Dudas) walked to the little grocery store to get the last of what we need for the end of the trip. We angered a few Russians in line at the grocery. We had baskets full and all they wanted was to buy a beer for lunch. So all in all it was okay. After getting back to the hotel and putting the groceries away, we went out to the playground to play. We had a blast with the kids playing on all of the playground equipment. The Currans came out there with us until Jack's naptime. The kids even interacted with them for the first time, throwing mini beach balls at them (Not the baby - the adults). We had a very nice time. We went in and hung out in the room for a while and worked on our project for the day. We painted all the parts and tomorrow we will glue them together and I will post pictures tomorrow. Then it was time for dinner. Pasta, sauce, corn and peaches. A hit! Yeah! After cleaning up from dinner, we watched a movie and looked at all the pictures that we have taken since we have been in Russia. Then it was bathtime and a GREAT time was had by all. Then story time and then bed time. Again a big success! So until later........Paka from Russia! (Tomorrow - Sunday is Kristina's 8th Birthday! We are going to the beach and then a party in the White Rabbit!)

Friday

Well another fun filled day in Russia! We went out to the playground and had fun as usual. I will probably lose the mother of the year award - because the playground equipment was still wet from the night rain and our kids dried it off. Well anyway, they had fun. Isn't that what they make washer and dryers for? After the playground, the kids each took a bath and then we did laundry. After that, we did our project for the day. We made visors. The kids love to do projects. We had dinner in the White Rabbit with the Currans. Jackson loves to watch the big kids. Well until later.......Paka from Russia!

Thursday

So I am not real good with adding pictures - but I tried. Thursday was a great day! We did have to go to the Notary office to sign some more papers- but after that, we had the whole day to ourselves. We did lots of things. We played outside at the Vlad Motor Inn playground. We blew bubbles, we kicked around a beach ball, we played in the sand and we just plain got tuckered out. After being out on the playground, we had to take baths. Even though we did not play in the sand for a long time, there sure was a lot of sand in the bathtub and the end of the baths. We took a little nap - yes all three of us. We made dinner - macaroni and cheese and carrots - well not so good. The kids would not even try it. Better luck next time. We also explored the White Rabbit. The kids had a blast. Now ready for this. Bedtime was right on time! 9:15PM and all were asleep! Remember Small Victories! Also Kristina said "Good Night and I love you!" I know she was just repeating what I said, but it was nice to hear anyway! So until later.....Paka from Russia!

Wednesday

Once we got to sleep, everything was good. John got up around 830am. I think he heard me playing with the computer. Then he came in and we snuggled for a little while. Then he had his first breakfast in bed. Then we watched a cartoon, and waited patiently for his sister to wake up. Kristina did not get up until 1030. So in the meantime, John took a bath and played with his boats (thank you Grandma and Papa Harry). Bath time was lots of fun. No problems there! When Kristina finally got up, she too had breakfast (not in bed) and then she took her bath. Again - no problems, she also played with the boats.

We had a couple of appointments for the day so we knew naps were going to be a problem, so we just went for it. We left our room and took a walk around the hotel and the kids played in the inside play area in the lobby of the hotel. When it got a little closer to leaving time, we went to meet the newest member of the Curran family, Jackson. What a cutie! All three children went shy on us. That's okay, we expected that! So now we were off for our errands. The six of us loaded into Vlad's van. The 3 Currans and the 3 Dudas.

Passport Office first stop - Got the kids Russian passports. Too cute for words!

Next stop - medicals. No new news and the kids did great!

Next stop - US Consulate. Meet with a really nice man and this was a really easy interview. Wow how I wish they were all that easy.

Errands done for the day................ride back to the hotel.

When we got back to the hotel, the kids were a little tuckered out, so we hung out in the room and had dinner and watched a movie. Earlier bedtime tonight than last night. John slept with me last night and was sleeping within minutes of hitting the pillow. Krisitina stirred a little but also quickly went to sleep. As a matter of fact....they are still sleeping now at 835. But I am going to have to wake them soon, we have to go to the notary at 930 to sign one more paper. But we have nothing else planned for the day so hopefully some outside fun today. So until later......Paka from Russia!

