Well - that's all folks.... at least for this journey to Kaz. I can hardly believe that in 12 hours we'll be getting on a plane bound for Amsterdam and then ultimately the US. I happy and sad at the same time. As hard as it was to be away for 8+ weeks it was an amazing adventure that I know I'll always fondly remember. This is where we became a family.
Today we met up (that's Gulbanu and Aizhan with Serik in the picture above) with the Brabsons for lunch at Bisquit and then went to the 'sisters' office to finalize last details (money). We then walked across the street to the Embassy - had our exit interview (so not what I expected as it was through a glass teller window) and got all of Serik's paperwork including his Kazakh passport and US Visa. He'll become an American citizen as soon as we touch ground in the U.S.!!
There were several other families with the sisters (and so I assume WPA) and it was neat to see their children and hear where they were heading.
After the Embassy the Brabsons and the Hammonds went for a celebratory drink at a Japanese restaurant at the RamStore mall.
Saying good-bye to the Brabsons was sad as they were fabulous travel partners - we couldn't have asked for better. We will miss seeing them and little Katerina everyday but are planning to keep in touch and try to visit.
We headed home to finish packing - just a few last things to throw in before we head out the door in the a.m. Sasha is picking us up at 5 a.m. for an 8:10 a.m. flight so we'll have some time to kill in the Almaty airport.
Looking forward to introducing everyone to the most fabulous part of our family...and yes we will continue the blog - not everyday but we will continue.
Onward and upward as they say. Thanks for all the love and support you have shown us during this journey. Love to all!!
These pics are of leaving the Bisquit Cafe...good Cappucinos for anyone heading over.
5 comments:
Yay! Don't let all your weight down! Very excited to see all of you this weekend!
Love, Caryn
The Hammond Family!
Congrats! We can't wait to see you & meet baby Serik! What an incredible journey. We have many things to catch up on & celebrate since you've been gone, plus many holidays; Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Xmas, Happy New Year, Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday but most exciting Happy Baby! Welcome to parenthood. Enjoy the ride, the fun never stops! We hope to see you tomorrow to welcome Serik to Minnesota! Love ya & miss ya, the Shands
you don't know how much i wish we could be there to welcome you home... please know that we are there in spirit. all the pecksinchina are anxiously waiting to meet serik and see the hammond family this summer!
much love to all of you!
congratulations and safe travels,
xo
Woo Hoo! See you soon as you are on the plane right now!
Congrats!
Keely
So glad that your journey has finally come to a close. Gena and I know that you are happy to be home. We are so sorry that we could not get together in Almaty. Kurt hope you get better soon. It is so great to be home where you can really bond with your bundle of joy. Hope that we can stay in touch. We really enjoyed getting to know you. Take care and God bless. Jaimie
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