Getting Anxious

Today we went to get the kids their physical exams and applied for their visas. Lena is such a sweetheart always and with such a tender heart. Erik can be a challenge, much harder than any of our other children. He likes to pout, can be stubborn, and wants to do what he wants to do only. Doesn't like to get up, brush his teeth, shower etc when ask and today he gave the doctor a hard time at the physical which upset Lena and she started to cry. he wouldn't cooperate with the doctor at all. The doctor had to have Erik leave the room and she talked to Lena and then spoke to me in English. She ask how many children I had, when I told her this made 8 she said, "I am very glad that he has experienced parents who will know to give him strict guidelines. Lena is polite, and very nice girl. Erik is good when he wants to be but has given mama, grandma, sister Marinna and others a hard time often." Just what I didn't want to hear. Big brothers I may need lots of help with this little guy, he is going to need some strong role-models and I can't think of a better bunch than you guys.
Tina's passport for Dema came today so hopefully she can get everything finished up tomorrow. We are praying our flight will be on schedule on Saturday there have been over 1400 flight cancellations into New York over the past few days. Erik sent us an email saying that if they don't get on a flight to Dulles today it will be at least 3 days before they can get a flight to NYC. maybe he will be getting a flight straight back to Kiev since he is scheduled to come back Jan. 9. I haven't heard from the McCrackens yet today so hopefully they are on their way home. Lena told me today that she will put wings on her back and fly to America if our plane can't take us. LOL She is determined to get there.
Ryan and Heath she is expecting huge hugs from you when she sees you, she was showing me today how big the hugs were from you before she left America and she is waiting to get more when she sees you. She is very loving, sweet and eager to please. Erik can be sweet to when he wants we just need to work on helping him work through some issues.
I have posted some pictures the kids took while still at the orphanage these are compliments of Erik, Lena and Nostya. Since it is easy to download with the Internet here in Kiev I will post extra pictures.Doug and Lindy the little dancer is Andre at the Children's Home Anniversary Celebration. The video clip is for Russ & Cheri from Nostya, it was taken when Vika was in the hospital, but we could not download it before because of the slow Internet speed.