Introducing....................

John Thomas Duda

DOB: 12/13/2004

Forever a Duda: 10/09/09

Kristina Pauline Duda

DOB: 10/25/2001

Forever a Duda: 10/09/09

GOTCHA IS COMPLETE!!

I will let Gloria tell all the details...as I don't even know them yet! She skyped me at 9:30 AM our time (1:30 AM) in Vlad to let me know they made it back. Kids too excited to sleep...Here are some Pics from our visits at the Detski Dom.

Tuesday

Today is Gotcha Day! Right now I am just getting things ready to go. I along with Bill Curran are heading out to sign the last of the paperwork for the adoption. Due to a late appointment with the passport agency, I will not be heading out to Spassk until around 230 PM. Remember it is a long ride (3 1/2+ hours) to the Children's Home. So we may not get back until around 11PM, so I may not get a post on right away with pictures and telling you how it went, but I will do my best! So until later..............Paka from Russia!

Gotcha day eve...

Well as you all know I'm home for gotcha day and Gloria is leaving the VMI Hotel tomorrow to pick up the Kids. Although I really wish I was with her, I know that being here getting things ready at home was something that needed to be done. The kids will take the longest car ride of their young lives tomorrow (Gloria, don't forget the bags we borrowed from United and Korean Airlines...just in case). Then a whole new environment for them for a week or so at the hotel. Their first "american style" baths, Western style foods...It is all going to be so different for them. I know babe that you will do a great job. Being their Mama is what god has decided for you and he always does whats right! Then the trip home begins...I know you will prepare for it and it will be a breeze! Keegan and I (and the dogs) are fine and are counting the days until we spot you at the airport coming through the customs door. We love all three of you! Happy Gotcha Day to you all!

Love,

Papa and Keegan.

Sunday

Was a visit day! The ride to Spassk was like the rest have been - uneventful. On the way this time, we had to stop and pick up some things for the good-bye tea party. I was in charge of the fruit, cookies and candy. How fun is that? We stopped by a grocery store and picked up some apples, candy and cookies. Neither Elena (translator) or Sergey (driver) liked the look of the pears so we did not buy any. And the store itself had no bananas, so off to the wholesale market down the street from the grocery store. Interesting in itself. They charged us 30 rubles ($1.00) to drive in. Then Sergey found the best place to buy bananas and pears. He came back to the van and said that I could go with him but I was not allowed to speak. If they knew I was American I would not get any deal on the fruit. So all of you that know me, know that was a feat in itself, me not saying a word. Well we accomplished that and got a case of bananas and pears for less than $20.00. What a deal! Then off to the Children's Home! The room was all set up for a tea party. Tables and chairs set up for about 32 children and me. They set up another table for the adults, but no I sat with the kids. Wouldn't have it any other way. We had a lot of fun. All of the kids were very excited to get their pictures taken and with digital cameras you get to show them right away. Kids can be such hams! I took video of the tea party and most of the kids waved to the camera, there were a couple of shy ones. After we were done with the tea party, the kids danced. They danced for a little while and then the Dudas went into another room for a little alone time. I think the kids really like it when it is just us playing. They feel they don't have to share me then. It was the same way when their Papa was there too! They liked to be with just us. Which brings me to my final comment. Tuesday is Gotcha Day! I will start off the day, going to the notary, the office of vital statistics, and the passport office then on to Spassk to pick up our son and daughter forever! So until then........Paka from Russia!

Saturday

Another no visit day but had a great time anyway. Had breakfast with Pam and her daughter Elena. Also had to say good-bye to them, they were leaving to head back to St. Louis. After breakfast, I got to meet another beautiful young lady named Alana. She was adopted by my new friends, The Skinners, Joline and Matt. What a cutie! After that, Bill and Michelle and I took a walk to the little store to pick up some items for our evening in the White Rabbit. Around dinner time, we headed up to the White Rabbit and had a great time. Bill even brought Michelle and I banana splits for dessert. What a guy! In the meantime, I got to talk to Kenny and Keegan which is always great. The Celtics (Keegan's school) won both of the Homecoming games (Sophomore and Varsity) YEAH! Well until later.....................Paka from Russia!

