Da!!!

The judge said yes!!!! Oh happy day!

Today is Court Day

In less than 3 hours, we will be in court. My stomach is churning, but we're ready to do this! We're ready to show the judge just how much we love our little man. Please pray that Troy and I both have clarity of speech. Pray that our interpreter will also have clarity of speech as she translates. Pray also that the judge is able to see our hearts and how much we truly love and want our "little man"! Thank you so much!!

Moscow, Day 2

Today we went to the Moscow market. They really have some amazing artists and craftsmen here. We, of course, had to buy a few things (for the kids). ;)

After our shopping excursion, we headed back to our host's home for lunch and a nap. (For some reason, jet lag has hit us both much harder than last time!) After our nap, we decided to venture out on our own and find a park that our host told us about. Well, needless to say, we never found the park and decided it was probably best to return and not wander the streets of Moscow aimlessly! ;)

This may be my last post for a while. We are headed to our region tomorrow and we had no Internet connection last time we were there. Please remember us in prayer on Tuesday. We will be in court at 3:30 am CST. My stomach is already in knots, but I know my God is in control!

Moscow, Day 1

We arrived in Moscow yesterday afternoon, completely exhausted! After a wonderful dinner, we called it a night because we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer!!

This morning, we woke up early and headed out to get our second Russian medical exam. We had our first one in March, but it expired after three months so we had to get another one! This one was done at a different medical center than last time and it was a much better experience! It did take a little less than four hours, but it's done!!

After our medicals, we went on a quick tour of Red Square. When I say quick, I mean quick. We were out of the car and back in 20 minutes. Hopefully we'll have more time later.

Everything's Good to Go

I spoke with our caseworker this morning and got the "official" word that our court date is in fact "official". Nothing like hearing that the day before you're driving to another town to catch a flight overseas! Our judge has been on vacation until today, so everything had just been "penciled in" until today. Whew! That's one weight lifted off of my shoulders! Now I should quit procrastinating and pack our bags!!!

We're getting closer "little man"! Mommy & Daddy will be there soon!

The Nail Salon

This afternoon, after church and lunch, I headed to a nail salon down the street from the house. (I know you're all wondering what in the world this has to do with our upcoming trip.)

Let me backtrack a little bit.....before the birth of each of our four biological children, I went to a local nail salon for a pedicure. I figured while the rest of me was looking terrible, at least my toenails would be painted for the "big event". (Yes, I know most of you men are thinking that I'm crazy. However, I know A LOT of you girls know exactly what I'm talking about!)  So, before our first trip to Russia to meet our "little man", I decided that I would get a shellac manicure for the "big event".  (Since it was FREEZING cold when we were in Russia last, I knew getting a pedicure would be pointless!) I know it may sound dumb and even a little crazy, but I wanted to prepare to meet our fifth child just like I did when I met the other four. So of course, if I got a manicure before we went on our last trip, I just had to get another one for this trip! LOL

Someday "little man" will probably that my pre-trip manicures were silly, but maybe just maybe it will mean something to him to know that his momma made sure that his first appearance to us was treated exactly the same as his four brothers and sisters (even if it was with fingernail polish)!

Visas...Check

With only a few days to spare, our visas arrived today! Yay!

Less Than A Week

I can hardly believe that in less than a week we will be headed back to Russia! I can hardly wait to see our "little man" and to hug and kiss all over him! He's probably grown so much!

Please begin praying for our court date. I'm trying really hard not to be anxious, but if I'm honest....my stomach is in knots! I'm clinging to Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

To God be the glory!

One Bag Packed

Today I packed an entire bag full of donations for "little man's" baby house. I got as much as I could in the bag and the final weight was 48.2 lbs! Whew!

Our friends and family have been so generous with their donations to the baby house. We are thankful beyond words for those that have been willing to help care for all of these precious children! Thank you, thank you!

Busy Week

The last week has been extremely busy for our family, but lots of fun! It started last week with a trip down to the coast to spend the week with Troy's family. Troy's brother and his family came down from South Dakota and we spent a week just hanging out and getting filthy at the beach. We returned Sunday evening and one of my dearest friends in the world came with her kiddos and stayed the night with us Sunday and Monday. It's been a week of FUN for the kids. I have a feeling tomorrow they're going to tell me that they're extremely bored! HA!

Beach Time!

My newest nephew...Simon August (Isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen? And the biggest? 10 months old and 27 lbs)

Our annual Cole Family "float" in the 4th of July parade

RyLee LOVED her newest cousin, Simon!

1st day at the beach house and a Dr. Pepper can exploded on Tricia and ALL OVER the kitchen!

Beach House

The greatest outdoor shower, EVER!!

Caleb and his seal floatie

Emi catching some waves

Branson striking a pose

Bathing beauty, RyLee

Grandad

The girls chilling on the patio

Now that the vacation is over, it's time to get into gear getting ready to head over to Russia! I cannot wait to see our "little  man" again! We were definitely missing him this past week, but we'll introduce him to the beach next year!