We're all HOME!!!!!!

Wow! It felt so good to sleep in our own beds last night. Our fights home were all on time with no problems. Since the plane was nearly empty again, the boys were all able to stretch out across three seats and sleep for 8 of the 11 hour flight from Moscow to Chicago. Even Alexis slept for 5 or 6 hours. I dozed in and out during that time and didn't fully sleep because she rolls around so much when she sleeps that I had to keep my hand on her foot the whole time to keep her from falling off the seats. (As Martin learned the hard way!) She was a real trooper the whole trip and only cried once for about five minutes. I've read so many times that the flight home from Russia is referred to as the trip from H-E double hockey sticks because of all the screaming babies. There were two other families on our same flight and their little guys were good as gold too.

We were met at the airport by our wonderful friends cheering and holding signs welcoming Lexi home. It was an unexpected surprise that made me cry! It was a incredible homecoming! Thank you all so much!!!

I think Pam was in on that little secret because she kept asking when I was going to change Lexi into her cute clothes for the airport. I had her dressed in pjs to keep her cute clothes clean for airport photos. Lexi and I both slept on the flight from Chicago to Nashville and were so tired and (since I thought we were just going to get in the car and go home and not see anyone until Sunday) I thought about not changing her. I know it wouldn't have mattered to anyone there, but I'm glad I did. As Pam said, "There will only be one time that she comes home from Russia forever!" And, we have it all documented on film!

We arrived home to a clean house stocked with food and goodies, compliments of Nana and Grandma! Nolan asked if Santa Clause had been at our home while we were gone. Nana-clause strikes again!

Lexi enjoyed crawling around and exploring our house and the boys were showing her how to work her toys. She must really like her new bed because she slept for 13 hours last night!

I am working on more posts with photos from Moscow and all the fun things we experienced. God has been so good to us and I am thankful beyond words!

The photo below was taken just as we stepped off the plane in Nashville. Some people would say the image above her head was just the camera flash reflecting off the pole, but I KNOW it is a glimpse of the angels that have been protecting our sweet girl for the past 14 months and that helped bring her home safely to her family!

Garrett between airplane seats

Garrett's bed on the plane

Preston staked out his row with a good view of the movie screen.

Liam preferred the window seat

Just getting off the plane in Nashville. Home at last!

Preston teaching Lexi how to operate one of his old baby toys

Lexi meets Elmo

Isn't she just a little doll?