Friday

Today was a visit day! YEAH! Got up around 615am. Talked to Kenny on skype. Left the hotel at 710am for the ride to Spassk. Nothing adventurous on the ride. When we got to Spassk we headed for the social worker's office. When we got there the director of the Children's Home was there. Just had to pick up a form that I need to sign. We left there (bringing the Children's Home director with us) and off to a bank to exchange some money. We went to three different ones until we found the best exchange rate. Believe it or not..................that wasn't even painful. I just handed the girl US dollars and she gave me rubles. She didn't even want to see my passport. Next stop, the furniture makers. The Children's Home is getting some new cabinets made and we needed to stop by there to see the progress. I guess they will be done with it very soon and it will be installed before my next visit. So finally to the Children's Home we go. We got there and "K" was still at school. We were told that "I" was not in a very good mood, he refused to go outside with his group. So I went and got him from where he was and we went into "our playroom". It didn't take long and he was happy and laughing. I think he just missed his Mama! That is my story and I am sticking with it. We played with cars for quite a while and then he had to go eat lunch. When he returned from lunch he was happy and the caregiver even mentioned that he was now in a good mood. Again, I believe he missed his Mama! We played for awhile and then "K" came in from school. I had brought a new puzzle with me today so she started that right away. Then the three of us were playing with cars and having a real good time. Such a good time, that "K" missed her lunch time. Thank goodness the caregiver said they would make something for her to eat after I left. We had to leave around 2PM again today so saying goodbye was hard again. I really believe the kids do not want me to leave them. We told them that when I come back on Sunday, we are going to have a going away tea party. The cook at the Children's Home is going to make pies and I will supply cookies, candy and fruit for the party. I thought we would do this on "Gotcha Day - October 20th" but I was told that on that day we are really rushed to get in and out of there so who am I to buck the system. So we will have the "Good-bye Tea Party on Sunday". So until later...................Paka from Russia!

Thursday

Thursday was a non visit day but that didn't keep me from having a great day anyway! I got to sleep in a little bit. Got to talk to Kenny and Keegan for quite a while. While talking to Keegan and Kenny, I got to see two of my dogs. I was calling their names and talking to them and they were actually looking around and trying to find me. Got to talk to my friend April which was a blast. Also got to talk to my mother in law and father in law. So I was able to get caught up on everything going on at home. After that I got to hang out with my new friend, Pam and her new daughter Elena. We went down to the beach and hung out. Watched trains go by and even got to see some crazy men in speedos not only sunning themselves, but they also went swimming. Don't get me wrong, I love to swim but I think it was a little too chilly for swimming. But again the weather was beautiful. We also went to dinner in the hotel restaurant. Pam said it was a first for Elena, and by the way she did terrific! So I had a great day and evening and did not spend the whole day in the hotel room. So until later......Paka from Russia!

I'm home...

The Russian Countryside on our way to Spassk. Beautiful colors!

Back at work. Trying to get over the jet lag...I don't sleep on planes so the 11.5 hour flight from Tokyo yesterday really wiped me out. I spoke to Gloria on skype last night (actually at 1:30 this morning our time) and she was going to hang out at the hotel and do laundry today (its 5:21 am on Thursday in Vladivostok as I type this) as she only visits the kids every other day. Hey sounds like my night tonight...gonna hang out at home and do laundry too! I made it home with all the gifts and things that we bought for the kids in tact. Having the empty suitcases from the donations we made to the detski dom really paid off. I actually brought home two suitcases and one roller duffel (inside one of the suitcases). All you future adoptive families remember you get 50lbs per suitcase if you can check them through to Vladivostok (via Seoul) but you only get 44 lbs per suitcase coming home. Most airlines allow 2 checked bags per person. If you are going to change to a Russian carrier (Aeroflot from Moscow for example) you only get 44lbs when you move your luggage (and you will have to claim and recheck your luggage in Moscow). This was the biggest benefit of traveling through Seoul...We checked our bags from O'Hare all the way to Vladivostok and did not have to claim them in Seoul to transfer them and from Vladivostok to Seoul on the way home. Ok, I'm rambling...bye for now.

