April 14, 2009 Today was a very big day for us. We had our appointment at the US embassy to finalize the papers and get permission to bring the boys to the USA. Everything went very well. We were there for over 2 hours because another adoption agency got there just before us, they had over 10 families adopting, and they interview one family at a time. The boys did pretty well with having to stay in a small room without a lot to do for that long of a time. They were starting to get antsy and constantly asking if we were leaving during the last half an hour. Now we just have to wait two more days for the paperwork and visas to be finalized, and we leave late Thursday night. Hopefully, the boys will sleep a lot of the way home, but time will tell. A little about their personalities. Dagem (Adam) is a little shy at first and a bit quiet around strangers. He loves sports. He loves to play soccer. He has a great sense of humor. He does things to try to make people laugh. He is a little vain--he likes to look at himself in the mirror. We tried to get him a scarf today, but he said that it was too girly, but settled for a knit hat instead. Mintesnot (Justin) also referred to as Minty is very affectionate and outgoing. He is very busy. He has a fetish with electronics, always pushing buttons and switches trying to get them to work. We almost brought gameboys for the boys, and now we really wish we would have, especially for the plane ride back. Both boys are excited about returning home to America, but I do not think that they still quite understand what it really means. We can't wait to see their excitement as they experience so many things for the first time. This afternoon after the embassy has been a nice relaxing evening at home. Nesibu and Bartukan's three older children only had a half day of school today, and they have been playing with our boys since we got back. They are all in the same age range. They have been having a great time playing soccer with a flat ball, blowing bubbles and playing with sidewalk chalk. It is nice because Nesibu's home, the guest house, and Bartukan's sister's home share one compound. There is a wall around all three, so we do not have to worry about the children wandering off. They do not have much in the way of lawns here, but the kids made due playing in a little courtyard. Well, not a whole lot more going on here. I think that we are going to be turning in a little early tonight. We are all on the tired side. The boys used to take a nap every day in the orphanage, but they have not had one since they came with us. And Erin and I are feeling a little whipped after the stress of the Embassy. Good night.   Erin (according to Birtukan) looking more like an Abeshaw (Ethiopian) mom after getting hair done.     Kids playing with one of Nesibu and Birtukan's sons with bubbles   Dagim showing his sense of humor             This page hosted by