Day 11 waiting "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" (double click for pics)

Sunday, July 30--- (Day 11 waiting period)

Privet. Our last day where we will not get to see Landen!

Today was a slow day around here. Kim got up early and made some cinnamon muffins that Diane and Bob had sent (they were great). Every discussion we had seemed to work its way back to Landen and this being the last day where we do not get tosee him or have him. Lena had made the comment Friday, as we picked up the tickets that our vacation would be over Friday. The way we see it, the fun will just start as we will be filling our arms with our precious son.

We decided to get out for a little while today and tour the area. We are still looking for the gift albums, but few stores are open on Sunday, so we just enjoyed our walk. Kim and I felt there was a difference in the “air” today, no not the temperature, but the town. We could only account this to a late night by the locals at the concert. Anyway, it was as abandoned as we had seen it. Who knows, the Woodard’s may have not gotten invited to another party today.

We worked our way through the park and wound up at the fair. This is my favorite kind of fair, free. Well, it’s free to get in and most of the stuff to do or buy is inexpensive. Rylee rode on the horse and carriage again, rode the swings, and we ate cotton candy while listening the band and watching the babushka’s (Russian grandmothers) dance together. A quite relaxing and enjoyable Sunday afternoon I must say!!!

During our walk, we decided that we would share some numbers with everyone today:

1. Our adoption journey has been going on an incredible 544 days to this point. You think we are ready to get our child?

2. We have 17 days left! There will be a total of 561 days from the first paperwork on 2/1/2005, until we arrive home on 8/16/2006. Every minute has been worth it.

3. We have been on this final leg (the trip to Kazakhstan) since June 23. A total of 38 days.

4. Again, we have 17 days left. The total number of days on the last leg will be 55 at conclusion. If you divide 55 by 3 (trimesters), you get 18.33 days. The way we see it, we are 1 day into the last “trimester” of the trip!

5. We have 5 days until “gotcha”, then 6 days until we fly to Almaty, then another 6 days until we fly to “Hotlanta”

6. I have 1 bowl of red beans and rice calling my name (makes us think of Newton’s red beans and rice when we go camping during Oktoberfest,) so until tomorrow- Poka, poka