Kenny

Wednesday

Left the hotel at 7AM to go visit the kids. I was disappointed when we got there. "I" was on a field trip and would not return until noon and then would have to have lunch. I knew "K" would still be in school and not return until 12:30 and then she would have to eat lunch. So we left the Detski Dom and went to find the place for the passport photos. In the meantime, the social worker called and asked for a ride just out of town. So we did that and then stopped at a little cafe for lunch. (Yes I am eating real Russian food). After lunch, we went back to the Detski Dom and I got to play with "I" for a while until "K" came. Then we were off to get their passport pictures taken. That was a success. "I" doesn't like cameras anyway so him not smiling was an easy task. "K" doesn't mind the camera but was told not to smile. She may not like the picture later but it works for what we need it for. After the pictures, we had a little while before we had to leave so we stopped at a little park and took pictures of some monuments. Today for the first time, I saw "I" scared of something. In the park, there was a cannon like monument. I tried to put him up there so he could look at it and he wanted nothing to do with it. Held on tightly to my neck and wouldn't let go. So no problem, we took the picture of the three of us near it not on it. We had to have the kids back by 2:00 so it was a short visit day. Hopefully, the next visit Friday will be longer. So until later.................
Paka from Russia

Tuesday

Did not visit the kids today but had great day anyway. I walked to the local grocery store with Glenn and Lisa and picked up some juice and some other little things. Later in the day I went out with The Cole Clan (Neva, her mom, Sergei and Peter) and did some souvenir shopping and just got out of the hotel for awhile. It was a really nice day. Then that evening we had a big group up in the White Rabbit for a celebration. A couple of families are leaving on Wednesday. Lots of pictures were taken and e-mail addresses exchanged.

Sitting here....

In Tokyo trying to kill a 3+ hour layover and thought I would post some pics...not of the kids of course but of our trip to downtown Vlad....On our merry way, from left to right...Anastasia, on Lisa's lap, then Bill, Gloria, Glen and me Michelle was the photographer...

Parting....

Well I'm sitting here at the breakfast table at the Vlad Inn. Mr. Putin is arriving at the Government House across the street later today and access to the hotel is going to be limited to registered guests only. Gloria Departed for Spassk at about 8:10 with Elana and a new Driver (Sergei needed a break from the long drive to Spassk and will be driving our friends the Curran's to a "local" baby home to see their little guy in Artem, he will return to driving Gloria on Wednesday) I leave here at 1:15 for the airport for a 4:10 flight to Seoul and overnight then to Tokyo and direct to Chicago from there. I am already missing the long ride to Spassk but miss Keegan a bunch and can't wait to get home to him and the dogs...We had a great day yesterday visiting some stores in downtown Vlad (had to get winter coats for the kids as we did not have room in the suitcases to pack them from home) and bought some souvenirs/gifts as well as some items for the kids to remind them of their homeland and heritage here. We ate a late lunch at a Russian Cafe in Vlad and had some great food. The Curran's and the Scrudato's accompanied us on our excursion yesterday and we had a great time. Gloria has the pics on her laptop and will have to post them later. After our excursion yesterday we met with Tanya to complete our "Embassy paperwork", applications for passports (Russian) and Visa's (American) for the kids. Gloria will be taking the kids for their passport photos on Wednesday or Friday in Spassk so that will be done also. Well I'm gonna head back to the room to complete my packing...Paka from Russia.

