Still in Moscow

So far we are enjoying our stay in the Peking Hotel in Moscow.  The suite is comfortable (not very child friendly) and we have settled in for our stay here.  Last night was 'bath night' for all of us.  It was rather interesting when all we have is a shower stall that is barely big enough for one person.  Thankfully the boys cooperated with Rachael (David did great; Michael was not too happy with the whole process) and it was done rather efficiently and with minimal water on the floor or Rachael!

Yesterday morning the doctor (Boris) came by with the official papers for their medical check (took about 15 minutes total) that is required for their visas.  They are both in good health (except for flat feet) and have stuffy noses due to colds (no surprise since they are both good at dripping snot on things).  All the papers were submitted to the Embassy yesterday and we got the call around noon that we would have an 'interview' on Tuesday at the Embassy to get their visas.

Yesterday we walked back to KFC for lunch and went to an 'American Style' diner close by in a park for dinner.  It serves American type food and was very reasonably priced.  The boys were not too keen on the grilled cheese sandwiches, but Rachael enjoyed the Grilled Ham with Brie Cheese sandwich while Chris had the Chicken Quesadillas (the guacamole was kind of like the McCormick packaged mix variety).  They had Iced Tea (with ice) that Chris really enjoyed!!

So far the boys are still doing well.  We are all starting to get 'cabin fever' again, but only one more day to go!  Last night Michael was fighting sleep for about 30 minutes, but since they didn't get a nap during the afternoon, we weren't that surprised.  Thankfully David seems to be able to sleep through it all.  Once he was asleep, he didn't wake up during the night like usual; definitely progress!

Today was Visa Day at the Embassy.  There were 6 other families there when we were.  Our appointment was for 11:30 and we were done and back at the hotel around 12:30.  Alex is going to take their papers & passports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to register them today.  He will call tomorrow (Wednesday) after 3:00 to let us know when he will meet us in the lobby with their papers & passports.  Apparently Russia will allow them to keep their Russian Citizenship for life, as well as their Russian passports.  If they ever travel to Russia, they will have to travel with their Russian passports, not the US ones we will get them.  Didn't know about that.  Also, if they set foot in Russia between ages 18-29/35, they can be immediately taken and put in the Russian Army (mandatory service and Russia still considers them a citizen).  Didn't know about that either.  Need to file that under 'Things to Remember for the Boys'.

Tomorrow is another 'free day' for us, except we need to be in our room by 2:30 and wait for Alex's call.  Then we just need to repack/reorganize for our flight home on Thursday.  We have their 'visa envelopes' in a safe place.  When we land in Houston, we will have to present their passports and will be 'escorted' to a secondary room where we will hand over the 'Visa Envelope' that is sealed, stamped and EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT IT STAYS IN GOOD SHAPE to the customs person.  We were told that NO ONE BUT THE US CUSTOMS PERSON OPENS IT as it is government property and contains the papers that the US government needs to verify their visas/citizenship.  Once the boys get THE STAMP in their passport, they will be US Citizens.  Once we get home, we will file for US passports, Social Security cards, Certificate of Citizenship, etc.  We keep thinking, just a few more papers to fill out......

Not sure what we will do for dinner tonight.  Chris went to KFC and got us chicken strips and Nestea for lunch and brought it back to the hotel.  It was easier than dragging the boys back out after getting in from the Embassy visit.  Well, they are probably awake from their nap (if they actually slept) so I had better sign off for now.  Chris is doing a great job with them, but usually has a look of 'are you leaving me alone with them again? for how long??' when I mention that I want to check email, the bank account and update the blog.  I will try to update before we leave Moscow, but not sure if it will happen. 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers!