This morning we finally went inside the Kremlin. The bell tower has been built 3 times in the last 200 years because it starts to lean after a while. The Leaning Tower of Astrakhan we call it. We were able to tour the Torture Tower, where all kinds of horrible things were performed on those that needed to be tortured for whatever terrible things they had done. The tower was even used during the Soviet times to hold those that opposed the Soviet Regime. We don’t read Russian, so all the wall plaques meant nothing to us. The museum worker insisted on giving us a “tour” of the place even though we repeatedly told her “an-glis-kee”, “ya ne-pin-yi-mah-yo” – We speak English. I don’t understand. We gathered that the room was used for an armory or soldiers, she made motions and noises like she was shooting a gun.
Our visit with Lilia was in the afternoon, and she was in a great mood! She smiles with her entire face and just loves the mirror we found on the wall today. She kept pulling us back over to the mirror where she could sit in a chair and admire herself. She passed unpleasant gas today, proving that she has at least one thing in common with her daddy. We visit again Saturday, not Sunday, and pick Lilia up Monday! We are ready to start our lives together, feeding, bathing, sleeping, etc.
We haven’t been able to upload pictures. The wireless is not working regularly, therefore, we access internet through dial-up. We might be able to send some when we return to Moscow on August 27th! Yes, we just found out we will leave Astrakhan next Monday night! Then we spend 3 or 4 nights in Moscow. J family, we will keep our eyes out for hockey players (and jerseys).
4 comments:
I have goosebumps!! Monday...then Friday..then soon...home!! Yaaaahoooooo!! Wondering how Lilia will adjust to american food, sleeptimes, your crazy families, her dad, her brother, drinking beer in the rain, possum tracking, etc. It is all so exciting...all the adjustments just like having a newborn!!
Not to worry...if Lilia needs to learn any hockey moves, Cory can assist. His goalie from his last years team was a girl...Cory feels it is imparitive to nurture the Russian in Lila!
Wow! It will be here soooooo soon!!
Carla
Greetings International Ma & Pa!
We are absolutely LOVING your blogs! You both have a real "knack" for writing and allowing us to "walk through" this experience with you. So sorry it has taken us so long to let you know we have been following your happenings and that we are out here. I can vividly imagine Lilia as you describe her budding personality with you. I so clearly remember those precious, precious first moments we had with our little guy too. Clearly, some bonding has already occurred between you three. What a blessing you and she are! Our prayers continue to go your way. We are counting down the days with you!
Ellen & family
Almost "gotcha" time! I've heard that day you get to take her for good is the "gotcha" day. :-) We're so excited that it's almost time to bring her home for good! We've missed you guys and we're anxious to meet your new DAUGHTER!!! Hooray! We also love all the descriptions of your visits with her. It really must be so encouraging to see her beautiful smiles!
See you all soon!
John & Michelle
I can't believe those last moments without Lilia are finally here. The loooog wait is over for you! Then only a few more less excruciating days before your entire family can be together. Once you have Lilia in your arms for good, you won't have time to worry about candy bars and steaks. We will cook you a nice dinner on the grill when you get back.
We miss you!
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