Kenny

Saturday

We got to visit with the kids since Kenny is leaving on Monday for home. We explained to them that we were now their Mama and Papa and that soon we would be going on an airplane to the United States. They both responded with "Da" and seemed excited and happy. We played with the kids for quite a while. "K" worked on puzzles, colored and she even painted a dinosaur. She loves to take video and then watch it. She loves listening to her Papa's i-pod. She enjoys playing with stickers. As a matter of fact, we really haven't found anything so far that she doesn't like. "I" played with the tractor and the bat mobile. He watched some videos about Geo Track (from Fisher Price). He also colored. He didn't feel like painting today so we just let him play with the cars. He also loves to listen to his Papa's i-pod. "I" also likes to tease his Mama when she has the camera. If I am trying to take his picture he will wipe the smile right off of his face and then laugh about it. Although I did get some really cute pictures anyway. "K" on the other hand doesn't mind getting her picture taken and is very free with smiles and showing off her new teeth. The end of the visit was hard because Kenny had to explain that he was leaving to go back home. You could see in both of the kids faces that they didn't want to hear that. We tried to assure them that Mama would be back on Monday to see them again and pretty soon they would be coming back with me forever. So many hugs were passed out before we left today. The ride back to the hotel was uneventful and Kenny took many pictures since this would be his last trip from Spassk in some time. When we got back to the hotel, there was a party going on in the dining room so we had dinner out in the play area which was just fine because we got to see Glenn and Lisa's adorable little girl playing. We also met another adoptee parent, Pam in the White Rabbit with her adorable little girl too. This hotel is a great place to be. We have met so many wonderful people. On Sunday, we are adventuring out with our new friends, the Currans, into town to do a little shopping and experience some Russian food. Can't wait! So until later....Paka from Vlad.

The Judge said "Da"

All of Keegan's birthday wishes came true. He is now a big brother times two! That makes us a very happy family of five!

Thanks for all the prayers and the good vibes!

Tomorrow is the day!

Another beautiful day in Spassk. We arrived at the Detski Dom around 11AM. “K” was in school so we took “I” to the park. We played with bubbles, the beach ball, and a basketball. We watched as “I” went both up and down the slides. He found it very fun to let his Mach 5 car go down the slide first. If you remember from our first visit, we took the kids to this same park and “I” wasn’t real sure about being there. Not today – he loved it! He wanted to try all of the slides and rides except the teeter tauter. We needed to head back to the Detski Dom for 12:30 so “I” could have lunch and then we could wait for “K” to finish with school. We were waiting for “I” and “K” to return to the room and get to play. Soon they were back. We gave “K” a puzzle to do. We were told yesterday that she loved to do puzzles. She did a great job! The kids also got yo-yo’s and thought they were very cool. “K” also was using stickers to decorate some papers and we found out that she really likes to play with stickers. Our translator told her that Mama and Papa had a some stickers at the hotel for her to play with when we get there on the 20th. She was very excited and said Da! From the other side of the room, “I” says “what about me?” (in Russian of course) Another small victory. Then we pulled out some books to read to the kids, Kenny worked with “K” and I worked with “I”. They were simple picture books with words and colors. Kenny and “K” had quite the thing going. Kenny would say the word in English, “K” in Russian and then Kenny in Russian and “K” would giggle at his pronunciation. Kenny tried to get “K” to say the words in English but we do not think she is ready for that just yet. “K” also asked her Papa to pick her up so she could look for something on the top shelf. Again another small victory. When it was time to leave, both kids gave both of us hugs good-bye. More small victories! We will not get to visit the kids tomorrow because we have our court hearing at 2PM (Remember that is 10PM Thursday night at home). We will be able to visit the kids on Saturday. So for now we will let you go. Tomorrow is a big day for the Duda Family! Please say an extra prayer that the Judge says “Da” to us becoming a family of five!

He's baaack!

Sergei that is...................our driver. We really missed him! He is a lot of fun! And his English is getting better and better. The morning was uneventful. The nice part of the morning was that we got to spend time with our blogger friends, Michelle and Bill Curran. It was great to just talk. We do not get much time to do that in the evenings because we get back so late. Kenny and Bill went to exchange money and Michelle and I sat in line waiting for the notary to open. No surprises on the updated medicals. After the notary, we took the Currans back to the VMI and dropped them of so they could go visit their little guy. Now we were on our way to Spassk. The ride was uneventful and we were in a few traffic jams but we made it there around 3PM. "I" was still napping and "K" was on a field trip with her group. Not long after we arrived the caregiver woke up "I" and he came into see us. We could tell he was still tired, so we helped him get dressed and he sat on my lap afterword for a while. We were going to take him outside as soon as he had his snack and wait for his sister to arrive so we could go to a local park. So after his snack, we went outside and played with his tractor and then some bubbles. "I" loves machines and such and they are working on the road near the Detski Dom so Kenny and "I" went by the fence to watch. Two boys in heaven looking and talking about road graders and such. It was very cute to watch. "I" pointing and then talking all about it. When the boys were done watching the machines, we tried playing with chalk on the blacktop. Kenny and I drew some cute pictures, "I" was more interested in looking at it and seeing how it worked. He did draw lines but wanted to understand how it worked more. It was a beautiful day in Spassk and the weather was nice. While playing bubbles again, "K" 's group came around the corner from their field trip. She waved at us in excitement. When they got to the Deski Dom she ran over to us and gave me a hug. Remember small victories! We played outside for a little while with the bubbles. The caregiver asked Kenny to take a picture of "K" 's group so he did and now we are trying to figure out how to get it printed for her. We had to leave the Detski Dom by 530 so the kids could have dinner. "K" did not get there until 5 so our visit with her was very short and she let us know in her own way that she didn't like that. We told her we would be back tomorrow and get to play more. So "K" went off with her caregiver and we took "I" back to his group that was outside doing yard work. Remember on the first day when we said "I" had his head down and was fidgeting with his fingers, well when we were taking him back to his group, the head went down and the finger fidgeting began. The caregiver said "He doesn't want to leave you". Again a small victory! Gotta love them! We are going early today to the Detski Dom to visit the kids because we have to have a mock court session with Tanya this evening around 6PM. So until later......
Paka from Russia

He said yes!

The day began at 3am. No longer able to sleep. So what to do when you can't sleep- Skype - We called Kenny's mom and step dad and talked to them for a while. Let them know everything was okay and we made it safe and sound. After the call.........we figured we could go back to sleep. YEAH at least for a little while. Our driver and translator came to pick us up at 745am. We had a new driver (Anton) and Elana as our translator. We had Elana on our last trip (the last visit with the kids). The 3 1/2 hour ride to the Children's Home was uneventful. Anton is a very speedy driver. When we reached Spassk, we had to pick up the social worker and take her with us to the Children's Home. Again uneventful. When we got to the Children's Home, "I" was outside with his group and one of the caregivers saw us and brought him over by us. He kept his head down and fiddled with his fingers. They say he does that when he is nervous or just being shy. The caregiver told us thru our translator that he has been waiting for us. Then when we went inside we went directly into the directors office. We showed her all they toys we had brought and she suggested we give them to the kids ourselves. "I" came into the room. He was still being shy until we brought out the tractor we had brought for him. We think at that moment he realized it was okay to look up at us - but still no smile. About five minutes later, the rest of his group came in and we showed them all the toys we had brought. The girls all got dolls and we even had extras. By the way....Kenny handled given out the girl stuff while I was with the boys and the cars. Surprise Surprise! The kids also enjoyed the punching bags that Kenny had to blow up. After about 10 minutes the caregivers took the rest of the toys (legos, jump ropes, balls, bead kits) and the kids into another room. So we were alone with "I". "K" had not yet arrived back from school so we had about a half hour with "I" and it did not take that long for him to warm up to us. We played with the tractor and the other cars that were in the room. The way to that boys heart is with wheels of any kind. We got many smiles and even some laughs. We decided to try on some clothes that we had brought to make sure we got the right sizes or if we needed to go shopping. Success with "I". The shoes fit perfectly (size 11), the pants (4T) fit great! The shirt (5T) was a little big but wouldn't want it any smaller. "K" came into the room a little shy but Mama couldn't wait so I went over and gave her a big hug. She hugged me back! (YEAH!) We gave her a little time and also gave her a Barbie ring. We played for a little bit and then we tried on clothes. Again success! The shoes (size 11) fit great! The shirt (6 6x) fit awesome! The pants (7 slim) fit okay. The length was good but the waist was a little big - thank goodness for adjustable waistbands. Okay enough about the that! The day was great! We played with kids until lunch/naptime and then we left to get lunch ourselves. Wonderful cafe with wonderful Russian cuisine. YUM! We headed back to the Children's Home to wait for the kids to get up from their naps. Low and behold "I" was wide awake in his bed waiting for us to come back. There was still 1/2 hour left in their nap and the caregiver brought "I" in to see us because he was just to excited to sleep. So no nap for "I" today. That's okay - we had playing to do. So we took him outside and was kicking the beach ball around outside for a bit. Not long after "K" came out and joined us. That's when we brought out the bubbles. "K" liked the bubbles the last time we were here and "I" liked to pop them but would not blow them. Well today was different. He started blowing bubbles as soon as I put the wand to his mouth. I gave him the bottle and he went to town. Loved blowing the bubbles. "I" and his sister were having a blast. We were outside for about an hour or so and had attracted many other children so we decided to go inside. Elana told us we should start having the kids say yes or no instead of da or nyet. So we were trying really hard to get "K" to say yes when she wanted to play with the video recorder and instead on the other side of the room with me "I" yells "YES". Small victories are wonderful! Just a note...."K"'s hair has grown and is past her shoulders and no luffa on top of her head. She looks like a different girl. Her front teeth have come in and give her an even more beautiful smile which we hope to see many times. "I" laughed out loud many times and is still very ticklish. Kenny's goal before he leaves to hear "K" giggle like "I". More to come from our next visit. We will be leaving the hotel with The Currans to go to the notary and exchange money. Then off to see the kids again!

At the VMI...Safe and Sound...

Well here we are! Made it this afternoon without a hitch! Korean Air is awesome! twice the leg room of United in Coach and the food (you all know I love food) was amazing. It's about 6:00 pm here and we are pooped. We ate dinner and are turning in as we depart at 7:45 to go see the kids (remember that 3 hour drive). K is in school till about 11:30 tomorrow so we should get there right after lunch and get to see them for a couple of hours. We have two big suitcases full of toys for the orphanage we are also taking tomorrow. We have met our friends the Currans and two other families from WACAP that are here and look forward to spending time with them and comparing notes! Keep checking back for updates...Pictures of the kids on the 21st...after the 10 day wait. Thanks for everyones prayers too.

Kenny and Gloria

Seoul, Korea

Well we made it here fine! The trip so far has been uneventful! Thank you Robin for the ride to O'Hare. We hope the rest of your birthday was as much fun! Right now it is 4AM (Monday)(2PM Sunday-at home) and we can't sleep anymore-still on home time. Our flight for Vladivostok leaves in 6 hours. The airport here in Seoul is beautiful. Wonderful play areas for the kids when we come back thru here on our way home. More updates to follow as we continue our journey! Thanks everyone for your support, encouragement, prayers and love! It means the world to us! So until later...................

P.S. Nancy, good advise!

Were down to a wakeup....

Until we leave, I just checked us in on united.com for our flights...got to move seats so we are now on the aisle for the long flight from Seattle to Tokyo. Gonna ask for exit row when we get to the gate....I think I'm ready except to zip up my carry on in the morning. Gloria says shes all packed...OK Curren's Last one there is a rotten egg...Ready, Set, Go....see ya at 3:30...on Monday!

One day and a wakeup....

Last night we completed the packing...my suit made it home from the cleaners and we got it bagged up and put in the suitcase. Gloria is working hard on getting the last of the paperwork in order. I completed the reservation for Gloria and the kids for their overnight layover in Seoul. We are leaving Saturday morning to go to Gloria's friend Robin's house and she is going to load up a "moving truck" with all of our stuff and haul us to the airport. Fortunately, we will be able to check our luggage all the way to Vladivostok and will not have to handle it again until we get to the Vladivostok airport. We are looking forward to our trip and can't wait to finally get to see the kids again and get to tell them on Saturday the 10th that they are our Son and Daughter!